Go Beach, Go Teach, Go Lead! Student Ambassadors Shine
Visitors to the Ellis Education Building and attendees at events across the College have the opportunity to interact with our amazing Student Ambassadors. Student Ambassadors (or SAMs) serve as liaisons between prospective applicants, students, faculty and staff, community members and the College. Chloe Calder, a student in the Urban Dual Credential Program, leads the group’s efforts in conjunction with Outreach Coordinator Daniela Beltran. For Chloe, “engaging with College of Education faculty and staff is the best part of being a Student Ambassador.” She has found her role as a SAM to be one of the most rewarding aspects of her studies at CSULB.
SAMs participate in a variety of CED outreach activities, including Education Week in April, which highlights the college’s undergraduate, credential and graduate programs through a series of workshops, activities and special events. Through various outreach activities and interactions with prospective students, SAMs share their excitement about being educators with both visitors and those already affiliated with the College. Current SAM and Integrated Teacher Education Program (ITEP) student Nikki Jenkins enjoys “connecting with the public and helping students realize that CSULB is the school of their dreams.” SAMs’ familiarity with College programs and offices plus campus resources allows them to provide a great source of knowledge about the College and beyond. Prospective students who are interested in visiting the college have the opportunity to meet with a SAM and take a tour.
Our current Student Ambassadors represent a variety of programs across the College. In order to become a Student Ambassador, students must be in good academic standing and have a recommendation from a faculty member or advisor. SAMs commit to working during both semesters during the academic year. Many SAMs also participate in student organizations, such as the College of Education Student Assembly, the Liberal Studies Student Association, or the College of Education Graduate Student Association. SAMs Chloe Calder and Emely Lopez also serve as the College of Education representatives to Associated Students Incorporated (ASI).
Not only do Student Ambassadors build community in the College, but they also have the opportunity to develop their own skills as leaders and educators through their service. According to Lauren Martinez, a current SAM and ITEP student, “since the university is a large campus, being a SAM has allowed me to become more involved in my College.” Through their interaction with prospective students and the College community as a whole, SAMS are an integral component of the College’s outreach and events team.
