Elanor Webster

Pronouns: 

She/Her

Major: 

Business Administration 

Hometown: 

San Mateo, CA

What are your campus involvements? 

Student Representative on the Dispute Resolution Board (DRB) - Academic Senate, 

TRIO Student Support Services program member (United For Success)

What is your favorite memory or experience at SSU? 

My favorite memory here at SSU is of Big Nite. I enjoyed the opportunity to learn about local businesses and clubs that were out representing themselves. I had fun dressing up for the theme! Additionally, I had the chance to collect SSU merchandise, free food, and school supplies. This also allowed me to meet other students and enjoy a summer night!

What has been the most challenging part of your college experience and what did you learn from it? 

As a transfer student, establishing connections at first was very challenging for me. I worried I wouldn't fit in or would feel out of place. Coming from further away, I came in as an outsider and felt nervous a lot in the first few weeks of school. Questions were rushing through my mind: Where are my classes? What if I show up late? What if I can't meet a professor's standard? What if I make a fool of myself? Or say the wrong thing? But I couldn't let my anxious self stop me.

Yet what surprised me was that I immediately felt welcomed and supported when I stepped on campus for the first time. Seeking advice from graduating seniors, club presidents, and faculty, I started taking in-person classes, getting involved in campus activities, and living in the dorms at SSU. This has allowed me to meet people and create friendships. It has only been my first few months here at SSU and in Sonoma County, yet I feel pleased to say this is my second home.

What brought you to SSU, and what motivates you to stay? 

I came to SSU after hearing about the opportunities and learning it was in a rural area. I find my motivation in the unlimited support systems I have established.

I learned about SSU when applying to CSUs and UCs. I knew that Sonoma County had a university, but that was fairly new knowledge for me. SSU was the first acceptance letter I received, and it held a high potential for me when I found out I got in! After that, I researched more about the university; it had many opportunities that other universities didn't offer, like internships for brand-name companies, on-campus work experience, program experiences (i.e., TRIO SSS offers a Networking/Leadership Conference to attend, the Circle of Change Leadership Summit), and clubs (for your major and extracurricular activities) to establish skills by creating a new generation of students to take on these opportunities.

Also, the area's rural town feel and local businesses caught my eye. I grew up in a large city, but Rohnert Park has that "home-town" feel that allows you to slow down and enjoy the scenic roads.

As a first-semester transfer student, I am motivated to take on whatever comes at me. I am surrounded by resources that allow me to thrive, explore, and challenge myself to become my best self. I want to strive to reach my best potential by getting more involved on campus. Making it through classes ranging from easy to challenging, meeting accomplishments, creating long-lasting friendships, and being a helping hand to others motivates me to stay. 

Who at SSU has influenced you and/or made an impact on your journey here? 

Professor Paula L. Argentieri, Ph.D., has impacted me significantly. I've established a strong connection with her since the start of her class. She connects with her students through personal stories and meaningful objects. She has offered me great insight into my life; I've shared stories about my past and present. She is a great listener. I’ve spoken to her about my major and explored ideas about what I want to be.