Joyce Perez
Working as the Linguistic Department’s sole student services advisor since 2002, Joyce Perez has guided countless undergraduate and graduate students on the path to commencement.
Perez has been a Trojan for more than 17 years. She started working toward her bachelor’s degree in social sciences in 1990 and, after an admittedly rocky journey, earned her diploma in 1998. Since then she has come back for a master’s degree in postsecondary administration and student affairs and is currently finishing her doctor of education at the Rossier School of Education.
Perez frequently draws on her personal experience when advising struggling students. “When my students come to me with issues,” she says, “I can empathize with them because I know how difficult it is. I know what it takes.” To further motivate students, Perez often pulls out her own USC transcripts, which catches many off guard. “Personally, I never thought I would make it as an undergrad,” she admits. “I share my experiences when students are feeling down about their situation.” She urges students to discover their passions and believes “you just have to want it to get it done.”
In addition to her work in the Linguistics Department, Perez recently ended a three-year term in the Staff Assembly. She spent two of those years as chair of the environment committee working with student organizations to host USC’s annual Environment Fair and launch the E-Waste Recycling program in 2006. Prior to joining the Linguistics Department, Perez worked in the MBA Career Center for four years.
Perez’s favorite part about her job is simply talking with students — even non-linguistics majors. “I always end up with one student who’s not (studying linguistics),” she says, laughing. “They come by once a week to chit chat.”
The highlight of Perez’s year is commencement. “Getting my students to that point is the goal,” she says. “It’s the most important part of my job.”
Caroline Cha, a junior linguistics major, says Perez not only works hard as an academic advisor, but also “makes a special effort to form a deep friendship with each student.” She says Perez makes her feel at home and is “relentlessly dedicated.”