The new Seawolf Ambassador program at Sonoma State University, while still in its infancy, is already offering students the opportunity to gain paid work experience.
Students who work in this program, who are known as Seawolf Ambassadors, will be helping at a variety of campus events, working as ushers, monitoring parking and providing security.
In addition to supporting multiple clubs and activities, ambassadors will be sources of knowledge regarding Sonoma State’s resources on Sonoma State’s campus and will be able to guide students and answer their questions.
The program is currently training about 20 students and will continue to interview any students interested in applying, which can be done through the online Seawolf Job-Link.
“These students [Seawolf Ambassadors] are here to engage their student base, to participate in student activities, to embrace diversity, to value social justice, to enhance sustainability initiatives and to be leaders and pillars of our Seawolf Commitment,” said Tyson Hill, the administrator of the Seawolf Ambassador program.
Hill said that he believes students are good at bringing the community together and “[bridging] a connection with [other students].”
He hopes that students involved with the program will learn lessons they will be able to carry into their own communities in the future.
“Our ambassadors strive to be kind, good listeners, team players, and gain real-world experience working with their peers, leading by example and becoming enhanced critical thinkers from our beautiful community,” Hill said.
One student who is taking a leadership role in this program is Matthew Alston, a third-year double major in electrical engineering and mathematics.
By being a leader in this program, Alston said he works hard to continue establishing the new program and ensures that it stays on track with the right ideals.
“We’re here to respond to students’ needs and make the campus feel a little bit more ‘for the students’… and make everybody feel more comfortable on campus,” Alston said.
According to Alston, the ambassadors aim to spread Seawolf pride and will respond wherever there is a need on campus.
Alston said he wants students to be comfortable on campus and for new students to have fellow students available to lend a helping hand. He hopes the ambassadors get the most out of their experiences.
Hank Pankratz, a fourth-year history major, is a new Seawolf Ambassador.
“I like spreading off good vibes and good times and having people feel like everybody’s welcome,” Pankratz said. “That’s how it should be and that’s how Sonoma State should be.”
As the Seawolf Ambassador program gets on its feet, those involved say they are thinking positively about their mission ahead.
“We are here to support you all in the great things that you do. Please say hello to our friendly faces and please feel free to reach out to us if you believe we could assist you,” Hill said. “We are merely here to compliment the wonderful work of our student… staff members… and our great faculty. We want to be a part of the binding element that assists with pulling us all together as one great university.”
