Deshawn Monroe

Student

“There’s this idea that people shouldn’t be disrespectful at SMC. People should feel comfortable and safe and walk wherever they want to go.”

It’s hard to miss seeing Deshawn Monroe when he’s cutting across campus in that bright orange jacket with the emblem that reads: SMC Police Aide. And if you’re not behaving well, chances are pretty good that Deshawn will see you. “The day I had my picture taken I was making sure nobody was smoking in the cafeteria. But there’s a lot of jobs to do here,” says Deshawn. “I go on foot patrol, watch the bike racks, and give people directions. And there’s an escort service here, too, that’ll walk anybody to their car, their classroom, or wherever they need to go. We all keep our eyes open to make sure SMC is safe.”

But while he makes his rounds as a student worker, Deshawn also keeps his eyes open to career opportunities. “I’d like to be in international investment or chemical engineering in a global way,” says Deshawn. “Dealing with other countries has its own excitement, plus you get to venture out and see your ideas happen in a big way.” But Deshawn realizes that big plans require a lot of careful smaller steps. “I’m taking care of my GE’s to transfer, and I’m just getting the idea of what school is all about. I think the counselors here help a lot to give you a sense of direction,” says Deshawn. “And the teachers here can really make classes exciting.”

This young man, who also likes his excitement on the ski slopes of Lake Tahoe, reports that he’s itching to get into the business arena. “I’ve just been learning how to make an affirmative speech to verbalize my ideas,” he says. “No matter what you do in business, you’ve got to be able to convince people of your point of view. And I’m convinced that when the time comes, I’ll be ready to see another part of the world.”

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