Every time you walk into the Student Life Office for a meeting, to plan an activity, ask directions or converse, you are likely meet Katie Weller, the program assistant for Student Life Office at San Jose City College.
Weller has worked at SJCC for four years.
“I like my job because there are events continually happening, the people and helping everybody,” Weller said.
Students, staff and administrators respect and appreciate her.
“Katie connects with the students,” said Philip Renteria, director of Student Life Office. She likes working with the students, he said.
Weller represents SJCC by being there for all students.
If Weller had a dream job, it would be teaching, she said.
Most people think an administrative assistant’s job would be less than fascinating, but Weller said, “It is fascinating because every day there are different situations, and it never gets monotonous.”
If Weller could improve her job she would acquire more volunteers for student activities and projects, Weller said.
On certain occasions, Weller interacts with higher administration and student ambassadors.
“Weller is great at reminding students and staff of important things they need to do,” said Christine Espinoza, an 18-year-old cosmetology student.
“She keeps this office going,” Renteria said.
“Making mistakes is frustrating,” Weller said. “It is a learning experience and makes me a better person in the long run.”
“I think she is unique with an unmistakable laugh and an original sense of humor,” said David Coatney, a student trustee at SJCC.
“I have made lasting friends,” Weller said.
Weller likes that SJCC is modernizing the buildings and has put in new athletic fields.
If Weller was the SJCC president, “I would be so proud to oversee a college in such a high-tech city that is continually moving forward,” Weller said.
Sometimes Weller has to stay after hours to help set up for events and special occasions. During this time she brings her family along to spend time with her.
Weller was born in Hillsboro, Ore. She was raised in Campbell. She is of British and Norwegian descent and was married this year. Weller has two grown children.
Weller is proud of what she has done with her family. She likes that she has been a good mother and raised her family the best of her abilities. She has a big family and is close with her eight siblings.
She thinks of herself as a giving person, and thinks of others before herself.
Daniel Habteyes, a Communications major, said Weller is “a hard worker and very cool.”
Her job has helped her deal with other things in her life, she said
Weller went to Westmont High School in Campbell and attends San Jose State University for early childhood education classes. So that her and her family can open a preschool, she said.
She worked in many high-tech companies, including National Semiconductor, Silicon Graphics, and Cisco. She has also worked at Waste Management, First Franklin Financial and One Stop Career Center that helps find jobs for unemployed citizens.
Weller’s favorite pastime is to jet ski in the summer and go to Lake Tahoe in the winter. Her favorite food is anything chocolate, especially ice cream.
She likes to watch her favorite movie “True Lies,” and on special days she likes to wear her favorite color, pink.
When she is not too busy, she will watch her favorite TV show, “Bay Area Back Roads.” Watching sports is not a big priority in her life, but she does like to watch football.
Weller likes to listen to her favorite singers, Michael Jackson, Gwen Stefani and Kelly Clarkson.