Marilyn Abedrabbo, a student assistant at the Office of Outreach and Programs for New Students at the Plano Campus, an orientation leader and campus ambassador, has been named the 2019 Collin College Student Employee of the Year. She was presented with the award in a special ceremony April 18 at the Collin Higher Education Center.
Described as a strong and impactful leader by her nominators, Abedrabbo said the award was unexpected.
“Collin has brought the best out of me, and my main goal is to make an impact here and to do it in a positive manner,” she said. “I appreciate this award, and I’m so happy.”
According to Stephen Rogers, assistant director of Student Engagement, Abedrabbo takes on leadership roles and helps create a supportive environment for other student assistants. As a campus ambassador, she is consistently representing Collin College at campus and community outreach events and new student orientations.
“Marilyn embodies the core values of Collin College throughout her work and her time as a student,” Rogers said. “Marilyn is committed to learning new opportunities and taking on extra responsibilities.”
Abedrabbo, who is interested in going into higher education herself with a focus on student engagement, said she wants to inspire students the way Collin College inspired her.
“I’m an older student and if I’m able to accomplish these great things, I know anybody can do it,” she said. “I want these students who may not believe in themselves to know that anything is possible as long as you have passion and love in your heart.”
Abedrabbo received a plaque commemorating the honor and an official Collin College diploma frame, and she advances to be considered at the regional and/or national levels of the National Student Employee awards.
Staff Council President Jackie Langford said it is important to recognize student employees for their outstanding leadership and job duties and hopefully inspire other students to follow suit.
The reception recognized “excellence and extraordinary effort demonstrated by Collin College student employees who exemplify the college’s Core Values of Learning, Service and Involvement, Creativity and Innovation, Academic Excellence, Dignity and Respect, and Integrity.” Other nominees for the Student Employee of the Year award were: Austin Bowers, Nadege Ekwoge, Arman Hahanshahi, Denise Hughes, Jibin Jacob, Bushra Khan, Sion Lee, Cambria Lewis, Adam Maurer, Eddy Medina Serra, Carter Munoz, Ebrima Ndow, Mooka Liamu Ndulubila, Mohammed Njie, Janet Wangari Njoroge, Ezra Penn, Siddhant Shelke, Hina Surahio, Windsor Todwong Hanh Vo, Katheryn Frisk Walters and Dalton Wright.