Category: Student Leadership

Human services resource center (HSRC) is located in Champinefu Lodge at the Oregon State University. I first came to know about the HSRC when my roommate told me that “There’s this awesome place that puts money in your student card for food.” I went onto their website and learned that not only with food insecurity but HSRC helps people with textbooks, housing, and other facilities like free laundry, showers and printing etc.

Being a student, especially an international student, it is very hard to take care of yourself while dealing with the school stress. There’s so many students who just eat one meal and get through the day with that. One thing I learned throughout my time in OSU is that taking care of your health is more important than anything. Nobody should skip their meals to buy course materials; but unfortunately, we all do for our own reasons.

I always wanted to work at a place that helps people making their lives a little easier. I was searching a lot, and then I found out HSRC had a job opening. I knew this was it. I was always so impressed by the HSRC team and what they did for students and the OSU community. I applied for the job as  Textbook Lending Program Coordinator and got this job after going through an in-person interview.

The first person I met here was Erica. She was one of the GTA’s who worked with us and guide our way. After my first interaction with Erica, I knew working at the HSRC was going to be a great experience. She introduced me to the awesome team we have here, and gave me a full tour of the place. Each one of our team members welcomed me as if they knew me from earlier. They all were so welcoming and made sure I was comfortable and all settled here. I love asking questions and for my luck, people here at the HSRC love helping you with any concerns too. The work place is highly open for new ideas and our boss makes sure we all are heard and gives us the required feedback. We have staff meetings every other week where we discuss every possible work related agenda, and where we give our feedback to our boss on how things are working overall. I believe these meetings are a great way to discuss any negatives, or positives happening at our workplace. Other than that, we have one-to-one interactions with one of our GTAs every other week. In these conversations we can talk about anything work related or our personal lives. These interactions helped me a lot to lower my school stress and to ask any random questions about work.

Overall, my first term working at the HSRC has been great. I learned a lot about our food pantry, textbook program, SNAP program and all the other amazing services that we have here. I love our team, and their enthusiasm to help others. I am looking forward to my time here in the coming terms.

Name:  Arisa Larmay Barrientos

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

HSRC Job Title: Textbook Lending Program Assistant

Major: BS in Microbiology and BS in Nutrition

Minor: Chemistry

Career Aspirations: My career aspirations include going to medical school and becoming a doctor- specifically an Anesthesiologist. I want to educate and advocate for people who are not able to cover their healthcare expenses or have opted out of treatment because it was a financial burden.

Why did you want to work at the HSRC?  Last summer, I went through a difficult time. I was homeless, couch surfing with friends, would pick cans/bottles out of the trash and recycling to buy something to eat and didn’t know what was next. I ended up meeting with Miguel, our Basic Needs Navigator at the HSRC to talk about emergency housing and my life turned around. He connected me with resources to help me get out of the difficult time I was going through. When I heard the HSRC was hiring I knew I had to be a part of this team. It’s a wonderful feeling when you find out about a resource that improves your life. That’s what we do here.

What do you like to do in your free time? I like to dance and stay active. I also like helping others and giving back. Thus, I started a nonprofit called We Care & Can* with a mission to provide financial support to people who don’t have health insurance, their health insurance does not cover certain health related treatments or the large copays and high deductibles have left them with large healthcare bills.  We do this by collecting can/bottle donations. Donate your cans/bottles on campus to any of the following locations:

• Ettihad Cultural Center- SEC 380
• Science Success Center- Kidder 109
• LSAMP Center- Waldo 123
• Cesar Chavez Cultural Center
• Women and Gender Center
• Pride Center

What’s your favorite yummy and cheap meal? I really like cheerios with yogurt or carrots with hummus. You get a balance of proteins, carbs and fats.

Do you have any tips for students on how to save money? Use coupons or discounts. The Student Survival Kit has some great coupons! Sometimes the Memorial Union has extra so go ask at the informational desk. If you sign up for TOGOS you get $3 off. Check out OSU’s calendar free food events and @eatfreeOSU on Twitter or @hsrcosu on Instagram. Sign up for SNAP benefits, if you have questions feel free to contact us to set up a meeting at 541-737-3747.

What are your favorite things to do in Corvallis? I like to get a blended black tea with peach and passion fruit from Dutch and go to either of my two “secret” spots to clear my head, think and take a break from school.

*We Care & Can is in the process of becoming a registered 501(c)(3).

Name: Rosalie Bernabe

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

HSRC Job Title: Food Pantry Assistant

Major/Minor: Psychology with French minor

Career Aspirations: My biggest goal is to start a charity to give scholarships/grants to students of color with mental illnesses. I also want to open a private practice and offer as many free services to low-income communities as possible. I want to travel and connect with people from different cultures and learn their languages/dialects.

Why did you want to work at the HSRC? I wanted to join the team of amazing people doing amazing things. This was a great opportunity for me to become more involved and learn about ways to help people gain access to necessary resources.

What do you like to do in your free time? I love dancing- if all else fails, I will become a dance instructor. I also enjoy writing, reading, snacking (a lot), watching movies, and hanging out with friends.

What’s your favorite yummy and cheap meal? Instant noodles are awesome. Also, the HSRC has a “Forgot your Lunch?” area and a twitter to keep up with free food events on campus @eatfreeOSU.

Do you have any tips for students on how to save money? Open a savings account, put money in it every paycheck, and tell yourself it isn’t yours. You could also put money in jars for specific events or goals. Having someone to hold you accountable (friends/family members) is also helpful, but it’s important to remember they won’t always be there to do so.

What are your favorite things to do in Corvallis? I love taking walks around campus and downtown; the scenery is just tooo good! Whenever we feel overwhelmed, my friends and I like to go on random adventures.

Name: Navdeep Kaur

Pronouns: She/ Her/ Hers

HSRC Job Title: Textbook Lending Program Assistant

Major/Minor: Computer Science with my focus on Human Computer Interaction (HCI)

Career Aspirations: My career goal is to develop my own website that will offer various things to help the people in need. I also want to work with a company that will help me gain all the experience that I need to go out in the real world and work on my own.

Why did you want to work at the HSRC?

I wanted to work at the HSRC because I love helping others. When I first heard about the HSRC, I was so amazed by the work they do. Working at the HSRC means meeting new people, making connections and it gave me a chance to be an active part of the OSU community too.

What will we be working on this year?

I will focus on reaching out to more people about our textbook lending program and HSRC.

What do you like to do in your free time?

In my free time I like to make some tea or coffee and watch Netflix. I also play badminton when I have time.

What’s your favorite yummy and cheap meal to make?

My favorite quick, yummy and cheap meal is egg sandwich. I just make an omelet and put it in toasted bread with mayonnaise and ketchup.

Do you have tips for students on how to save money?

My first tip would be to get involved with our HSRC. We have all different kinds of services that can help a student save a lot of money. My second tip would be to make food at home instead of going out to eat because I saved a lot of money when I stopped eating outside everyday.

What is your favorite thing to do in Corvallis?

Corvallis is all about nature. I love going to  the different parks . I like to walk around Downtown Corvallis too in the night.

Name: Asra Noor

Pronouns: She/ Her/ Hers

HSRC Job Title: Food Pantry Coordinator

Major/Minor: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology with a focus on Computational Molecular Biology

Career Aspirations: My career goal is to become a research scientist in pharmaceuticals .

Why did you want to work at the HSRC?

I wanted to work at the HSRC because I wanted to get more involved with the community. As an international student, I felt very limited in my connections with the OSU and the Corvallis community. Furthermore working here allows me to reach out to more people about the resources that the HSRC has and spread awareness. I think it can be really tricky to navigate life as a full time students and through the HSRC I get to provide support and guidance.

What will we be working on this year?

I will be working on organizing Food Pantries throughout the year. My goal is to make the Food Pantry a a very welcome place with enough resources to increasing number of patrons.

What do you like to do in your free time?

In my free-time I like to watch YouTube videos, go on walks, read and relax.

What’s your favorite yummy and cheap meal to make?

My go to cheap meal is Kimchi Ramen, it’s not very healthy but it is so good and it’s cheap!

Do you have tips for students on how to save money?

I think from my experience I have learned to meal prep, you will not realize how fast the money goes when you are eating meals out everyday! It makes a huge difference to your bank to not eat out everyday!

What is your favorite thing to do in Corvallis?

I really enjoy going to different parks with my cat and friends and taking evening walks.

Name: Kevin Schultz

Pronouns: He/His

HSRC Job Title: Partnerships and Outreach Graduate Teaching Assistant

Major/minor: Master’s in College Student Services Administration

Career Aspirations: I intend to work within higher education, focusing on gender equity, sexual assault/coercion, and male identity development. Where exactly and in what capacity, is yet to be determined.

Why did you want to work at the HSRC? I spent 6 1/2 years with Jackson Street Youth Services, working with youth and young adults facing basic needs insecurity in Linn, Benton, and Lincoln Counties. I could not turn down the chance to continue this work, with students facing similar situations. I also believe that basic needs are a right and when students struggle with them they struggle with succeeding as students. I believe a solid education is the solution to most of the world’s problems, so I was excited to help students achieve that.

What will you be working on? I help supervise our student staff, assist with Poverty Action Week (formerly H&H Week), establish and maintain partnerships with community members from OSU and Corvallis, handle various office responsibilities regarding Champinefu Lodge, recruiting for our Advisory Board, etc.

What do you like to do in your free time? I spend as much time as possible with friends. But I also really enjoy TV and movies as well as playing video games. I try to find time to do homework as well.

What’s your favorite yummy and cheap meal that you like to make? I really like eating chips with tuna fish mixed with black beans and hot sauce. Treating it like a dip. Try it, thank me later.

Do you have any tips for students on how to save money? I grocery shop at WINCO, exclusively. Their bulk section is the best in Corvallis for the price. I try to walk or bike most days and utilize the FREE BUS SERVICE. I also share streaming accounts with friends so we don’t all have to pay for the entertainment.

What are you favorite things to do in Corvallis? I enjoy going to the movies, concerts, and the myriad of local events here in Corvallis.

Where is your favorite spot to relax on campus? I really enjoy the Student Involvement Lounge in the SEC, as well as the library. Also the student lounge in Bexel is quite cozy.

What is your favorite TV show and why? My list is quite long but my absolute favorites: Bob’s Burgers; Queer Eye; Scrubs; Parks and Rec; South Park; Shameless; and American Horror Story. Just to name a few. I really enjoy comedies and very layered dramas.

Gloria; Nutrition Education coordinator

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Major: Food Science and Technology with a minor in Chemistry

Career aspirations: I keep changing my mind about this but, currently I would want to work in Food and Agriculture research, using science and technology to address the world’s food and agriculture challenges.

Why did you want to work at the HSRC?

I first learned about the HSRC when I had just transferred to Oregon State University. I wanted  a job that would give me the opportunity to connect with other students and the Corvallis community. I also wanted to be able to make a positive impact by joining the fight against hunger and poverty on campus, so HSRC was just right for me!

What will you be working on?

I will be working on cooking classes! I love cooking, and learning new things in the kitchen. I’m also looking forward to having more conversation and discussions about classism, food insecurity and several other topics during the classes.

What do you like to do in your free time?

I am always down for a Netflix Binge. I  also really like cooking and trying to recreate some of my mom’s recipes (doesn’t always go well).

Favorite yummy and cheap meal:

Black bean Chili and rice. This is one of those meals that I grew up on. I think it’s always really easy to make,really yummy and filling. Also, for one of the cooking classes we had during Spring term we made a really quick and easy bread recipe! The bread always goes really with the black bean chili!

What are your favorite things to do in Corvallis?

I really like trying out new restaurants and walking around downtown especially over the summer!

Favorite TV show?

I have quite a couple, but my current favorite is Mr. Robot. It’s a show that follows a young man who is computer programmer by day but a vigilante hacker by night. He’s trying to bring down multinational corporate companies that he believes are running and ruining the world by hacking them. (He’s kind of like a modern day robin hood.)It’s easily one of the best things I’ve ever watched, the writing is really good and the actors do a really good job giving life to the characters.

Name: Mimi Monterrosas

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

HSRC Job Title: Events and Programming Coordinator

Major/minor: Biology with a pre-med option

Career Aspirations: My career goal is to become a primary care physician for low income and/or migrant working families.

Why did you want to work at the HSRC? I wanted to work with HSRC because the help they provide the community is inspiring. I believe everyone should have access to everyday needs. I want to help make a difference through the work I do and HSRC allows me to do that.

What will you be working on? I will be working on creating and planning events on campus that helps promote the work we do here at HSRC. I will also be working closely with other clubs, cultural centers, and organizations to plan these events.

What do you like to do in your free time? I enjoy creating new makeup looks and doing makeup on others. Also, I collect hip hop albums and vinyls.

What’s your favorite yummy and cheap meal that you like to make? My favorite cheap meal to make would be grilled cheese sandwiches. I throw in some ham or spinach too.

Do you have any tips for students on how to save money? I am a huge fan of planning and budgeting. I have a journal that I use to calculate all my expenses and making sure I am within my budget. Also, when shopping I try to look for the best price possible, so take your time when shopping.

What are you favorite things to do in Corvallis? I enjoy going out to eat with friends and exploring new places around town.

Where is your favorite spot to relax on campus? My favorite spot to relax on campus would be Waldo hall because there are always treats out for people and it’s a great study area.

What is your favorite show and why? My favorite show is The Office because the zoom ins of the characters’ reactions always make me laugh! 

Name: Michelle Garibay

 Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

HSRC Job Title: HSRC Student Fee Committee  Liaison

 Major/minor:  My major is Kinesiology with an option in Pre-therapy and Allied Health and a minor in Business and Entrepreneurship.

Career Aspirations: My end goal is to become a Physical Therapist and work with young athletes and/or kids in order to help them recover from their injuries. 

Why did you want to work at the HSRC? The HSRC is able to provide basic human need to many students including myself. I wanted to be apart of a team that has had such a big impact on students lives. Also, being able to see how each of our resources is  helping student achieve their academic goals reminds me that I am part of a team that is making a difference people’s lives.

What will you be working on this year?I will be the liaison for the HSRC at all of the student fee committee meetings and will also attend all advisor board meetings. Additionally, I will be assisting with the SNAP Ambassador Program.

What do you like to do in your free time? During my free time I enjoy hanging out with friends. I also, enjoy binge watching shows on Netflix.

What’s your favorite yummy and cheap meal to make? My favorite cheap meal is tuna pasta. You boil the pasta of your choice, once it’s ready you add tuna, pepper, salt, corn, peas, and butter. Tada it’s super easy and yummy.

Do you have any tips for students on how to save money? I use pocket points (an app) to get a Dutch Bros coffee for 2 dollars. Additionally, I try really hard not to purchase food on-campus.

What are your favorite things to do in Corvallis? In Corvallis, there is not a lot of activities to do but, I do like to try new places to eat around town.

What is your favorite spot to relax on campus? I enjoy studying and hanging out at the Student Experience Center (SEC). The SEC is a beautiful building full of colors and natural lighting.

What is your favorite TV show and why? I watch a lot of TV so, I have way too many. However, during the summer my favorite is Big Brother. I’ve been watching it for years now so, feel the obligation to watch it every summer.