Volunteering at my local library helped me realize that being able to provide for my community was more important than anything else. I am the first in my family to earn an undergraduate and graduate degree. Being able to be that role model for my family has brough happiness to the Velazquez family.
While earning my degree, my greatest supporters were:
First and foremost, my parents. Eduardo, Yessenia and Erick. All have given me the support I needed in order to power through as a full-time student and full-time worker. I also want to take my professional leads, Andrew, Kurt, Megan, Joseph, Jessica and Erin. All have been great with understanding the push it takes. I am glad to be surrounded by a team that all have their MLIS.
While in the program, I met classmates from:
Canada, Northern California and even local students! Some in the OC and some here in the Inland Empire.
What I liked best about online learning was:
The pace you can take while you earn this degree. I pushed myself and was able to finish in 2 years, but I had semesters where I only took one course. It was great being able to be flexible.
What I enjoyed most about my experience at the SJSU School of Information was:
The teachers and students were all so amazing. It genuinely made the space and time feel like I was with people who care not only about the career, but also the communities we serve.
I plan to use my degree to:
Represent the Latino community in this field. Be an information professional that bridges not only the divide with Spanish speakers, but also the digital divide that has affected all sorts of patrons.
Now that I have completed the program, I'm most looking forward to:
Being able to move up into positions that will challenge my skills and also be more of an impactful change towards my communities.
