About C.A.M.I.N.O.S.
The Waubonsee Latinx Resource Center is excited to announce the launch of C.A.M.I.N.O.S., a new mentoring program for Latinx students.
The Creating Alliance through Mentoring and Inclusive Navigation of Opportunities for Students (C.A.M.I.N.O.S) will allow all students to develop themselves professionally, mentally, and academically.
The program will prepare students for their journey inside and outside of Waubonsee Community College. Throughout the program, we will be incorporating cultural awareness of the Latinx culture.
Our goals are retention, graduation, and transfer!
C.A.M.I.N.O.S Mentee Application
- Latinx students are matched to Waubonsee staff/faculty/alumni.
- Students are matched within the same/similar fields.
- A mentee is paired with one mentor.
- Mentors provide support to one incoming student.
- Mentors and mentees meet in person at least once a month.
- Mentors interact with mentees at least twice per month to discuss goals and classes and provide guidance on resources located on campus.
- Mentors and mentees participate in C.A.M.I.N.O.S social gatherings during the academic year.
Program Objectives:
- Empower and support students.
- Create goals and academic plans.
- Develop student's leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
- Help the student find a supportive community that will get them closer to their goals.
Meet our CAMINOS MENTORS
Carolina Gutierrez (she/her/Ella)
Student Conduct and Education Coordinator
Why did you decide to be a CAMINOS mentor? It took me a while to get a mentor during my undergrad but when I did it made a big difference to where I am now. So, I hope to be that connection for someone and help guide so they do not feel alone.
What is one piece of advice you would give to yourself if you were starting college again? Have fun but don't procrastinate!
What is something you love about Waubonsee? I truly love that I work with great people! They make work fun plus working with my wife is a plus.
Daisy Sanchez
High School Transition Advisor
Why did you decide to be a CAMINOS mentor?I decided to be a mentor because I wanted to share the insights and experiences I gained while navigating college as a first-generation student. There were many things I couldn't express to my own family, as they couldn't fully relate or understand my journey. I also would love to be a friendly and familiar face around campus, supporting and guiding others who might be going through similar experiences.
What is one piece of advice you would give to yourself if you were starting college again? Don't be afraid to explore different interests and get involved.
What is something you love about Waubonsee? One thing I love about Waubonsee is how welcoming the staff are on campus. As a student, I also appreciated the diversity and strong sense of community here.
Franklin Ortega-Palaguachi
Latinx Resource Center Manager
Why did you decide to be a CAMINOS mentor?I decided to be a CAMINOS Mentor because I deeply believe in the power of mentorship and having a strong support system. Throughout my life, mentors have pushed me to keep working toward my goals and have helped me maintain a clear vision. They always reminded me, "Dreams don't make you successful; vision and discipline do."
What is one piece of advice you would give to yourself if you were starting college again? The advice I would give to students is to always ask questions and never assume you know everything. When I started college, I made mistakes and missed opportunities because I didn’t ask questions. It's okay to make mistakes because you learn from them, but asking questions can help you avoid many of those mistakes and do well in college.
What is something you love about Waubonsee? I love connecting with students, watching them grow as students and professionals, and then seeing them graduate and come back to tell me they’re doing great. The students keep me motivated and always happy to do this job.
Jenissa Niño
Latinx Engagement Coordinator
Why did you decide to be a CAMINOS mentor? I decided to become a CAMINOS mentee because of the impact that mentorship has on students. Being from this community I want students to know that they have someone who believes in them and will support them through their college journey. Sometimes all it takes is for someone to believe in you.
What is one piece of advice you would give to yourself if you were starting college again? I would tell myself to show up authentically in all spaces. Stay engaged and make lifelong memories.
What is something you love about Waubonsee? I love that I get to work in the community I was born and raised in, while working with students who are simply amazing and extremely resilient.
Tess Corral
Senior Financial Aid Advisor of Outreach
Why did you decide to be a CAMINOS mentor? I feel a strong calling to help those within the community I grew up in. I want to have a positive impact on our students and be a guiding light to help them overcome barriers and reach potentials they never knew existed. I believe the best way we can assist our students is by building meaningful relationships with them and truly understanding in what areas we can assist them. Whether academic goals, career goals, or personal goals and obstacles, we have resources within the Waubonsee community to provide support and growth.
What is one piece of advice you would give to yourself if you were starting college again? To take the time to sit and reflect on different career paths. Do research, understand costs of living and career outcomes. Figure out what makes you happy and you will never work a day in your life. Lastly, nothing is unachievable, you just need to break down goals into steps. That's what we are here for!
What is something you love about Waubonsee? I love being a part of the energy on campus; of new connections, friendships, and dreams being pursued.
Yahayra Garcia
Admissions Advisor
Why did you decide to be a CAMINOS mentor? I chose to become a CAMINOS mentor because it’s a meaningful way to give back to the community that helped shape who I am. As a WCC alumna, I can connect with students who are facing similar challenges as I did. Mentoring allows me to inspire and uplift others, while fostering a sense of belonging and cultural pride essential for student success. My goal is to support and guide Latina/o/x students on their educational journey, helping them overcome obstacles and empowering them to achieve both their academic and personal goals.
What is one piece of advice you would give to yourself if you were starting college again? If I were starting college again, I'd remind myself to seize every opportunity and remember that only I can set my own limits.
What is something you love about Waubonsee? One thing I love about Waubonsee is the diverse student representation and the increased presence of staff members who students can relate to and look up to.
Araceli Muñoz Salazar
Latinx Engagement Coordinator
Why did you decide to be a CAMINOS mentor?I think mentorship is important and everyone benefits from a mentor. I had a mentor in college who believed in me and my potential and always presented me with opportunities and spoke my name in spaces I wasn't in. Their guidance opened my mind to options I didn't know were available to me and I still stay in contact with them today. I hope to be a part of a student's support system and help them navigate their college journey.
What is one piece of advice you would give to yourself if you were starting college again? Have fun and cherish your memories! I know I encountered many obstacles and challenges in my college journey and while I was a very involved and engaged student, I wish I could have let myself breathe more and enjoy my time with my friends. It's necessary to balance a social life with academics.
What is something you love about Waubonsee?I am biased, but the LRC! I think the physical center is so awesome and student friendly. My favorite memories at WCC have been in that room with students. I love seeing students come in and do their homework, study, or hangout with their friends. We are always meeting new people.
Interested in Joining or Becoming a Mentor?
Contact via email or set up an appointment
Jenissa Niño
Latinx Engagement Coordinator
jnino@waubonsee.edu
