This quarter at Cal Poly I was able to meet Isabella, someone that I feel lucky to consider an amazing classmate and friend! She is currently majoring in business administration and works part-time as a student assistant at the Orfalea College of Business building. Being a student-worker can be a tough feat to manage around a personal life. Throughout my interview with her, she shared her experience growing as a person and student. Isabella also offers advice for any students that are planning to pursue a job and may need help finding a balanced work-life.Â
Isabella is originally from Sacramento, California, but has had experience moving multiple times with her family since she was young. Being raised through traditional Chinese culture, it was essential to learn how to speak Cantonese. Isabella shared that a struggle that she had in the past as a student was finding a sense of identity as a Chinese-American. “I was enrolled in the Second Language Learner’s Program in school and it was discouraged to learn any other language than English.” This resulting language barrier with her family made her realize how important it is to push through challenges and find independence through knowledge and education.Â
It was never expected for her to go to college but she ended up becoming the first female college student in her family. Isabella decided to attend a local community college in Sacramento to pursue her degree in chemistry and had plans to become a nurse. Although, she switched halfway through her studies and declared as a business major. She said her inspiration for doing so was based on her experience living through the 2008 recession. “Seeing so many people struggle like my family, I knew I wanted to go into business, specifically fĂnance. I want to help others with their own personal finances by educating and growing their wealth.” During community college, she worked full-time at Wells Fargo Bank and has been able to successfully assist clients with Cantonese.Â
She applied to multiple California schools for the Fall 2024 cycle to become a transfer business administration student. For many students like Isabella, moving away to college is a defining moment because the university you choose can help shape you into the person you want to be. After being accepted into a vast range of schools, her ultimate decision was between UCLA and Cal Poly. A key moment as to when she knew to choose Cal Poly was when she attended a campus tour. “After speaking with students and the admissions officer, I loved how people here are willing to help and collaborate. It just became my dream school. It checked off every box, good academics, social aspect and nature! All of this fits well with my personality.”Â
This past summer is when she applied for the Cal Poly on-campus student assistant job. She was interested in pursuing this job as a way to further immerse herself on campus and to network with others. She recommends students to start building connections as early as possible because having a great referral was essential for receiving the job. For any students that are also considering looking for an off-campus or on-campus job, Isabella mentioned that a major perk working on-campus is being able to have flexible availability. “Being a student comes first and the faculty supervisors are willing to support you if you need more time to study.” This is especially handy when taking on an intense load of classwork and club extracurriculars.Â
Finding an outlet to decompress from academic stress has helped Isabella find a more balanced work-life. As a transfer student, Isabella points out that, “it is normal for transfer students to feel out of place and constantly having to deal with loneliness,” as non-transfer students are usually already established in their friendships, roommates, classmate cohorts, etc. She loves to spend time with friends and meeting new people as her outlet and she encourages any students out there that are feeling the same, to find that social circle. “Having a community to lean on for support and guidance is important to have around you,” she said, “if you’re in the same class, you can keep each other accountable and overall remember that you’re not alone.” Isabella enjoys planning get-togethers and hanging out at Front Porch, one of her favorite study spots, located near the campus health center!Â
Another way she balances her work life is by using the Google Calendars application. “I know it’s boring,” she laughed, “but it actually has been so helpful. During my first week when I didn’t use it, I accidently missed class. I now have Google Calendars on my phone as well and it lets you cross tasks off and sends reminders.” I couldn’t agree more, reminders are a life-saver! Â
For those students wondering if having a job as a student is worth experiencing, Isabella shared that being a student-worker has helped her become career ready. “A lot of people get a student-assistant position as their first job,” she said, “this position can help you build a better work ethic.” Her reasoning is the more experience you have with a busier schedule the more you get used to practicing better time management. “You feel a lot more productive going outside the house. Overall you become a more motivated person.”Â
One of the best things about college life so far for me is being surrounded by a diverse group of peers. You never know who you are going to meet and what their story may be. By sharing Isabella’s story, I hope to inspire any college students that may feel alone or are worried about taking on both school and work. Know that it is possible to find balance as a student-worker through any challenges you may face in your personal and aspiring professional life!Â