Cabrillo offers more on-campus services than what many students realize: they may go to the library, STEM Center, or The Hub to do homework – or pretend they’re doing homework – while they scroll Instagram. Hidden in these academically bland spaces, a student will find people who are passionate, friendly and willing to help.
Coleen Beduia, 25, is a seventh year student majoring in pre-nursing and sports medicine. She’s been working for the library since 2018 and said she’s seen some significant changes there, like the number of people that come in regularly. Since COVID-19, Beduia said there has been a decline in the number of people doing homework or studying in the library. But recently, she’s seeing more people returning.
“Back then, we knew the schedule when the busy wave would come in. After COVID, it just depends. It’s unexpected when it will get busy or not,” Beduia said.
She wishes more people knew about the resources available to students, mainly because students can check out textbooks for free.
“The longer I work here, the more resources I find,” Beduia said.
She said many people probably don’t know about these resources due to the pandemic. Some pros of working in the library are that she can do homework while working. Beduia said the job offers a lot of perks, but she’s experienced harassment at work as well. Once, she she she was followed to her bus stop once her shift was over.
When Bediua isn’t working, she spends time with her family and listens to artists like Rod Wave, who is an American rapper. After Cabrillo, she hopes to transfer to San Jose State University or an out-of-state four-year school for a nursing program. Bediua recommends working for the library as it has a flexible, supportive staff and helpful supervisors.
The STEM Center is an oasis where students receive tutoring in STEM-specific fields, like areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Crysta Aramburu is a 30-year-old math tutor in the STEM Center. Aramburu was enrolled from Fall 2011 to Spring 2016 and majored in math. She joined the STEM Center staff in June 2023 and also helps run the MESA Program, which offers admission and transfer services for first-generation students. She said she acts as a parental figure and helps these students to transfer.
“First-generation college students don’t have the guardian or parental support for college because their parents didn’t go to college, so we’re kind of stepping in and being that resource for them,” Aramburu says.
She said the pros of working in the STEM Center are that it’s a low-stress job, and she appreciates the professionalism of working with college students after being a high school teacher, and said the energy is calmer and more relaxed.
“[Working with college students] is more of a professional relationship than an authority figure and a student relationship. Especially in the STEM Center, there’s like a peer relationship rather than a, ‘I am the teacher and you are the student’,” Aramburu said.
She said one downside of working at the STEM Center is that the Cabrillo structure and faculty are massive, making clarity an issue.
Outside of work, Aramburu enjoys knitting projects, reading books, doing ceramics and rock climbing. Among her goals at the STEM Center and the MESA program, she hopes to put more work into education, help students who need support and receive fulfillment from a healthy work/life balance. She recommends that all students stop into the STEM Center and talk to anyone with a lanyard.
“Ask anybody in a red lanyard, “What is this? What is this all about?’, and every single person in there will be happy to give a beautiful little tour or answer any questions that they have, Aramburu said. “I think the reason that that’s my advice is even just walking into a room that feels like everybody knows what they’re doing and you don’t really know and you’re out of place is scary.”
She said the area is welcoming to all people and even features a kitchen.
The HUB, right above the library, is a place where students can receive tutoring in all subjects. Don Paul is one of the tutors who specializes in history, political science and sociology. Paul has worked at The Hub while attending Cabrillo for seven years. He said it’s a great workplace, and he feels deep satisfaction from helping students succeed.
“You get a lot of satisfaction from this job. Seeing students improve and move on to university”, he said.
Similar to the library, Paul said that after the pandemic, many students are unaware of the amount of resources on campus and beyond.
Paul tries to convince people to visit The HUB where there is access to free printers and tutors with masters degrees.
“[Come to The HUB] to become a better student. A lot of resources, a lot of really smart people,” Paul said. “I mean you basically have to be a straight-A student to work here.”
Outside of work, Paul plays sports — mostly pickleball — and listens to 60’s and 70’s rock and roll.
If you’re a student looking for a job in these areas, go to cabrillo.edu and click the “Career Services” page under “Students.” There, you will find a plethora of information on applying for jobs on campus. If you’re a first-generation student looking for help in transferring, go to the MESA Program. If you’re a student looking for educational help, go to the STEM Center, the Hub, or the Library.
If you’re simply new to Cabrillo, lost at Cabrillo, or lost in life, know that Cabrillo and its employees are here to support you.
