People

Jose Murillo, a Palm Beach State College student and administrative assistant for the Educational Opportunity Center, has been accepted into the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators Undergraduate Fellows Program for 2014-2015.

Established in 1989, the program aims to diversify the pool of individuals interested in pursuing careers in student affairs and higher education. It is a structured mentorship program targeting students from traditionally underrepresented and historically disenfranchised populations. The four main components are: on-campus mentorship, access to regional and annual conference programming, summer internship availability and participation in leadership and career development activities.

“I’m anxious. I’m speechless. I’m excited to finish school. I’m excited to move on to what’s next,’’ Murillo said of being selected. “It sparked a new passion and gave me new hope.”

Murillo completed his Associate in Arts degree at PBSC in 2011 and is pursuing his Bachelor of Applied Science degree in general management.  He has been working as a full-time employee for the Educational Opportunity Center, a federally funded TRIO program at PBSC, since 2013. While pursuing his A.A. degree, he served as a student ambassador for TRIO and Outreach, which he says steered him on his current career track.

“I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do. Through the outreach, I was able to find out more about who I am and what I could do for students. I like helping people.”

Murillo applied for the Fellows Program with encouragement from his supervisor Zyana Torres, program manager for Educational Opportunity Center, who also recommended him.

“I’m glad he decided to apply and excited to see his growth. I am confident his participation will provide him with experiences that will ignite a deeper sense of passion and interest in pursuing a career in Student Affairs,’’ Torres said.