One of the most visible and helpful students at Western Nevada College over the past several years has been Andrea Sanchez De Loza. After serving as the Associated Students of Western Nevada president and senator, she transitioned into a student worker role for ASWN and Student Life.

Sanchez De Loza’s dedication and mentorship skills as a student worker have contributed to her being selected as the 2022-23 Western Nevada College Student Employee of the Year.  

"It feels really good to be recognized. My parents have always been a big influence on working hard but also being responsible. Being selected Student Employee of the Year is amazing because it acknowledges not only the work that I've done, but other people's kindness and appreciation of my being," she said.

Sanchez De Loza was recognized for this honor by a selection committee after being nominated by her supervisor, Heather Rikalo, coordinator of Student Life and ASWN adviser.

“Andrea is an outstanding example of what a student worker should be,” Rikalo said. “She consistently goes ‘above and beyond' in her office support to ASWN and Student Life and continuously exceeds the performance standards for her position as a Student Life Ambassador. 

“As her supervisor, I have had the opportunity to observe her superior skills as a mentor to incoming undergraduate students which includes working with diverse populations and providing tips on being a successful student.”

The WNC Student Employee of the Year Selection Committee would also like to congratulate other student workers who were nominated for the award: Pamela Dewitt, Admissions and Records; Vanessa Poopenga, Child Development Center; and Rosaura “Rosie” Vazquez, Counseling Services.

Many faculty members, staff and students remember when Sanchez De Loza served as ASWN president during the 2021-22 academic year. Her main concern then as president was the well-being of the students she was serving.

“I specifically want to help overcome students’ insecurity with food and any mental health issues that interfere with their education,” she said then. “I plan on bringing awareness and resources to students who are searching for these sources and need representation.”

A willingness to help others is naturally who she is.

"I think that no matter what, if I can go out of my way to help another, I will be there to help," Sanchez De Loza said. "I also believe that everyone is going through something they don't talk about and so just showing kindness toward everyone can go a far way."

Rikalo mentioned other qualities that make Sanchez De Loza stand out: punctuality, early completion of tasks, organizational skills, customer service, and more.

“Andrea is an asset to WNC and the Student Life Office. She is always professional and has a caring attitude. Her customer service skills are top notch and she is always professional when assisting others,” Rikalo said.

The Associate of Business degree student also uses part of her spare time to serve as president of WNC’s All Booked Book Club. Club members read three books per semester and meet twice per month to discuss these books.

“Andrea knows the importance of student engagement and has worked diligently to achieve a robust club membership. All of this is done on her own time,” Rikalo said.

April 10-14 is Student Employee Appreciation Week at WNC. Free donuts will be available in the Student Center on Tuesday morning. Student employee supervisors are encouraged to honor their workers in various ways during the week. 

Andrea Sanchez De Loza helps students with an art activity in the Diversity Center.

Andrea Sanchez De Loza serves pizza with ASWN members during a student function.