MSJC Welcomes New Student Trustee: Samantha Cardenas
6/17/2024
On Thursday, June 13, 2024, the Mt. San Jacinto Community College District proudly welcomed Samantha Cardenas as the new student trustee. Samantha steps into this role following the graduation of her predecessor, Joseph Awad. Superintendent/President Dr. Roger Schultz administered the Oath of Office during the board meeting.
At 19, Samantha, a resident of San Jacinto, is pursuing a business administration degree and is on track to graduate in spring 2025. An active member of the Puente Program and a commissioner in the Student Government, she plans to transfer to the University of California, Riverside, after earning her associate degree to further her education.
Samantha is a first-generation college student inspired by her parents, who built their business from the ground up. She is already applying her coursework knowledge to contribute to her family’s business operations.
“I’m learning things that my parents never got to learn in order to run their business, so what I’m learning at MSJC, I’m passing it on to my family to allow them the same benefits,” Samantha shared.
She attributes much of her successful transition to college life to the support of her Puente Coordinator and English professor, Carla Maroudas. “Especially as a first-generation college student, I didn’t know anything about college,” she said.
Samantha was motivated to become the student trustee by her friend and former student trustee, Joseph Awad. “Joseph was a great mentor. I have big shoes to fill, but also want to find the shoes that fit me,” she said, emphasizing her commitment to listening to students and bringing their voices to the board.
Please join us in congratulating Samantha Cardenas on her new role and supporting her as she represents the student body at Mt. San Jacinto College.