Jessica Medina
Jessica Medina, administrative assistant in the Office for Residential Education, is “enthusiastic and charismatic," says Andrea Torres, student services manager, Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs.
“She is a sweet, kind-hearted person,” adds Torres. “Jessica is a pleasure to work with and takes working in Student Affairs seriously.”
Medina is responsible for managing general office tasks as well as the calendar of Lynette Merriman, senior associate dean of students. She also works on a newsletter focusing on events in the residential halls and issues in residential education. This spring she is helping with the data entry for the Student Recognition Awards and will volunteer at the awards ceremony on May 15.
“Jessica brings incredible energy to the office,” says Lynette Merriman, senior associate dean for Student Affairs. “She is a wonderful addition to our office bringing a can-do positive attitude coupled with a passion for working with students.”
Medina enjoys interacting with students. “It’s why I took this job,” she says. “Being on campus is a lot different from the corporate world; it’s more relaxed.”
Medina earned her bachelor’s degree in communications from Woodbury University and is taking classes toward a Master of Education in Postsecondary Administration and Student Affairs. While this is her first after-college job, she brings two years of experience working in residential education as both a resident advisor and community advisor at Woodbury University.
“Working in an educational setting provides the motivation to keep your education going,” says Medina. “It doesn’t allow you to get lazy.”
In her free time, Medina likes to visit museums to see special exhibits, watch movies, shop and play softball. She’s currently part of a team in Manhattan Beach with other USC staff members.