Outreach program trains students to serve as official college hosts
Last fall, Lorenzo "Laurie" Desiderio-Giampiccolo was new to Citrus College and looking for a job. As an international student, the 18-year-old theater arts and film studies major had limited options. "I am only allowed to work on campus," he explained.
Because of this, Laurie was searching the college's website for part-time student employment opportunities when he found an interesting option: the Student Ambassador program.
Part of the Citrus College School Relations and Outreach program, Student Ambassadors are a select group of students with specialized skills who work as a team to represent the college in a variety of activities. Referred to as the "official hosts of the college," they are tasked with leading campus tours, assisting with hospitality activities, participating in workshops, making classroom presentations, attending college fairs, staffing the Student Services Building help desk and more.
"The Student Ambassador program promotes a welcoming community environment," explains Nilda Chavez, outreach supervisor. "We hire and train a diverse group of students to serve as role models and leaders on and off campus."
To become a student ambassador, Laurie had to learn about campus life, college history and traditions, and the many achievements of Citrus College. He also had to undergo extensive training in customer service, the enrollment process, general college information and public speaking.
"We currently have seven student ambassadors," Chavez said. "They are a crucial component of our outreach efforts because they share first-hand information about the Citrus College experience to prospective students, families and the community."
As an aspiring actor, Laurie has been a great fit for the Student Ambassador program. He enjoys interacting with other students and encouraging them to pursue their goals.
"One little piece of advice I give other students is not to let themselves be stopped by anything," he says. "Nothing is impossible if they work hard to achieve it."
This article originally appeared in the April 2023 edition of the Citrus View.