Rodrigo Mercado
Born and raised in the Coachella Valley, Rodrigo began his higher education journey at College of the Desert (COD), a community college located in Palm Desert, California. Rodrigo was in his second year at COD and shared he “was not on track to transfer on time.”
During this time, Rodrigo learned from his English professor about the staggering statistics regarding graduation rates of students in community colleges. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, less than 15 percent of community college students graduate in two years.
Rodrigo was adamant about “not being a part of that statistic” and took his “professor’s comments to heart.” Applying a new sense of focus and intention, Rodrigo had his eye on graduating. Although it took five years to transfer from COD to Cal State San Bernardino, Rodrigo learned the importance of taking ownership of his education, career, and life goals. “You can always tell someone [what do to], but it’s going to be up to that person to take the initiative to change.”
At California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB), Rodrigo completed his undergraduate degree in business and public administration. He continued his educational journey with pursuit of a master’s degree; Rodrigo completed his Master’s in Public Administration in 2017.
Taking ownership of his education and career led Rodrigo to CSUSB’s Human Resources Department where he first began working as a Administrative Support Assistant and now serves as the Student Employment Analyst for the Office of Student Employment.
Understanding how life and career readiness influences student success allowed Rodrigo to serve the student employee population at CSUSB with coyote pride. “I was able to begin my career as a working professional at CSUSB,” said Rodrigo. And now, Rodrigo is proud to be able to witness and play a role in the growth and development of student employees at the University.
When asked how the Office of Student Employment relates to student success, Rodrigo replied that several opportunities present themselves in different ways. “I see the Office of Student Employment providing resources [to students] and allowing [the students] to grow as professionals and individuals,” said Rodrigo.
One of Rodrigo’s proudest accomplishments, in collaboration with a team of committee members from the campus community, was the inauguration of CSUSB’s Student Employment Appreciation Day, held in April 2018.
“Our student employees are an important part of the CSUSB community. It’s not easy working while also obtaining a degree and so to be able to provide this program for them was great”, commented Rodrigo.
This program was the first in CSUSB’s history and took place during National Student Employment Appreciation (NSEA) Week. This is a week where colleges and universities around the country recognize and celebrate the importance of student employees. Supervisors throughout campus had an opportunity to nominate student employees for the coveted Outstanding Student Employee of the Year award. From the number of nominations collected, there were eight finalists selected and recognized.
Each finalist received a gift basket from the Coyote Bookstore, $100 in Coyote Cash, personalized plaque, and a photo opportunity with President Morales and their division Vice President. After the NSEA week, participants completed a survey; the feedback consensus was overwhelmingly positive.
The Student Employment Office reports into the Human Resources department and within the Administration & Finance Division. Much to Rodrigo’s surprise, this inaugural event received a divisional award presented to Rodrigo this past summer. “I was surprised we received the award because we were really doing this for the student employees on campus”, said Rodrigo.
Rodrigo contributes his successes in his role to the team of individuals in the Office of Student Employment as well as the many relationships he’s developed with colleagues on this campus.
“Get involved”, encouraged Rodrigo, “Attend department events and collaborate with others on campus. Collegiality matters and goals are best met when people are collaborative.”
When asked what Rodrigo has learned about himself as a student, student assistant and employee at CSUSB, he replied, “You’re always going to be faced with setbacks so the question is not why things happen to you, but how you respond. Learn how to make the best of these situations, they’re only temporary and they give you the opportunity to move forward.”
An inspiring message for all students, staff, and faculty.
About Rodrigo:
Rodrigo is a proud alumni of CSUSB and recent graduate of the MPA program at the University. Some of Rodrigo’s hobbies includes sports, specifically watching (and playing!) basketball, and finding new cultural cuisines to satisfy his palate. Rodrigo would like to thank those who have worked alongside him during his time at CSUSB including Rebecca Christopher, Joseph Ornelas, Anelsy Pimentel, Anastasia Power, Halee Bushman, Tiffany Melendez, and Serena Aguirre. A special “thank you” goes to the Public Administration program (graduate and undergraduate) including Dr. David Baker and Professor Alexandru Roman. Last, but definitely not least, Rodrigo is especially thankful for his parent’s support.