Many students will strive to receive high grades every semester, knowing that a high Grade Point Average [GPA] will land them a spot in graduate school or a high paying job. Countless students also know that being a part of one or more organizations on campus can also help bring attention to oneself when trying to land a high paying job. Several students, which include Hailey Cruz, will realize that experience in one or more fields can overweigh a high GPA when looking for a job, and for Cruz, experience is something she has.
Cruz, a senior who will be graduating in May of 2015 and is majoring in English education K-12, is a member of Student Organization. As vice president of this organization, Cruz is a large component of making sure things get done. , "I absolutely love hearing students’ ideas, as well as planning and setting up before events," says Cruz Programming is a section of Student Organization that helps plan the copious events that students would like to have. Cruz explains how, "at Student Organization, we pride ourselves in servicing programs for a diverse group of students."
Cruz became involved with Student Organization when she was a sophomore, and from the start of her involvement, she has loved everything about being involved with the organization. "I especially appreciated how comfortable the professional staff has made me feel," says Cruz as she explains her first experiences she had with the organization.
Cruz continues to explain how "after working this past summer with the English Immersion students, who are from our sister campus [Kean University-Whenzhou] in Whenzhou, China, I was able to see how involved Gerard [Smithwrick], the current president of Student Organization, is. For that reason, I immediately wanted to know more about any opening positions." Having the tendency to be timid, Cruz did not let this trait of hers slow her down while working with the English Immersion students. As a member of the executive board since September of 2014, many students can agree that Cruz has done exceptionally well with organizing different events on and off campus.
Although Cruz is currently a senior, she does not plan on detaching herself completely from the family of Student Organization. "Out of this experience, I plan to continue networking with the family that I have built here," Cruz conveys, "each individual has motivated me and assisted me with my duties in their own unique way." Cruz continues to state on how she "plans on assisting the programming board, so that [each one of them will remain] on task." Cruz’ participation in the organization has empowered her to utilize the knowledge gained from her experiences and exploit this insight in her aspired career path. Cruz explains how she will be pursuing the admirable occupation of a council advisor for students, as well as help plan student events to their liking.
Besides being a part of Student Organization and enjoying every aspect of it, Cruz also takes delight in reading, running, and without a doubt being involved on campus. "The amazing friendships that I have built" is one thing that Cruz will always remember and appreciate from experiencing this great opportunity she was able to be a part of.
