Academic Counselor
More about Jenelle (They/Them):
B.S. in Kinesiology, CSU Monterey Bay
M.A. in Asian American Studies, San Francisco State University
My approach to advising students is prioritizing their holistic wellness while supporting them in their goals and aspirations. I like to remind my students that they are individuals first prior to being a student, because it is easy to forget ourselves (needs, capacity) while juggling multiple responsibilities.
I am a product of intentional mentors and supervisors in higher education who created spaces for me to be my authentic self and helped deconstruct internalized messages that I encountered throughout my life. As a result, I want to pass forward the compassion, grace, and empowerment they provided me to students & anyone I cross paths with.
As someone who is Queer, Genderfluid, Neurodivergent, Pinx (Pina/oy), and a 1st generation college student, what excited me the most about helping students at SFSU is being able to minimize any barriers and stress that students may encounter while pursuing their degree. I understand how overwhelming navigating a university setting is without additional support and would like to be that source of support for students at SF State.
My favorite part of my job is building meaningful relationships with students and getting to know what they are passionate about in life. If its possible, I always want to integrate a students passion with their academic journey so that they feel fulfilled while pursuing their degree.
The best class I've ever taken was a rock climbing class at CSU Monterey Bay. During that semester I was able to climb on the side of Highway 1 on the way to Big Sur with some friends of mine who were also taking the class. I have a vivid memory of sitting on top of a rock, snacking on a white chocolate macadamia cliff bar, and enjoying the view of the sun & Pacific Ocean. Although I don't climb outdoors anymore, I love bouldering at rock climbing gyms in my free time.
Most of my work experience has been in Higher Education - specifically in Housing & Residential Life. Although its not an unusual job, I have encountered some situations that others would deem as unusual. So I am often not surprised or think anything is unusual anymore lol.
"Education is a journey, not a race". This advice was shared by a mentor during my undergrad and was very transformative for me, because it gave me the space to focus on my needs and what was best for me while pursuing a degree regardless of expectations set by society and/or loved ones around me.
Outside of work and spending time with my wife & black pug named Otis, I love music, eating/trying new foods and playing video games with the homies. Some video games that I consistently cycle through are: Dead by Daylight, Baldur's Gate 3, Apex Legends, and Fortnite. If you are into any of these things, feel free to talk about it with me :)