WEBVTT NOTE Created by CaptionSync from Automatic Sync Technologies www.automaticsync.com 00:00:00.406 --> 00:00:05.456 align:middle >> It's truly an honor to be celebrated for my accomplishments as both a graduate student 00:00:05.456 --> 00:00:09.806 align:middle in the iSchool program at SJSU and as your leading information professional. 00:00:09.806 --> 00:00:16.356 align:middle I want to start by thanking Dr. Anthony Chow, Dr. Mary Ann Harlan, Dr. Mary Bolin, 00:00:16.356 --> 00:00:19.906 align:middle Dr. Ken Hancock, the committee, and the entire School 00:00:19.906 --> 00:00:22.616 align:middle of Information faculty for this prestigious award. 00:00:23.796 --> 00:00:29.536 align:middle To me, the Ken Hancock Award means being the leader in my education, in my career, 00:00:29.536 --> 00:00:35.206 align:middle and in life to take initiative in creating library programs and services that are essential 00:00:35.206 --> 00:00:40.236 align:middle in developing an integral communication between people of all walks of life 00:00:40.236 --> 00:00:45.446 align:middle and in promoting a rich understanding of diversity in the best measurable way. 00:00:45.446 --> 00:00:52.946 align:middle My passion for library started an early age where I would go to the libraries after school 00:00:53.026 --> 00:00:57.676 align:middle and I would just do my thing and work with my colleagues. 00:00:58.056 --> 00:01:04.026 align:middle My passion for libraries was extended when I attended UC Davis 00:01:04.026 --> 00:01:08.276 align:middle and I received my Bachelor's degree in both English Literature and Communication. 00:01:08.276 --> 00:01:15.296 align:middle After college, life took a turn and I became a reserve deputy probation officer 00:01:15.656 --> 00:01:18.396 align:middle and a social worker for five long years. 00:01:19.836 --> 00:01:24.466 align:middle It wasn't until my fifth year that I started volunteering at the local public library 00:01:24.466 --> 00:01:29.996 align:middle that I knew I had to change careers and start from the bottom up, and so I was hired 00:01:29.996 --> 00:01:35.446 align:middle at the military libraries in the Marine Corps Community Services as a library technician 00:01:36.236 --> 00:01:40.876 align:middle which was a big change, but a change in and a risk that ended up being the most rewarding 00:01:41.166 --> 00:01:43.756 align:middle as I was promoted to Library Branch Manager. 00:01:44.466 --> 00:01:47.926 align:middle I was doing all of this while being the blog director 00:01:47.926 --> 00:01:53.056 align:middle for the Special Library Association Student Chapter applying for many scholarships 00:01:53.056 --> 00:01:56.276 align:middle and working on my Master's in this wonderful iSchool program. 00:01:56.626 --> 00:02:01.776 align:middle I want to give a special thank you to Dr. Dee for listening and understanding my willingness 00:02:01.776 --> 00:02:06.686 align:middle to want to work and gain library experience and for offering me a start 00:02:06.686 --> 00:02:08.586 align:middle at the Special Library Association. 00:02:09.046 --> 00:02:13.856 align:middle It was here I was able to learn about the many different types of libraries 00:02:13.856 --> 00:02:18.796 align:middle and to showcase my blogs to the students at SJSU. 00:02:18.796 --> 00:02:24.186 align:middle I would also like to thank my spouse for always, always supporting me in every step of the way; 00:02:24.186 --> 00:02:29.376 align:middle to my parents who have instilled in me the importance of education from the very beginning; 00:02:29.376 --> 00:02:33.676 align:middle to my sister who led the way and who actually just graduated last month 00:02:33.676 --> 00:02:35.666 align:middle with her own Master's degree as well. 00:02:36.156 --> 00:02:40.656 align:middle I was raised in a socioeconomically disadvantaged neighborhood, 00:02:40.656 --> 00:02:45.556 align:middle to the point where my family and I had to bring our own lunch to places like Disneyland. 00:02:45.556 --> 00:02:52.096 align:middle So, for me this graduation is a magnificent achievement and one that I am very proud of. 00:02:52.756 --> 00:02:56.946 align:middle To see where I am today, and to be able to help my family, has been gratifying. 00:02:57.416 --> 00:03:02.186 align:middle I'm sharing this story with you because I want you to know that it's okay 00:03:02.186 --> 00:03:06.826 align:middle to take big life changing risks and to focus on what you love to do. 00:03:06.826 --> 00:03:11.806 align:middle If you put your all into your goals, then the rest will follow. 00:03:12.166 --> 00:03:18.656 align:middle My next goal after graduating is to put my focus on utilizing $100,000.00 from the headquarters 00:03:18.656 --> 00:03:22.906 align:middle and Marine Corps to redesign my library, purchase new furniture, 00:03:22.906 --> 00:03:28.616 align:middle and a brand new circulation desk so that our library can become the best place to visit 00:03:28.616 --> 00:03:30.966 align:middle for active duty who are serving our country. 00:03:32.216 --> 00:03:36.436 align:middle Now, I would like to congratulate my fellow colleagues who are here today 00:03:36.436 --> 00:03:38.406 align:middle and to share some words of wisdom. 00:03:38.406 --> 00:03:44.556 align:middle When I first started working as a library manager, I was given a phrase 00:03:44.556 --> 00:03:47.926 align:middle from my boss's boss that I always look back on whenever I'm working. 00:03:48.326 --> 00:03:51.056 align:middle The phrase was to "Always lead by example." 00:03:51.746 --> 00:03:57.136 align:middle "Leading by example," means setting the standard for expectations and in showing others 00:03:57.136 --> 00:04:00.196 align:middle that you are putting in the work and are overachieving. 00:04:00.746 --> 00:04:07.926 align:middle It means being able to delegate work, inform and teach others with kindness and be a team player. 00:04:08.396 --> 00:04:14.506 align:middle I would like each of you here today to take this message with you to lead by example, 00:04:14.506 --> 00:04:19.976 align:middle to be brave, to take risks, to protect the importance of literacy, 00:04:19.976 --> 00:04:26.036 align:middle and to advocate for intellectual freedom and the right to equitable and inclusive services. 00:04:26.506 --> 00:04:31.886 align:middle As a first generation Mexican-American and a member of the LGBTQ, 00:04:31.886 --> 00:04:35.446 align:middle I cannot express how important it is to be a leader in this field 00:04:35.446 --> 00:04:39.816 align:middle and to show the importance of standing up to censorship. 00:04:40.276 --> 00:04:45.656 align:middle I want to encourage you all to continue working on your dreams whether that's 00:04:45.656 --> 00:04:52.096 align:middle to become a librarian, an archivist, a museum curator, an information referral specialist, 00:04:52.096 --> 00:04:55.196 align:middle or whatever it is that you would like to do. 00:04:55.976 --> 00:05:00.816 align:middle Within a short three years I went from being a volunteer to managing my own library, 00:05:00.816 --> 00:05:05.866 align:middle and that's a remarkable experience that I took upon myself with a lot 00:05:05.866 --> 00:05:09.486 align:middle of hard work, sacrifice, and determination. 00:05:10.576 --> 00:05:16.446 align:middle It's also very fulfilling to know that my efforts are rewarded and appreciated. 00:05:16.846 --> 00:05:20.736 align:middle And I hope that my venture is an inspiration to you all. 00:05:20.736 --> 00:05:29.416 align:middle If I could give one last advice it would be to do everything that you can to apply, apply, 00:05:29.416 --> 00:05:32.756 align:middle and apply to as many positions that are available. 00:05:32.756 --> 00:05:38.616 align:middle If you don't have work experience, then start volunteering now and add that to your resume, 00:05:38.616 --> 00:05:44.936 align:middle and when it comes to working, show others that you are loyal, dependable, 00:05:44.936 --> 00:05:50.166 align:middle and a hardworking leader, because a good reputation is what's going to propel you 00:05:50.166 --> 00:05:52.566 align:middle to new heights and to be successful. 00:05:52.566 --> 00:05:53.846 align:middle Thank you.