Was I hired because I am Latino?

The first fourth chapters of Job One book, edited by Peter M. Magolda and Jill Ellen Carnaghi (2004) provide an introduction of the experiences of other student affairs both graduate students and professionals. Their experiences are relevant to my current experiences. Chapter two, Are They Hiring Me Because of the Color of My Skin?- Christana Johnson, caught my attention the most. In November 2011 I was hired as a full-time employee at my current university. There were various times I asked myself if I was hired because I am Latino or because of my skills and experiences.

Men of color are not graduating. This reason made me wonder if I was hired, because I am a man of color, to help the institution to meet their numbers. I had to came to myself conclusion that I was hired because of my previous experiences, my potential to make a difference and be part of the change, and my ability to help students succeed.

Over the past two months I have been challenged to think outside the box and to implement programming for students. I am responsible for a budget, coordinate the diversity committee’s meetings and events, provide support to faculty, staff and students, and write the multicultural newsletter, among other responsibilities. These experiences have helped me gain more confidence on my personal and professional development. The responsibilities that I have, reassure me that I was hired because I am a skilled and talented student affairs professional. I am learning to be more confident in my decision-making – the decisions I make today, are going to follow me tomorrow.

I am proud that I have a full-time job before graduating with my master’s degree. But at the same time, I am starting to realize that I will be here for the next few years. This realization makes me sad because my cohort members will be leaving soon to start their first job. Soon I will need to find another strong group of friends – I need to build a sense of community. I have started my job; I will continue to do my work by developing programming, advising students, attending to meetings, and making decisions that will impact my current and prospective students, among other projects and responsibilities. While my cohort members will be learning a new culture, a new system, and meeting new staff, and friends from a new institution.