Leadership Mentor: Jerry Gomez
What is the secret to success on the Fresno State campus? That answer is always shared by “Leadership on Demand” students. The most recent panel discussion was led by three mentors sharing their advice and inspiration with other students. One of those mentors stands out from the rest. Fresno State EOP mentor Jerry Gomez. He is known for his energetic and outgoing personality, which is one of the many ways he impacts people around him.
“I think right there, that’s where I realized that I love impacting students’ lives,” Jerry said. “And I think one of my models is empowerment. Empowering students is so amazing because because there is so many students who struggle daily, they struggle through, homesickness, academically, or personally.”
Students aren’t the only ones who feel this ‘Gomez energy.’ Others take notice as well, like Fresno State SupportNet advisor, Jamaal Washington, who happened to be Gomez’s mentor and works with him.
“With Jerry, I can see that his energy makes students make that commitment to be successful. In a recent workshop, students got out of their seats, to take hands and participate in an activity,” Washington said with excitement.
Not only is Jerry able to impact people are campus with his presence and his energy, but he is also able to showcase his leadership skills, paving the way for future mentors.
Gomez talks about how he takes that leadership approach and has a driving passion for helping those who are need. “I think a real leader is a leader who creates more leaders and how do you do that? It’s again like that empowerment,” Gomez said. “And I believe more in the self-empowerment model like having that conversation with them, being observant and really knowing what are their strengths.”
Arturo Cabrera, Stand Together as One mentor, shares his thoughts on Gomez’s leadership skills and how he impacts people around him. “He advocates for them and he always goes out of his way to help the student out and he’s always giving them words of encouragement,” Cabrera said with a smile.
Although Gomez has already made his presence known to people on campus, his journey is just beginning.
Jerry Gomez is not only involved with the Equal Opportunity Program (EOP), but you can find him through SupportNet, in the basement of the Henry Madden Library or the ‘Stand Together As One’ club on campus. Gomez is also a former reporter and anchor of Fresno State Focus.