The MMLC’s student employees currently occupy positions from lab aide to developer. Some have a knowledge of the equipment and how it runs, while others use their knowledge of coding to develop projects going on within the MMLC. Cecile-Anne Sison, who hires most of the MMLC student employees, explains how the center integrates this youth in the workplace.
Student developers and copywriters join forces with the full-time staff to tackle various challenges in the departmental project development bay
“The student employees are the first face for people who need stuff from us, or for people who don’t know who we are and need an information desk,” said Cecile. “The things I’m looking for are personality and punctuality.”
However, the students, more than just being people at a desk, get to know the center and learn how to use and log the equipment.
Student employee Cristabella Wolff shared what intrigued her about the MMLC.
“I walked in and it had a really nice vibe,” said Wolff. “The people sitting here looked happy, and everyone was very friendly.”
Aaron Leon, one of the center’s student developers, shares how his job in the MMLC helps him advance his skill set.
“It’s a great opportunity for me to grow as a software developer while also improving the learning experience of other students,” said Leon.
Most of the work study students stay in the MMLC throughout their Northwestern years. Maybe it’s the vibe of the center – it just fits.
“One of the things I look at when hiring is ‘Are they slightly weird?’” said Cecile. “Because everyone in our unit is a little weird, so I’m looking to see if they’d be a good fit.”
Five new work study students joined the MMLC team this year. Here’s to being “slightly weird”:
Aaron Leon (Student Developer)
Age: 20
Year/Major: Junior/Computer Science
Hometown: Westmont, IL
Why are you working in the MMLC?
I’m working at the MMLC because it’s a great opportunity for me to grow as a software developer while also improving the learning experience of other students.
What about the MMLC excites you?
The most exciting part about the MMLC to me is the cross-curricular value it adds by bringing interactive technology to humanities departments at Northwestern.
What do you do in your free time?
Outside of class and work, I’m the incoming co-director of the Tech Team for EPIC, Northwestern’s entrepreneurship student group, and the technical cofounder of Womentum, a nonprofit crowdfunding platform for women entrepreneurs around the world. In the rest of my spare time, I enjoy photography, chess and basketball.
Jason Weber (Lab Aide)
Age: 18
Year/Major: Freshman/Economics
Hometown: St. Louis, MO
What about the MMLC excites you?
Having the opportunity to interact with students and technology that I otherwise would not have.
Tell us a little about yourself (aka what do you like to do in your free time?
I stay active, hangout with friends, watch Netflix.
Audrey Valbuena (Communications Aide)
Age: 18
Year/Major: Freshman/Journalism
Hometown: San Dimas, CA
Why are you working in the MMLC?
I saw an open spot for a communications/copy editing position, and since I am a journalism major, I figured that either of these positions would give me some good experience.
What about the MMLC excites you?
The MMLC is exciting because it helps people to build a relationship with technology and the humanities in new ways. This sort of collaboration is unique to the school, and it’s really cool that the MMLC gets to foster this learning.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I coach gymnastics and am part of a Bollywood dance team! I also write for North By Northwestern and enjoy writing for the Science and Tech section.
Sam Arrants (Lab Aide)
Age: 19
Year/Major: 2020/Economics/Undecided
Hometown: Melrose, FL
Why are you working in the MMLC?
Because the MMLC is awesome!
What about the MMLC excites you?
For one, it’s a beautiful space to study and just hang out with friends. Lots of really nice computers and a game room (coming soon)! Getting to help students with the equipment needed for their multimedia visions is very rewarding.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I’m a small-town boy, so I’ve been trying to make the most of Evanston and Chicago. Each week has been filled with awesome new experiences, and I hope to continue going on cool adventures. I am a member of the student government’s Sustainability Committee and a member of a consulting/investing club. Otherwise, I am re-watching 30 Rock or napping on the Lakefill.
(You can get familiar with the whole MMLC team on the “People” page).