Meet Our Library Outreach Students

Whether it’s a Library Ambassador welcoming people at library orientations and tours, a Graphic Design student creating an eye-catching poster, a Library Events Coordinator preparing a special event’s set up, or an Outreach Student Assistant reviewing feedback forms, the library’s Outreach department depends tremendously on the front-line and behind-the-scenes work of our students. So we’d like you to meet them!

Sarai Bogoratt, Library Ambassador

Sarai Blog pic

Tell us about yourself!

I’m a Senior English major from the San Fernando Valley and I have three siblings and a dog named Gidget.

Any favorite books or movies?

I’m reading Luis Rodríguez’s Always Running and I’m really enjoying it! My favorite film is a tie between Remember the Titans and The Freedom Writers.

Why did you want to become a Library Ambassador?

I loved working in the library [in a different department] my sophomore year and when this position was brought to my attention I was thrilled and excited to represent the library where I love to work and study. In my final year I’m seeing some of the skills I’ve obtained during my years here in other positions off campus and in roles where I hope to eventually get a full time position. I’ve valued everything I’ve learned from work ethic to computer skills. I’m proud to be a library student employee.

What’s one thing about you that people would be surprised to learn?

I used to dance Ballet and I was on pointe for several years!

Lauren Brown, Library Ambassador

Lauren Blog picTell us about yourself!

I’m a senior Political Science major, International Relations minor, from Madera, California! Along with being a Library Ambassador, I work in the Archives & Special Collections in the library and I am a member of Delta Zeta Sorority.

Any favorite books or movies?

My favorite book right now is Mrs. Kennedy and Me by Clint Hill, the Secret Service Agent on President Kennedy’s detail who was in the car on the day he was fatally shot. I’m always looking for suggestions! 🙂

Why did you want to become a Library Ambassador?

I have been grateful to call the library my place of employment since my first year at LMU. I wanted to become a Library Ambassador so I could give back and show others all the cool, hidden secrets in this library that are often overlooked.  Getting to play with therapy dogs and cats during Finals Week outside of the library is just an added perk!

What do you look forward to the most about working at the library?

All of the events that the library coordinates: Faculty Pub Night, Haunting at Hannon Library, Human Library, etc. All of these are incredible events that are so surprising to me to be hosted by a library at a college. Being involved in these events is rewarding and exciting!

What’s one thing about you that people would be surprised to learn?

They would be surprised to learn that I have 6 siblings!

Darwin Chavez, Library Ambassador

Darwin Blog pic 2Tell us about yourself!

I’m from Los Angeles and I’m currently a sophomore. I am a Communications major and I want to work in either in sports public relations or sports management.

Any favorite books or movies?

Harry Potter, Percy Jackson (books not the movies), Series of Unfortunate Events, anything written by John Green, and the Friday movies starring Ice Cube.

Why did you want to become a Library Ambassador?

I wanted to become a Library Ambassador because I had already worked at the library in the Collections Management department and I thought my familiarity with the library would serve me well as an Ambassador. I also like working with people and the Ambassador position has allowed me to improve on those skills.

What do you look forward to the most about working at the library?

I’m looking forward to seeing the library through a different lens as an Ambassador.

What’s one thing about you that people would be surprised to learn?

I know the meanings and origins of over 100 first names.

Taylor Clark, Library Ambassador

tcTell us about yourself!

I am a first year Psychology and Sociology double major from Simi Valley, California.

Any favorite books or movies?

Some of my favorite books are A Thousand Setting Suns by Khaled Hosseini, Macbeth by Shakespeare, King Lear by Shakespeare, and The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald.

Why did you want to become a Library Ambassador?

I wanted to become a Library Ambassador because I love our library, I spend most of my time in the study rooms, and I love using all the resources. (The movies behind the Circulation desk are my favorite.)

What do you look forward to the most about working at the library?

Giving tours of the library and telling people about all the fun things that happen in the library, beyond just studying.

What’s one thing about you that people would be surprised to learn?

I love different kinds of food. My favorite kind of food is Indian, followed by Mexican, then Italian.

Christiana Davis, Outreach Student Assistant

Christiana Blog picTell us about yourself!

My name is Christiana Davis. I am a Sophomore majoring in English with a minor in Political Science and Journalism. With my respected degree, I aspire to become a news anchor for CNN.

Any favorite books or movies?

My favorite book is Timekeeper by Mitch Albom. My favorite movie is The Notebook!

Why did you want to become a Library Outreach Student Assistant?

I wanted to be a part of an environment that not only enhances the pursuit of education, but also makes reading, diversity, and knowledge an integral part of its mission.

What do you look forward to the most about working at the library?

I am looking forward to seeing how social media and information literacy develop and change as channels of library communication.

What’s one thing about you that people would be surprised to learn?

I learned Spanish before I learned English.

Juliana Ferraro, Library Ambassador

Juliana Blog picTell us about yourself!

My name is Juliana Ferraro and I’m from Stamford, CT. I’m a Communication Studies Major and plan to minor in Biology. My main goal is to have a job with animals, hopefully, studying the behavior of monkeys. My hobbies include photography, running, and listening to music. I played ice hockey for 4 years and love to travel. My favorite places I’ve been to are Costa Rica, France and Venice. I’d love to go to Thailand and Australia! I am thrilled to be working as a Library Ambassador!

Any favorite books or movies?

My favorite book is The Stranger by Albert Camus and my favorite movie is The Silence of the Lambs. Both have ideas that challenge the normal frame of mind, which I love.

Why did you want to become a Library Ambassador?

The library is one of (if not the most) interesting assets of LMU and I wanted to be involved with showing prospective students and other people what our library has to offer!

What do you look forward to the most about working at the library?

I am very excited to learn more about the library. LMU is an incredible school with amazing opportunities and I’m grateful I have the chance to be a part of the library community!

What’s one thing about you that people would be surprised to learn?

People would be surprised to learn that I’m gay and a big supporter of the LGBTQ community. I love talking about many social justice topics and have a very open mind!

John Fredericks, Library Ambassador

John Blog picTell us about yourself!

I am from Portland (OR) pursuing a degree in Marketing with a minor in Psychology. I am in the Crimson Circle service organization and I am the President of Club Tennis.

Any favorite books or movies?

One of my favorite movies is Good Will Hunting and I have too many favorite books to choose.

Why did you want to become a Library Ambassador?

I wanted to be a Library Ambassador because I wanted to make known the wide variety of resources the library has to offer!

What do you look forward to the most about working at the library?

Working with the friendly and helpful staff at the library!

Cynthia Garcia, Library Ambassador

Cynthia Blog picTell us about yourself!

I am a junior English major with a Women Studies minor. I love to conduct research and I plan to pursue my Ph.D. in the intersecting fields of Literature and the Chicana identity. I am also very proud to be the first in my family to attend college. I’m a first generation college student and a proud daughter of immigrant parents. I’m originally from Inglewood, California.

Any favorite books or movies?

Although there’s too many to list, some of my favorite books include the entire Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling, The Collector by John Fowles, and How the Garcia Girls Lost Their Accents by Julia Alvarez.

Why did you want to become a Library Ambassador?

I’ve always dreamed of working in a library since I was a little girl. I wanted to become a Library Ambassador to expose others to the wonders of knowledge it holds and the many cool events put on by our library such as the Haunting of Hannon Library.

What do you look forward to the most about working at the library?

The free food at library events! Yum!

What’s one thing about you that people would be surprised to learn?

I have a total of four sisters and three brothers.

Mario Gallardo, Library Events Coordinator

Mario blog picTell us about yourself!

I am a Junior attending Loyola Marymount University pursuing a Major in History and a Minor in Asian & Pacific Studies. I have been working as a Student Worker here since my first year as an undergraduate, starting out in the Archives & Special Collections Department and now a part of the Library Administration. I enjoy exploring History, drawing, learning, sleeping as well as laying back and enjoying time with my family and friends.

Why did you want to become a Library Events Coordinator?

What made me want to take this job was the opportunity to gain further skills that I may need in life as I try to pursue a career in Archiving and Librarianship. I wanted to build connections with other librarians and look at the jobs that libraries have to offer. I also needed to broaden my horizons after working in the Archives & Special Collections here at the library.

What’s one thing about you that people would be surprised to learn?

I really enjoy listening to music, exploring new genres, I enjoy sketching, learning new ways to draw, and even though I’ve lived my entire life here in Los Angeles, I have yet to see a majority of the city.

Kayla Gill, Library Ambassador

Kayla Blog picTell us about yourself!

My name is Kayla Gill and I am a first year student double majoring in Communications and Psychology.

Any favorite books or movies?

My favorite books are To Kill a Mockingbird and Kite Runner. I don’t have a specific favorite movie, however, I usually enjoy comedy and super hero movies.

Why did you want to become a Library Ambassador?

I decided to become a Library Ambassador because I wanted to represent and be a part of the amazing events and services the library had to offer beyond just stacks of books. I am most looking forward to sharing this information with other people to help them get involved and use everything the library has to offer.

What’s one thing about you that people would be surprised to learn?

A fun fact about me is that my spirit animal is a spider monkey.

Yiwen Liu, International Library Ambassador

IMG_4520Tell us about yourself!

My name is Yiwen Liu, I am an international student from Tangshan, Hebei, China. I am a sophomore accounting and marketing double major at LMU. I like to go on adventures to explore the diversity of the city and find excitement.

Any favorite books or movies?

My favorite book from 2016 is And Then There Were None by English writer Agatha Christie. I am a big fan of mystery stories.

Why did you want to become a Library Ambassador?

Because I am passionate about organizing social events and creating fun activities with other people.

What do you look forward to the most about working at the library?

Creating a relationship and connection with LMU’s library facilities.

What’s one thing about you that people would be surprised to learn?

I’m not very good at writing.

Beverly Pérez, Library Ambassador

Beverly Blog picTell us about yourself!

I was born in Guatemala but raised for the majority of my life in Los Angeles. I grew up between Westchester & Inglewood and went to school in beautiful Playa del Rey. It is safe to say I am fairly local.

Any favorite books or movies?

Some of my favorite books include Rogue Lawyer by John Grishman and The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger. Some of my favorite movies include Grease (the original), Dead Poets Society, The Avengers, and Captain America.

Why did you want to become a Library Ambassador?

I became a Library Ambassador because Ray [the Programming Librarian] told me to! Ha-ha no I’m just kidding. Although Ray was a reason why I became an Ambassador, honestly, I chose to be a Library Ambassador in order to better interact with and impact visiting students. Also, it is a way for me to break out of my shell.

What do you look forward to the most about working at the library?

I’ve worked at the Circulation Desk for about a year and a half, so I know the library pretty well. I guess I would say I’m looking forward to seeing the library from a different point of view.

What’s one thing about you that people would be surprised to learn?

I’m kind of a tomboy. I grew up with two brothers and many cousins, so sports, especially soccer (Barcelona all the way!), fights, and anything in between has made me who I am.

Heather Pilkington, Graphic Design Student

heather

Tell us a little about yourself!

Hi there! My name is Heather Pilkington and I’m a senior Graphic Design major here at LMU. I’m originally from Boston, Massachusetts and moved to California to enjoy the sunshine and social justice based education that LMU has to offer! When I’m not in class you can find me in SLD working as a graphic designer for ASLMU, at service for Belles Service Organization and of course, working for the William H. Hannon Library. You’ll often find me studying in the Den with friends and fueling my college student “necessity” of coffee. If you see me around campus, please say hi: I love meeting new people!

Any favorite books or movies?

I love to read, so it’s quite challenging for me to pick just one! If we’re going by the classical canon, I would say I’ve always loved Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury. It’s an interesting reflection on problems in our own society!

Why did you want to become the library’s student graphic designer?

I love working as a graphic designer, so when I was referred to the library as a potential employee, I jumped on the opportunity! The library has always been a quiet, peaceful space to work at in my four years at LMU. I had also always heard about the great collaborations between the varying departments at the library and Belles, in regards to events for Domestic Violence Awareness Month. So, when presented with a potential job there, I was excited to work in such an encouraging atmosphere…it’s also a huge bonus to be surrounded by people who love knowledge as much as I do!

What are you enjoy most about working at LMU’s library?

I think the freedom to explore and express my ideas freely in how I want to pursue a particular project. The Outreach team has always been incredibly encouraging in regards to me pushing my creative outlets. It’s also super rewarding to see finished projects out on campus that you spent several weeks working on, developing and editing, and then finally come to fruition!

What’s one thing about you that people would be surprised to learn?

I’m very much an urbanite, so when people hear that I was a horseback rider for 10 years, it tends to be a shock!

Grace Wakelee-Lynch, Library Ambassador

GraceTell us a little about yourself!

Hi! I’m a senior political science student from the Bay Area! When I’m not at the library giving tours or helping first-years with research, you can find me in U-Hall drinking tea and puzzling over political theory, or in Starbucks watching sports on my computer in between classes. On weekends I often drag my friends to the beach, not to see the ocean, but to try to pet all the dogs that are out running around in the surf.

Any favorite books or movies?

Feminist Theory: Margin to Center by Bell Hooks, Moneyball by Michael Lewis, Winnie-the-Pooh by A .A. Milne, The Things They Carried by Tim O’Brien, and The Elephant Vanishes by Haruki Murakami.

Why did you want to become a Library Ambassador?

I applied to be a library ambassador because I work at the information desk and my supervisor let me know about the program when it was starting out. I love the Information Desk because I get to be one of the first faces people see at the library and I help teach people about all the resources the library has to offer. The Library Ambassador position sounded like it shared those elements that I love about the Information Desk, and so I was excited to explore those possibilities as well as learn more about the parts of the library I don’t interact with as much at the info desk. The library has been a huge help to me and I wanted to get to share that with more people in the hopes that they’ll take advantage of the resources we offer.

What are you most looking forward to about working at LMU’s library?

Since I’ve been working at the library longer than I’ve been an Ambassador, I’ll say my favorite thing about it! I love the look on students’ faces when they realize the sheer magnitude of the resources we have to offer at the library, and when they make connections with other students and library staff to explore those resources. It’s exciting to see people get excited about the library because it really is one of the most incredible things about LMU. I also love how much the library staff care about the students, it makes it a very welcoming place both to work and to study.

What’s one thing about you that people would be surprised to learn?

I’m a HUGE sports fan. When I have free time I’m probably managing one of my fantasy teams or watching a baseball or hockey game. Being from Nor-Cal, I’m an A’s and Shark’s girl all the way, but I watch way more than just those two teams. I like fantasy sports because it’s a fun way for me to pay attention not just to my team but to what’s happening all around the leagues during the season.

Morgan Wilkins, Library Events Coordinator

Morgan blog picTell us a little about yourself!

My name is Morgan Wilkins and I am a senior Entrepreneurship major here at LMU. I am originally from Bakersfield, California but I have been familiar with the Los Angeles area throughout most of my life thanks to traveling here for dance competitions and conventions. I originally applied to LMU as a management major, but as I was going through my introductory courses in the business school I realized that what I actually wanted to be studying was entrepreneurship. The Entrepreneurship Program at LMU has provided me with so many wonderful opportunities that I could not have had in any other major or school for that matter. I consider myself very fortunate to be part of a nationally ranked program and to have been taught by accomplished leaders in my field of study. My studies have equipped me with tools to become successful after I graduate from LMU and I want to sincerely thank my professors in the Entrepreneurship program.

Any favorite books or movies?

One of my favorite authors of all time is Michael Lewis, I am a huge fan of his books and I find them very interesting. He wrote The Big Short and right now I’m reading Flash Boys. I go through different phases of what my favorite movies and TV shows are, but right now I would have to say my favorite show at the moment is “Westworld.”

Why did you want to become a Library Events Coordinator?

A very close friend of mine was actually a Library Events Coordinator before and that was how I found out about the position in the first place. I realized how much the library offers to the students here at LMU and some of the events were really interesting so I knew that I wanted to be more involved my senior year. I am a sociable person and I have had some experience with event planning before, so I thought that it would be a great fit for me!

What is your favorite part about this job?

My favorite part of this job has definitely been being able to work at and attend the Faculty Pub Nights that the library hosts. I have been exposed to some of the most interesting topics and research that our own faculty at the university has published. It is such an amazing thing to witness the talent and diversity of our LMU community.

What’s one thing about you that people would be surprised to learn?

I used to do Shakespeare festivals as a kid when I used to do musical theatre and such, we are talking full on monologues people. And, I only started liking avocados after I came to college. I know, it’s weird!