Teresa Cullen: Student worker aims for psychology degree

The Guardsman

Lance Kramer

Theresa  Cullen is a 23-year-old City College student working as a student  ambassador with the Office of Outreach and Recruitment Services in the  Multi-Use Building on City College’s Ocean campus.

Cullen,  who has attended CCSF for three years, was referred to her current  federal work-study job by her counselor. She has worked there for over  two years. Before that she worked in the City College Book Loan Program.

As  a student ambassador, Cullen does general office work, makes  informational packets for campus visitors, gives tours of the school and  its facilities, makes presentations, gives college overviews and even  travels to other schools to give overviews if they are requested.

“I have lots of majors,” Cullen joked. “Which one do you want to know?”

“I’ve  got two A.A.’s from here, and then I’m just finishing up my English  class so that I can transfer,” she said. “I have an A.A. in criminal  justice, and I have one in social and behavioral science, and once I  transfer I will be a psychology major.”

Cullen  enjoys working on campus because of the convenience, and the  willingness of her employer to work with her class schedule. She works  the maximum amount allowed through the work-study program, which is 15  hours per week. She says she feels that $9.00 per hour is fair.

“I  view the work-study as a benefit, especially since lots of jobs want  you to come in with experience,” she said. “Work-study doesn’t, and it  gives you the opportunity to work in a work environment and get used to  it, and have something on your resume while attending school.”
Speaking  about the difference between City College’s work-study wages and San  Francisco’s minimum wage of $10.24 per hour, Cullen said, “I wish the  work-study was more but I’m not really complaining because I really  enjoy my job and the $9 is fine for me.”