Role: Student Services Coordinator
Industry/Sector: Higher Education
Year graduated from Cal Poly Humboldt: 2023
Please tell us about yourself.
My name is Juliana Garcia, and I am proud to have been a part of this beautiful program and be part of the Humboldt legacy. My parents were both immigrants who attended and met at Humboldt State University. I was born in Eureka but raised in a small town at the top of the valley. On my days off, I love to spend time outdoors with my family and pets.
What motivated you to enroll in the Leadership Studies program?
After I graduated high school, I went straight to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, where I spent two years as an agriculture science major. I quickly realized that school was not for me, and I eventually transferred to Cal Poly Pomona. However, COVID shut the world down before I could take any courses in person. Like many people probably did, I had to re-evaluate my life plan due to some unforeseen circumstances. I started looking for online programs that could accommodate my many units from various schools and majors. That’s when I found Cal Poly Humboldt and Leadership Studies!
Since my parents had attended Humboldt State, I was very interested in it. After researching the program more, I realized it was actually perfect for my unique situation! It allowed me to use my previous units while graduating at an exhilarated pace without paying full tuition.
How has the Leadership Studies program positively impacted your personal and/or professional life?
The Leadership Studies program helped me not only become the person I am today, but also feel confident in my first adult job outside of college. After I graduated from Cal Poly Humboldt, I had two intensive knee surgeries, and after a year, I was finally cleared to go back to work. Because of my Leadership Studies degree, I immediately got a well-paid job with full benefits at Shasta College.
What were your goals after completing the Leadership Studies degree program?
After completing my degree, my main goal was to survive my surgeries and then hopefully step back into the workforce. I was fortunate enough to meet my goals shortly after graduation. My new goal is to receive my master's degree!
What do you think people who are considering this program should know before they start? Any advice for prospective students?
I would advise prospective students to be prepared to have strong time management skills, as the 8-week courses go by surprisingly fast. I would also recommend making sure you are comfortable with online learning. During COVID, many people realized that navigating technology may not be for them. During my time in person at college, I discovered the opposite about myself. I do not learn well from traditional lectures. I personally loved the way this program was set up, as it allowed me to complete homework at my own pace while being able to self-teach in a way that works best for me.
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
I want to thank Betsy [Rogers, Leadership student support coordinator] and my cohort, who all helped me accomplish my goals.
