It’s only been minutes since Kristen Robinson, Student Activities Specialist, has returned from her afternoon meeting and already students are lined up to speak with her. She patiently answers their questions before returning to her room in the Student Activities Office.

Once she arrives, yet another student knocks on her door with an immediate concern and only moments later a maintenance worker barges in, inquiring if she’s available to speak to him.

She graciously pauses to attend the needs of everyone.

Since starting her career at Moorpark College this Fall, Robinson has spent her days constantly busy assisting students, serving as a leader, and building relationships all across campus. She took over the position of long-time staff member Sharon Miller.

From her education and work experience, all the way back to her 10 years in customer service, she has adopted the philosophy that the customer, or in this case the student, always comes first. It’s her number one priority to always make herself available to the students.

Robinson consistently attempts to say yes whenever possible, and if she can’t make herself available to help, she always makes sure that the students understand why and ultimately do get the answers they need to their questions.

“Sometimes it’s just a matter of stepping back and remembering that we [staff] are not here because it’s about us,” Robinson said.

Donna Rahgoshay, Student Director of Student Organizations, works closely with Robinson and members of the Associated Students. She explained that Robinson’s attitude towards students is what makes her a delight to work with on a daily basis. Robinson is always going out of her way to help students achieve their goals, she said.

“She’s just really open minded and really easy to get along with,” Rahgoshay said. “I feel like I could go to her for any issues, AS related or not.”

Simran Singh, Student Director of Academic Affairs, also works with Robinson on a daily basis. Singh mentioned that Robinson is really aware and always pushes everybody to do the best that they can do. She is very understanding about everybody’s life outside of school.

Singh thinks that the best part about working with Robinson is her encouragement for students to take the lead and work collaboratively on projects, assisting them whenever they need help, rather than telling them what to do and how to get it done.

“She works with us, not against us,” Singh said. “She really kind of forces us to utilize each other and work with each other.”

Robinson started off in the same position where the student’s at Moorpark College are today, studying in the Ventura County Community College District. After spending two years at Ventura College, Robinson went on the obtain her Bachelors degree at University of Santa Barbara in Sociology and ultimately received her Master’s from California Lutheran University in Guidance and Counseling. She always pictured herself working with and helping students.

“When I went to Ventura College, I did not have a fantastic experience with the counselors there,” Robinson said. “ I remember thinking ‘Why aren’t they more excited to get to work with students?’”

This was one of the biggest motivations for Robinson in choosing to become an advisor at Moorpark College, as well as her own educational path.

Being the first one in her family to graduate college, Robinson was passionate about her education from the beginning of her college career. She explained that while she was in school the expectation was set for her that she would complete her education, but the pathway to get there was not clear. Being able to do something to make that easier for students has been a large motivating factor in bringing her to the position she is in today.

Robinson stresses that creating relationships and connecting with people early on is incredibly helpful, because then students know exactly who to go to for what they need.

Her biggest piece of advice for students is to take the time to get involved in something that interests them during the time they are taking classes, whether that be practical experience, doing internships or getting involved in clubs. She stresses students focus on what is important, rather than what is simply urgent.

“I always tell students, and I wish I could go back and tell myself, that it’s all about taking the time to compliment your education by getting that practical experience and trying out new things,” Robinson said.