Washoe News

Western Nevada College recently issued the following announcement.

Financial Assistance Office employees at Western Nevada College are unified in knowing that the loss of fabulous student worker Lesly Sanchez will become the nursing profession’s gain.

Sanchez has been a standout employee for the past three years and has been selected as the 2021-22 Western Nevada College Student Employee of the Year. Described by her co-workers as intelligent, reliable, patient, compassionate and dedicated, the FAO is torn that Sanchez will soon be devoting most of her time to attending nursing school.

“Lesly is a great asset to the Financial Aid office, and when she leaves, she will be greatly missed,” said Kathleen McFarlin, who is an FAO employee. “She is going to make an incredible, attentive, compassionate nurse.”

It also marked the third straight year that Sanchez has been nominated for the award.

“This award means a lot to me,” said Sanchez, a first-year nursing student.

The Student Employee of the Year is selected after college departments nominate outstanding student workers before a selection committee determines the award winner. Student employees play key roles on Western’s campuses, dedicating themselves to helping students and their parents, as well as visitors. They have contributed even more to the efficiency and success of the college in 2021-22 since there are fewer student workers overall.

Besides Sanchez, Angelica Ramirez and April “Elena” Reyes were nominated for the award. Ramirez is a very respected contributor in Disability Support Services and Reyes has made a significant impact in Latino Outreach.

Sanchez’s important role in the WNC’s Financial Aid Office has included providing students and parents with financial aid information, helping them complete the FAFSA, and assisting them in understanding documents to complete financial files, verification documents and loan documents. She helps them in person, on the phone and through email correspondence.

“Her quality of work is excellent,” said Ambra Reed, who works with Sanchez in the FAO. “I can hand her any task or job and she is able to fully understand what needs to be done and reports back to me the information obtained. She has gone above and beyond for our office and her work ethic and great attitude have been shown to many students who she helps, as well as with other staff and other departments.”

Initiative is another quality that Sanchez has developed and demonstrated during her employment at WNC.

“I have seen Lesly grow as a person and become more confident in her role in our office,” said Jessica O’Brien, who supervises Sanchez. “She has taken the initiative to jump in and help train new student workers. She always has great ideas to keep the office happy.”

When a student or parent becomes frustrated and creates a tense environment, Sanchez has repeatedly shown that she can diffuse the situation.

“Lesly’s compassion, patience and peaceful demeanor is her unique contribution. She keeps her cool when students are upset and she is great at bringing peace to the situation,” O’Brien said.

Added McFarlin, “She remains steadfast in not allowing their behavior to steer her own. She remains calm and does not raise her voice.”

Sanchez said she has wanted to become a nurse for as long as she can remember.

“I want to help bring a positive change to the community and help people who are having a difficult time with their health get better,” Sanchez said. “And after being in clinicals and getting experience taking care of patients, my desire for being a nurse and helping others has become stronger.”

Western is fortunate to have these exceptional student employees representing the college. Celebrate all of the college’s student workers Monday through Friday, April 11-15 during Student Employee Appreciation Week.

“Many offices rely heavily on Student Employees to keep our services up and running,” said WNC Scholarship and Student Employment coordinator Temple Campana. “We are encouraging everyone on campus to help celebrate and thank the student employees you work with.”

Original source can be found here.