Amanda Gonzalez. Courtesy photo
FLAGSTAFF — Students having a hard time finding a direction in school are not alone.
Amanda Gonzalez is a CCC2NAU advisor at Coconino Community College. Amanda had troubles with school when she first started. She first went to Northern Arizona University with no direction.
“College is a very intimidating and a daunting process,” Gonzalez said. “Nobody tells you that, especially being a first-generation student. As a student, I have learned it is ok to fail.”
Amanda soon learned that college wasn’t for her and took a 10-year break from school. Eventually, she went back to school and started at Coconino Community College.
“When comparing CCC to NAU, I fell in love with Coconino Community College, and the people are so empowering and take the time to get to know you as an individual,” Gonzalez said. “Being a first-generation student, the program TRIO was a huge impact in my education processes. As a student, any issues or concerns I had, people cared and gave me multiple solutions to choose from. Sometimes they were even creative in the solution responses. CCC is a place where you can be creative in problem solving. CCC is home.”
After she started school at CCC, Amanda began working at the Welcome Center. Working at the Welcome Center helped her make constant connections and learn about a variety of resources the college has to offer. Now, she has switched to the CCC2NAU program as a peer advisor. She also works at Northern Arizona University and is a student. Amanda is very well educated at how both schools work.
According to Amanda, “Being impacted from my peer advisors here at CCC has made me want to do the same for the students who seek help from me. I like getting to know the students personally. I like being able to connect people or students unofficially to things that they are interested in and getting people to believe in something. Once people believe everyone contributes and helps. I want students to come to me and ask any random questions, with no barriers. There’s no right or wrong questions to ask. Any concerns, we can help.”
She added, “My colleagues are great people to work with. They are like family who get to know you as an individual. As a part of the job, I enjoy what I am doing and the skills I have learned through my peers.”
Amanda is here to help to answer questions, offer assistance, or to lend a friendly ear! Visit her at the Student Center in the advising offices. Contact her at her email, Amanda.Gonzalez@coconino.edu or call her at 928.226.4329.
– Kirsten Krause