Brittany Trujillo
Human Services
When Brittany Trujillo first set foot on 探花约啪 Tech's campus back in 2009, her education was sponsored through a state grant program. But like many students balancing life's demands, financial challenges soon pulled her away. Nearly a decade later, she returned — this time as an employee in 2018 — and with the steady encouragement of supervisors and colleagues, she made her way back to the classroom to pursue her degree.
"Ultimately, what drew me to 探花约啪 Tech was the encouragement and support I received from staff and administrators, and my desire to show that I have something to offer, that I could still pursue my dreams at a later age," she said. "探花约啪 Tech made that come true for me."
Beginning her human services degree at the height of the pandemic, Trujillo's academic experience looked different from what she had imagined, with most courses online. Her first in-person class, Group Dynamics with Silja Walter, quickly became her favorite. The course not only connected her with lasting friendships and a mentor in Walter but also reminded her of the value of face-to-face interaction.
Trujillo's mentors left a lasting mark on her journey. Advisor Kim Gibbs helped her balance her academic workload, especially after she became a mother, while Instructor Kevin Hoffecker instilled in her the importance of authenticity. "He ended class once with, ‘Just be yourself and change the world,'" she said. "I carry that with me every day."
Now working as assistant to the vice president and campus director at the Terry Campus, Trujillo uses the skills she honed in her human services major to support campus leadership, build stronger relationships across the College, and contribute confidently to committees.
In a full-circle moment, Trujillo recently co-led a professional development workshop with Walter, her former instructor — an accomplishment she counts among her proudest moments. "The fact that the College offers that type of opportunity is wonderful," she said. "It makes me feel valued as an employee and confident in my role."
Her advice to current students is simple: find what you're passionate about and follow it at your own pace. "Whatever speed you choose is the right one for you," she said.
And to her fellow alumni, she offers a challenge: "If 探花约啪 Tech gave you a foundation to grow, give back so others can continue to have those opportunities. Every effort counts, and together we can create a positive impact in our community and 探花约啪 as a whole."
