INTERVIEW #7: FEATURING EVELYN ROSARIO

June 6, 2021 Buffalo Latino Village

Papi was a teamster, proud of it too. Nothing wrong with being blue collars, far as I was raised. Better than being no collar, if you know what I mean. Growing up – I thought the union had superpowers, because my father was the strongest, and he told me – union was stronger than him.

Unions, something folks fought for, my Irish ancestors specifically. They show up is all. Union means different things to different folks really, part of the beauty. But for me at least, the best thing about being a Union girl, is I get to be part of something bigger than myself and my own ambitions. By joining the union, I made a promise that I am going to show for folks that I do not even know but call family. Especially when the going gets tough and that makes me proud — my mother raised me tough and proud.

Being raised a union girl means you take care of your part when it counts. Properly, mom always beeped when she saw her union brothers or sisters taking up signs, making their line, singing the songs, holding space. She always slowed down, beeping, waving her hand- to make sure they saw us. To make sure they knew we were with them –even in the car. When she was able, she gave her time, to her union sisters, when they ran out of sick time and that helped their families. That stuck out to me as a kid. Union was something to remember.

The Union means peace of mind to me, but to Evelyn Rosario, a Ph.D. Candidate, it meant a chance at fulfilling a lifelong dream of achievement. Ms. Evelyn Rosario used her union benefits from UUP to pursue an education while working full-time and raising her daughter. Ms. Evelyn Rosario is indomitable-like a union in fact. She is steadfast and parable, the woman that you aspire to be. Semester by semester, working toward achieving her Ph.D. while shepherding our students into and through SUNY Buffalo State. The guiding light for many down the path of higher ed.

Ms. Evelyn Rosario – made Latina herstory in higher education as a student, a staff member, and a campus member, defying the odds- always postured and well poised. Ms. Rosario is currently a Ph.D. candidate and one of the most interesting people you will ever get to know.

She says, “Becoming an agent of change and a role model for others to emulate is something that I value greatly.”

Read our column to learn more about my union sister that will not stop striving. And when you can – beep let the #union know, you are with them, even from the car.

Interview with Evelyn Rosario, M.A., Ph.D. candidate

Evelyn Rosario, M.A. PhD Candidate

Where were you raised and what were the types of values that were taught in your home: I was born and raised in Yabucoa, PR (southeast coast). My parents were very family-oriented and good neighbors. We shared some of the fruits and food that grew up and cultivated in our land. We were very closed as a family with our grandparents and extended family. We had strong religious faith and try to live by principles. Hard work and work ethics, decency, and a sense of community. They were strong values to motivate us in doing well, for ourselves, our neighbors, and our community. Respect, critical thinking, being factual, trustworthy, and telling the truth no matter the consequences. We strived to become positive role models. We looked forward to help the less privileged students.
What motivated you to become an educator? I was quite impressed with my teachers from first grade to higher education, many of whom left a positive and permanent impression to this date. I was in Junior in college when I decided to explore education as a minor, and once I started taking courses, I loved it. Another factor was my counselors in school. I used to visit the guidance counselor in school and the interaction we had made me develop an interest in becoming one following their model the one in my first two years in higher education.
What was your experience like as a student? I loved the experience. I learned to interact with people who had different ideas, political orientations, problem-solving, and conflict resolutions. As a student whose financial background was less than enough, I learned to be happy within my limitations. I was a dedicated and devoted student overall. [ I entered college with a 3.52 average and a full scholarship to undergraduate studies at UPR (Humacao/Rio Piedras)]. College was for me a big adjustment since I lived in boardinghouses away from home.
Did you like school/learning? I loved school and learning. Although my focus was academic and religious, and not much social, I had a good relationship with friends and people overall. 4. How did your experience as a student inform your leadership style as an educator? Understanding that I am responsible and accountable for my own behavior and expectations. As a student, I learned to have work ethics and fairness and to render quality service; taking initiative and emulating positive traits of the leaders I learned from.
When did you start your work as an educator and what was your role? I completed my bachelor’s degree when I was 20. I started working as a Guidance Counselor in the Office of the School Superintendent – I had four Junior High Schools under my care. I assessed the referrals from the guidance counselor and the principals. I made referrals to the social worker and collaborated with the health counselor for presentations at schools. Later, I worked as a Psycho-social Technician for Mental Health and had a caseload that included children and adolescents, adults and geriatric, including prisoners. After married, I moved to Buffalo and started a career as an EOP Academic/Counselor at Buffalo State.
What was your favorite/most informative role? All my work experience was valuable. I learned about human dynamics and human complexity, issues, and concerns. I feel that I had a greater impact on higher education.
What advice do you have for educators today? Respect diversity and cultural differences are key elements. Being sensitive and empathetic to difference, developing listening and observational skills, showing genuine interest in others, and facilitating the opportunity for others to share their stories are crucial. Becoming an agent of change and a role model for others to emulate, something that I value greatly.
What is your theory on human potential? I believe that external and internal factors including traumatic experiences could interfere in human development, but with a support system in place, including financial assistance, people have opportunities nowadays that were not necessary there in the 30s’, 40s, and 50s. Everyone has the potential to develop themselves in any area if structure and support are in place, and when this does not exist, educators should reach out to discover and explore that potential by means of the classroom, social workers, counseling centers, accessibility services, financial means, etc. Not everyone is interested in college but in a trade or a non-academic career; guiding them to do what they like and are motivated to develop is important in encouraging them to excel.
What is the single most important value/thing to keep in mind when working with students? To recognize and respect everyone as a different entity; who has the potential to be developed; that is not like others, although he or she may share similar interests and vocations, etc.
What is the most important thing a student taught you? Each student contributed to my learning and growth and reinforced the fact that I do not know it all. Nevertheless, the interaction between the two was extraordinary and a standardized win-win situation.