Jorge Ruiz Gonzalez

My name is Jorge and I am a 3rd year at Sonoma State University. I’m a first-generation college student, a student of Latino descent and I am from the Oakland, CA. I am currently studying chemistry and mathematics here at Sonoma State. Since freshmen year, and have grown an urge to be involved on campus. I have great aspirations to pursue higher education for myself, and support others in their academic journeys.

I got involved with Residential Life and became a Community Service Advisor (CSA) my 2nd year and currently am a Themed Living Advisor (TLA) in Sauvignon village. Also, I am a member of MESA and provide free tutoring in CHEM and MATH through MESA. Being an EOP student I became Vice President for the EOP club this semester to work and interact with other first-gen and historically low-income students here on campus. What I love about SSU is that it has given me opportunities to become a student leader. I’ve done and currently am in various positions that have shaped my interest in supporting my community. I want to support my peers to all achieve their goals in their undergraduate career and my work in Residential Life, academics, and clubs have given me experiences and opportunities to build those foundations.

A challenge I’ve faced at SSU is balancing academics and interest, which is a work in progress, but with the right intentions and support it’s possible to really be more involved with the campus community.