Story by: Ruben Hernandez
Each ACC campus has its very own Student Life lounge. Students are more than welcome to come in, relax, and chill in between classes or get ready for that big test they’re about to take. There are many resources that can be taken advantage of provided by Student Life within these lounges. One resource in particular is the presence of the Riverbat Ambassadors.
“A Riverbat Ambassador is a mentor to students,” Round Rock Riverbat Ambassador Ashley Vasquez said. “They help plan events, or help students in need when they come in with questions. RA’s are also required to do 2 ‘Real Talks’ a semester. The purpose of a Real Talk is to create a intimate environment for students to feel comfortable, open up, and ask questions.”
Ambassadors carry knowledge about campus events and are able to travel campuses to table and fulfill a variety of duties. Not only that, if you don’t feel comfortable about where you are on campus, they can help you with that.
“We serve as a source of information and support for students,” Vasquez said. “You can tell some students don’t feel comfortable enough to ask certain questions or even come in. Part of your job is to notice that and be able to approach certain people when you can or help when they seem lost. It’s a big role.”
First-year college students tend to be shy about what they’re doing or when looking for new friends. Ambassadors are there to give them that little bit of confidence.
“We can also be a person for someone to talk to,” Vasquez said. “That’s why being able to read a student’s body language and how they approach can be important. Sometimes you can tell that they need someone to talk to and you can try to go off of that. If they continually come in but don’t talk or make eye contact, just ask how they are or if they need anything. Give them consistency to ensure that they feel welcome enough to come back.”
Vasquez says since she’s fairly new to being on campus physically since she took online courses last semester. So, she has been in the same boat as many students are now about having a comfortable space to be in.
“I know what it’s like to feel so lost as a student,” Vasquez said. “I’ve been in those shoes, and I feel like that’s what drew me in. It’s weird to have a place without support. I thought this would be a great role for me because I want to help support other students in their success. It feels nice to let them know that everything is going to be okay. We’re going to struggle, but we’re all in it together.”
Becoming a Riverbat Ambassador isn’t something too difficult either.
“Anybody can be a Riverbat Ambassador so long as they are receiving financial aid,” Vasquez said. “You apply through financial aid, and if you get approved you can apply. You have the option to be either a Campus or Riverbat Ambassador.”
Maintaining a light atmosphere in the Student Life room is also something that is of importance. It’s a place to relax, so it is necessary to make it feel as such.
“It’s important to keep a cool atmosphere in the Student Life room because some students just need a break,” Vasquez said. “Some people are so used to being either in a classroom or studying somewhere. It would be nice to have a place to get out of your head. People come in, they chat, they play games or whatever makes them comfortable.”
While the Student Life lounge is meant to be a space for students to relax, it is also headquarters for many workshops and informational events. All you have to do is keep yourself updated.
“There are a lot of connections students can make through student life,” Vasquez said. “Even just attending a Success Series or certain events, or talking to advisors and counselors who come in is beneficial. There are so many resources to help you through, and there are many avenues that will help you get to where you’re going. It’ll help you along your path and maybe even give you an idea of where you want to go.”
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