"I become energized about the amount of learning and discovery that takes place here - you can almost hear that energy buzzing!" Juan Flores Faculty / Student Success Programs / Folsom Lake College

Please talk about your experiences working with students in your programs:

I have the best of both worlds! I meet with students to aid them in planning out their courses, majors, possible careers, and to address issues that might affect their progress in school. I then work with students in the classroom where I am a part of the process and journey that they undergo as they become critical thinkers, educated members of society, and leaders in their communities. It is an honor to be able to be trusted by the students so that they disclose some very personal issues and concerns to me. I am not in the business of solving students' issues, but working with them to uncover possible solutions, identify steps needed to address them, and empower them to act. That way they are armed with the knowledge of doing rather than have it done for them.

What advice would you give to a new college student?

Be open to the journey that is higher education. Allow yourself the flexibility to be unsure about your major and career and to take courses that you have an interest in. Explore options, take the classes that interest you, and those that may intimidate you. You may find a totally new way of thinking, a direction, a passion!

What’s the favorite part of your job?

I love being on a college campus – just walking around, I become energized about the amount of learning and discovery that takes place here – you can almost hear that energy buzzing! And working with the students keeps me feeling young!

What was your proudest moment working with students?

When I hear a student say that my class was eye opening for them. That they were challenged to think differently than they were used to – that they look forward to coming to class…that is amazing!

Additional Information:

• "Diversity: Appreciating the Differences Among Us" - Chapter in the textbook Your College Experience volumes 5, 6, 7, 7th Concise
• "Career Development and the Migrant High School Student - A Curriculum for Counselors"
• Pedro Arrupe Service Award

Juan Flores has his B.A. and M.S. from CSU, Sacramento.