Pelayo ‘plants seed’ in beginning students to go further

When MHCC President Debbie Derr and other administrators presented Cecelia Pelayo, Adult Basic Skills administrative assistant, with one of three 2014 Outstanding Support Staff Awards, she was more worried than excited.

“At the beginning I was kind of in shock, because I was in my meeting, supposedly,” said Pelayo.

As the mother of three children with a fourth on the way, Pelayo said she always keeps her phone nearby in case of emergencies. So, when she was told someone wanted to see her urgently, she was concerned it was about her family, even though her phone didn’t ring.

Apart from doing office work, she also provides a lot of customer service, she said, anything from explaining how to get a student ID card or to use the testing center, to giving information on financial aid and scholarships.

“I think the most rewarding (part) is to see those students who come at the beginning sometimes with no knowledge of college or where to go and being able to provide the information they are looking for… or at least plant a seed (so) they can go farther in college,” Pelayo said.

She has been a MHCC employee for six years and has held her current position for two years. She is an MHCC graduate: She completed the Mental Health and Human Services program, but also went through the Transitions program and English as a Second Language courses.

“I think that helps a lot… being able to connect to students and knowing exactly where they’re coming from.  I think being a student probably made me more patient and (able) to help them better,” Pelayo said.

“As a (former) student here, from Mt. Hood, being able to get this is a big thing for me. It’s huge. That gives me more… good energy that I think we all need to provide good customer service.

“I just want to say thank you to those that really took the time” to nominate her, she said.