Ruby Valdez was elected as the next president of the OCCC Student Government Association during the latter half of the spring semester. Previously, she served as an SGA senator, creating new legislation and ensuring order during meetings. While the summer semester is typically a quieter time on campus, the new SGA executive board is already preparing for the upcoming school year. Valdez recently took time out of her schedule to share more about her life on campus and beyond.
(Editor’s Note: The following Q&A has been lightly edited for added clarity.)
What made you choose to attend OCCC?
At first, after high school, I didn’t have any plans at all. But then I heard about OCCC from a friend who was doing concurrent enrollment. She told me about all the help she was getting there and all the classes that she was taking. Since I was lost, I thought that I should give it a shot and see how it goes for me.
What inspired you to get involved in campus activities?
During my first semester here, I saw the Welcome Week tables and signed up for a club called Latinas Unidas. They knew all these things about campus, and it seemed like fun. Eventually, the executive board graduated, and I signed up to be secretary.
What has been the best day that you’ve had at OCCC?
Some of my friends surprised me on my birthday! I had just finished a Latinas Unidas general body meeting, and some of the girls stayed afterward to hang out. Out of nowhere, I heard people singing “Happy Birthday” as they walked through the door with a cake. The whole thing caught me off guard, and even the people who couldn’t make it joined by phone so they could still celebrate with me.
If you could go back to your first day at OCCC and give yourself advice, what would it be?
Be more talkative, and don’t be so scared or shy around people.
Before attending OCCC, what leadership positions did you hold?
A big leadership role that has tested me a lot is being an older sister. (My siblings) come to me for advice on things that they’re scared to ask my parents about first. Being an older sister is like being a second mom to them.
What is your idea of a perfect Saturday?
My perfect Saturday would be waking up as late as possible in a nice, cold room and doing my morning routine around 1 p.m. Then I’d go to Denny’s with my family and get my favorite meal. Finally, I would go back home, grab a bunch of snacks, make a list of movies to watch and keep my iPad nearby so I could play some games.
