Making it work: Student workers help shape GovState
By Victoria Gómez, Contributing Writer
Across Governors State University (GovState), student workers play an essential role in supporting daily operations, strengthening campus services, and contributing to the university’s mission. GovState serves as a bridge between academic learning and career development, allowing students to build practical skills, gain mentorship, and make meaningful contributions to their departments and the local community.
For GovState senior Sandra Lopez, being a student worker means showing up with both skill and heart. As a member of Phi Alpha National Honor Society, social work major and intern in the legal clinic, she supports attorneys by organizing client intake materials, managing appointments, and researching vital community resources. More importantly, she leads with empathy, ensuring every individual feels heard during difficult moments. “This experience has taught me how to advocate, not just for myself, but for my clients,” Sandra shares. Dr. Phyllis West is Director of Social Justice Initiative which runs the legal clinic. West notes Sandra's “compassion and dedication,” highlighting her growth in crisis management and her commitment to serving others with care and purpose. For Sandra, this role has turned classroom knowledge into a meaningful, real-world impact, one she plans to carry into her future career.
Like Sandra, Roman Ghimire’s journey at GovState shows how student work can shape a future. MFA student in Independent Film and Digital Imaging, Roman serves as a graduate assistant in the College of Education and Human Development, where he uses photography, videography, and digital storytelling to highlight faculty and student experiences. His work behind the camera has strengthened his communication, professionalism, and time management skills essential to his goal of becoming a filmmaker. “This experience has given me hands-on learning that aligns with my career,” he shares. Colleague, Penny Perdue praises his creativity and dedication to his work. For Roman, GovState became a home where his vision is sharpened, his voice is developed, and his future begins to take frame.
Beyond storytelling and media, student work at GovState also creates space for care, connection, and leadership. As the lead of Community Counseling Services, Jenna Kane (MA in Counseling) oversees daily operations, supports fellow graduate assistants, and helps connect clients with critical mental health resources. Through this role, GovState has strengthened her confidence as a leader while deepening her ability to communicate with clients in thoughtful, professional ways. “This program has really shaped me to be on the right track,” she shares. Supervisor, Dr. Ileana Ungureanu, notes Jenna “leads with professionalism, accountability, and empathy,” consistently fostering a supportive environment. For Jenna, this experience has turned compassion into practice, preparing her to make a meaningful impact beyond campus.
As some student workers take a front-of-the-house approach, others work behind the scenes, just as essential. Computer science undergraduate student and technical assistant, Jaylen Neely brings a problem-solver’s mindset to the GovState legal clinic. From troubleshooting printers to updating webpages and analyzing data, his work keeps systems running smoothly for both staff and community members. Along the way, he’s learned to work efficiently and adapt under pressure. Supervisor Dr. West highlights his “enthusiasm for problem-solving” and strong research mindset. For Jaylen, this position has allowed him to see how his skills can support others, turning everyday tasks into something that makes a difference in the local community.
While some roles keep systems running behind the scenes, others shape the very platforms students and faculty rely on every day. Behind every webpage, update, and polished detail is work that often goes unseen, but never unnoticed. Md Imtiaz Hasnine plays a key role in building the College of Business’s digital presence as a graduate assistant in the Management, Marketing, and Entrepreneurship division. From supporting the university’s website migration to assisting faculty with research and content development, his work requires adaptability and constant learning. Dr. Stephen Wagner highlights Imtiaz’s “reliability, curiosity, and strong willingness to learn.” For Imtiaz, this role has been about learning as he goes and growing into skills he once thought were out of reach.
Together, these student workers reflect the range of opportunities available at GovState and the impact of hands-on experience in shaping future careers. Whether working directly with community members, supporting faculty, or maintaining the systems that keep the university running, each student has developed skills that extend beyond the classroom.