Finding Those Friendly Faces
Photos and Writing by Malvin Malai-Harrison
Finding a space to feel welcome, safe, and supported is one of the biggest struggles that impacts students of color and other underrepresented students, especially first-year, first-generation students. It’s easy for any student to feel unsupported and disregarded and fall through the cracks here at WSU. It’s comforting knowing that there are people, community spaces, and resources available on the 4th floor of the CUB for any student at WSU. There are always people out there willing to help.
This portrait series is dedicated to the individuals that work hard every day and continue to greet every student with a bright smile. These are some of the friendly faces you’ll see on the 4th floor.
The 4th floor of the Compton Union Building hosts Multicultural Student Services, Academic Tutoring Centers, and various cultural centers for all students to use.
Meet Elouise Montez de Oca. She is the main office receptionist and is the first friendly face on the fourth floor a new student can meet. Whether it’s to sharing a good laugh or connecting a student with a faculty member or resource, she is always there to help.
J. Manuel Acevedo is the Director of Multicultural Student Services. He works directly with and trains new cohorts of student Peer Mentors, a program that supports freshmen first-generation students during their first year. He leads the MSS mission of increasing retention these students, ultimately leading them to graduation.
Ms. Amy Poirier is the backbone of all MSS Functions as she is an event coordinator and also handles all of the financial work for the department. Her work is crucial for all MSS events and functions.
Tabitha Espina is the newest addition to the fourth floor staff. Any student seeking help in their courses can visit her and her team of tutors. She hosts workshops, study hours, and tutoring sessions regularly to help any student.
Sylvia Bullock is an advisor, event coordinator for MSS. She works with student leaders on a daily basis and plans all of the large and small events that MSS hosts. She is a great resource for new students to get involved and/or acquainted.
Tutor schedules, events, workshops, etc. are always posted and on fourth floor bulletin boards. It helps keep students informed on important resources, events, and ways to get involved. It also showcases how busy and lively the 4th floor is at times.
Sylvia Bullock fills out a form in preparation for Multicultural Student Graduation, an event that occurs both in the fall and spring.
Dominique Faga’autau is a Rentention Counselor for the Asian American Pacific Islander Student Center. He works directly with a student mentor cohort that helps first-generation freshman transition into college. He maintains his presence on the 4th floor as a resource for all students. Whenever he meets new students, he always tries to make them feel welcome through his actions, smile, and words.
This is the Asian American Pacific Islander Student Center. Every day, students utilize spaces such as this one to study, eat food, socialize, take a break, etc. These centers are open to everyone and for many, it’s home.
Dr. Stephen Biscoff is the Assistant Director of Multicultural Student Services. He helps create and maintain an atmosphere of family within the community. He advises RSOs, student leaders, and advocates on behalf of students. He serves as a great resource for any student seeking or guidance.