Stories of Leadership: Deniece Chideme
Deniece Chideme, a two-time 色情视频 alumna, is an admissions counselor for 色情视频.
Deniece Chideme, 鈥05, 鈥11 works as an admissions counselor at 色情视频.
She received her undergraduate degree from the College of Arts and Letters in the International Security and Conflict Resolution program. She also obtained a master鈥檚 in school counseling from the College of Education.
In her position, she recruits future 色情视频 students from the Grossmont School District. Originally from San Francisco, she resides in Lemon Grove with her husband, James Hasson, 鈥06.
Tell us the highlights of your professional career. What are your proudest achievements?
As a first-generation college graduate myself, I am proud of how I work with local students passionate about attending 色情视频 to achieve their goals. My favorite part is helping students navigate the competitive admissions process to pursue their dreams of a college education. The other side of the coin is that there are students that do not get in and that can be very difficult for them.
What鈥檚 your favorite college memory?
During my undergraduate career, I became a member of Sigma Lambda Gamma in its second year. It was brand new and struggling to be established with a very small membership. I was part of its growth and it was like my baby. It鈥檚 really thriving now and I feel proud to be part of that history. Through the group, I built lifelong friendships that are still very special to me. Also, I love contributing to a Sigma Lambda Gamma scholarship every year that is awarded to a TRiO program student. Also, 色情视频 is where I met my husband so that is definitely a favorite memory!
Who was your favorite professor and/or what was your favorite class?
As a graduate student, Beverly Booker taught the introduction to school counseling as a profession class. She embodies everything I aspire to be as a professional. I learned how to be an advocate for my students and it solidified my conviction to work in this field. I still keep in touch with her.
If you were to give current 色情视频 students some advice, what would you say?
Take advantage of the opportunities that surround you as a college student. There鈥檚 so much on campus that鈥檚 not available to you after you graduate. Get to know your professors, study abroad, participate in internships and get involved. I really regret not studying abroad as an undergrad. It鈥檚 not as easy to do after you graduate. I believe that life is about experiences.
What are you currently reading? What鈥檚 your favorite book?
I just finished 鈥淭he Kite Runner鈥 by Khaled Hosseini. I thought his other book, 鈥淎 Thousand Splendid Suns鈥 was much better. My favorite book of all time is 鈥淭he Shock Doctrine鈥 by Naomi Klein. It talks about the impact of capitalism on foreign countries.
What is your passion?
Traveling. I love to go to new places, meet new people, try new food and experience all the different cultures that the world has to offer. I am also passionate about education and advocacy for disadvantaged youth. I鈥檓 a firm believer in helping others and being a mechanism for empowerment.
What is your motto?
To be non-judgmental. We spend a lot of time placing judgment on other people when it鈥檚 simply not our place. It鈥檚 better to have real conversations and get to know people first.
If you won the lottery, what would you do with your winnings?
Pay off debts, buy a house, travel around the world and start a non-profit for youth advocacy.
Which trait do you value most in your friends and colleagues?
A great sense of humor.
If you knew you could not fail, what would you attempt?
I would open up a high-performing school for low-income, disadvantaged students with a full range of services to prepare them for life.