In this edition, we shine a spotlight on Alfonso Roca Suarez, a PhD candidate in our Latin American literatures and cultures track, who has been making a significant impact on campus.
Coming to Ohio State from Santa Cruz, Bolivia, Alfonso has been a part of our community for a little over five years. Currently immersed in the dissertation phase, Alfonso is not only contributing to the academic makeup of our department but is also playing a crucial role as a Graduate Advising Associate (GAA).
As a GAA, Alfonso is at the forefront of connecting undergraduate students with the multitude of resources the department, the College of Arts and Sciences, and Ohio State have to offer. The GAA program, unique to our department, serves as a bridge between students and the wealth of opportunities available to them.
"I joined the GAA program to have a different service and was always curious about what goes on behind the scenes," Alfonso shares. Through advising and promoting majors and minors, he and his fellow GAAs guide students toward study abroad programs, double major pathways, and other academic resources.
In addition to advising, the GAAs have undertaken initiatives to enhance the graduate student experience. Last semester, they secured a grant from the College of Arts and Sciences, creating a working group to promote skills and career options for graduate students. This effort aims to prepare graduate students for both academic and non-academic career paths.
Alfonso notes the importance of understanding the broader aspects of higher education. "Even if you go into academia, you still need to know what it means to organize a study abroad program and things like that." The GAA program is not only a resource hub for undergraduates but also an avenue for graduate students to gain valuable advising and organizational experience.
"We become a first contact person since students can recognize us and ask us their questions," Alfonso explains. This approach, he adds, is less intimidating than seeking information independently. Students have approached the GAAs with a range of inquiries, from the intricacies of being a graduate student to perspectives on applying to grad school and potential career paths.
Alfonso emphasizes that the GAA program serves a dual purpose. "It is useful for the undergrad students because it allows the department itself to communicate the resources we have, and as grad students, it gives us the opportunity to have the advising experience and to understand the behind-the-scenes look into higher education."
As Alfonso prepares to transition into a new phase of his career, his experiences as a GAA will undoubtedly serve him well. The impact he and his fellow GAAs have made on our department and its students is immeasurable, and we are grateful for their dedication to fostering a supportive academic environment.
