Meléndez, de origen venezolano, piensa que su papel es especialmente importante porque en el College of Continuing Education existe una población de estudiantes inmigrantes. “Venimos con muchos sueños, pero también nos encontramos con muchos problemas en esta sociedad. Para mí, este cargo no es solo un título, sino una posición que me permite ayudar a otras personas a alcanzar sus sueños y metas”.
El SDCCD está gobernado por una junta directiva de cinco miembros elegidos públicamente, en colaboración con el rector, el director ejecutivo del distrito, que es responsable de aplicar las políticas aprobadas por la junta. Los estudiantes miembros del consejo, que se turnan, aportan un voto consultivo durante las reuniones del consejo y actúan como portavoces de los estudiantes en la toma de decisiones del distrito. Además de su función en el consejo, cada uno de ellos es presidente del gobierno estudiantil de su campus, dirige iniciativas en el centro educativo y forma parte de numerosos comités al servicio de los estudiantes.
Tras una sesión de capacitación para los estudiantes fideicomisarios, Meléndez dijo que fue valioso para él escuchar al rector y comprender el factor humano alrededor de su equipo y, sobre todo, “el amor, la pasión y la entrega que debe existir en cada uno de nosotros para ponerlos al servicio de nuestros estudiantes y de nuestra comunidad”.
Meléndez, llegó a Estados Unidos en 2017. Actualmente es agente de seguros y lleva tres años estudiando inglés. Meléndez considera que, al aprender otro idioma, uno se apropia de la cultura. Aprender el inglés le ha dado a él la oportunidad de involucrarse con la sociedad estadounidense. En el futuro, planea estudiar ciencia política en el colegio comunitario.
Meléndez asume el cargo de fideicomisario con experiencia ya que en su país de origen tuvo un cargo similar cuando era estudiante. Dijo que esa experiencia le ayudó a desarrollar sus habilidades de liderazgo y aprendió que “en estos puestos más que un título, se trata de una posición de servicio”.
Además, Meléndez considera que este cargo que ha asumido inspira también a sus dos hijos, quienes ven de manera directa en qué consiste la vocación de servicio. “Siento que el mejor regalo que puedo darle a la sociedad es dejar unos hijos que se preocupen por las personas necesitadas; que construyan en el futuro una sociedad más colaborativa y unida”.
El fideicomisario valora tanto su vida en San Diego, donde disfruta de las playas cuanto tiene tiempo de ocio con su familia, como su vida en la comunidad del colegio comunitario. “Somos una gran familia, donde profesores, personal, administrativo y estudiantes somos uno solo. Es nuestra casa, y es un hogar que nos brinda la posibilidad de ayudar a quienes lo necesitan. Y, si tú puedes creerlo, puedes hacerlo”.
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Serving to Transform: Yahir Melendez's Student Leadership at College of Continuing Education
Drawing on his experience as an immigrant and English language learner, Melendez proudly assumes his role as trustee with the goal of representing, inspiring, and empowering the student community.
As president of the San Diego College of Continuing Education Associated Students, Melendez considers it an honor to hold this position and be a trustee of the community college district because it allows him to represent students. “It is an honor to be another voice that helps address the real needs of our students,” he recently said.
Originally from Venezuela, Melendez believes his role is especially important because College of Continuing Education has a large immigrant student population. “We come with many dreams, but we also encounter many problems in this society. For me, this position is not just a title, but a role that enables me to help others achieve their dreams and goals.”
The SDCCD is governed by a five-member board of trustees who are publicly elected, along with the chancellor, the district's chief executive officer. The chancellor is responsible for implementing policies approved by the board. Student board members serve on a rotating basis and provide an advisory vote during board meetings. They also act as student advocates in district decision-making. In addition to their role on the board, each student trustee is president of their campus student government, leads initiatives at their school, and serves on numerous committees that support students.
After a training session for student trustees, Melendez said that hearing from the chancellor was valuable for him, as was understanding the human factor surrounding his team. Above all, he said, “we must have love, passion, and dedication to serve our students and our community.”
Melendez came to the United States in 2017 and now works as an insurance agent. He has been studying English for three years and believes that learning another language allows you to embrace the culture. Learning English has given him the opportunity to get involved in American society. He plans to study political science at community college in the future.
Melendez brings experience to the role of trustee, having held a similar position in his home country while he was a student. He said that experience helped him develop his leadership skills and taught him that, in these positions, “it's not about the title; it's about service.”
Additionally, Melendez believes that this position inspires his two children, who see firsthand what a vocation of service entails. “The best gift I can give society is leaving behind children who care about people in need and will build a more collaborative and united society in the future.”
The trustee appreciates his life in San Diego, where he enjoys the beaches with his family in his free time, as well as his life in the community college community. “We are one big family where teachers, staff, administrators, and students are all one,” Melendez said of College of Continuing Education. “It is our home, and it gives us the opportunity to help those in need. If you can believe it, you can do it.”