I Love My Community: Sarah Sweitzer
Sarah Sweitzer, dean, Stockton Campus of California State University, Stanislaus, recently sat down with HERLIFE Magazine to discuss her family, involvement in the community and dreams for the future.
HLM: What do you love most about where you and your family live?
SS: I’m from Vallejo, and I have lived in Stockton for one year. What I love most about living in Stockton are the people that I have met who have become my neighbors, my friends and my community. I so love the strong sense of community and the pride of home that Stocktonians have. Good time.
HLM: How is your heart inspired to serve the community?
SS: My heart to serve community was inspired by my grandmother who showed me the power of working in community from a very young age. Serving community has always been part of who I am and is something that I have passed on to my daughters. Currently, my passion is in training community health workers with the Health Plan of San Joaquin, working with the volunteer income tax assistance program at the Stockton Campus with United Way of San Joaquin, and leading a summer Health Careers program for high school and community college students.
HLM: What sparks joy for you?
SS: As a first-generation student, one of my greatest joys is passing on the opportunities that I have been gifted in my life to the next generation of college students. This can be in the classroom teaching, working in the community with students, or in building the community partnerships that provide opportunities for students.
HLM: What accomplishment are you most proud of?
SS: My two amazing daughters. I could not be more proud of the young women they have grown into and the positive change they will continue to make in our communities and world.
HLM: What’s your free time passion?
SS: Spending time with my family. Racing sail boats with my 80-year-old father, quilting with my mother, hiking and volunteering with my daughters, crafting with my lifelong best friend, and kayaking and biking with my husband.
HLM: Top three bucket list goals?
SS: I don’t actually have a bucket list. I have been fortunate over the years to live in different states, visit different countries, drive across our wondrous country and hike our national parks, dive in oceans around the world, hike the Camino, be proposed to on the Eiffel Tower. When opportunities have presented themselves, I have jumped to say “yes” to adventure.
HLM: Can you describe a key event that had an impact on your life?
SS: Working in Dr. Frank Baglin’s chemistry lab as a college work study student. Dr. Baglin’s mentorship and the research experience sparked my career path and set in motion this amazing journey that I have been on and that has led me to call Stockton home. There are those relationships and experiences that become life-changing and help us to see paths that we didn’t know were possible.
HLM: What are you currently reading?
SS: Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus.
HLM: Favorite food or dessert?
SS: Mint chocolate chip ice cream.
