Star Wildes
Hailing from the small island of Tonga South Pacific, faith, family and community is what inspires Star Kafovalu Wildes to continue making an impact at Cal State San Bernardino (CSUSB) and within her community. As an academic advisor for CSUSB, Star inspires students to define their futures and guides them throughout their educational journeys. If you were to ask Star if student advising was the career path she had planned, her response may surprise you.
“It was a college counselor that encouraged me to continue my education. Before that, college never entered my mind,” shared Star. Sitting in her high school counselor’s office with her mother at 18 years old, Star recalls her counselor’s recommendation: “Mrs. Kafovalu, I think your daughter will be very successful in college.” Her mother’s response? “No, she’s not going. She’s going to work at McDonalds.”
Star’s decision to go to college is what led her to serving in a role similar role to her high school counselor; advising, inspiring and encouraging students in their educational pursuits.
“After that meeting, I was so grateful that my counselor saw my potential,” shared Star, “If I did not begin having those conversations about college, I wouldn’t even be in the career that I’m in now or become part of the CSUSB community. Everything would have been different.”
Experiencing themes of connection and belonging as a student on campus is what led Star to continue to be part of the Coyote family as a staff member. From the Office of Admissions to the Student Assistance in Learning (SAIL) program, Star held a variety of roles at CSUSB all while demonstrating her commitment to transforming lives. But it was the support from her family and colleagues that encouraged her to apply for an academic advisor position within the Office of Undergraduate Studies; a position in which she now serves. “I remember asking if I should apply for a position in academic advising. There was this fear of not being chosen. I remember wondering, ‘what if I don’t get picked?’”
When it comes to imposter syndrome, Star shares a piece of advice that she also shares with the students she advises: “When imposter syndrome hits, I’ve learned to call out those things I’ve accomplished.”
Taking the time to evaluate and reflect upon one’s successes, according to Star, is an approach that is often overlooked. “I'm embracing this side of humility because that's how I was taught but I also want to encourage others, including myself, to ask why not you? Take the time to speak to yourself and say, you know what, I did this. I deserve to be at the table.”
Throughout her professional journey, Star has learned and continues to share with her students, the following key things to remember: Know that you are worth the investment, don’t be afraid to ask questions, and find and use your voice. With this past year, so much change has occurred and with these times Star shared that embracing the people around her and staying connected has made all the difference. “Don’t be afraid to reach out to people and check-in on them. Learn to connect, stay connected and be mindful of reaching out to others when you think of them.”
In addition to serving and staying connected to students and colleagues at CSUSB, Star continues to invest in her community and family by giving back to the Polynesian community in Tonga. “I’ve found my why”, Star shared, and it is this passion of helping others that inspires Star to continue to leave a paw print at CSUSB.
About Star:
Star is an Academic Advisor and Undeclared Advising & Social Media Coordinator for the Office of Advising and Academic Services at CSUSB. Star also teaches University Studies, Freshman Seminar and serves as advisor to student clubs and organizations. With a bachelor’s in Psychology and master’s in Public Administration, Star’s accomplishments include starting the LIVE Advising series through CSUSB social platforms, and national workshops on Understanding Diversity, Student Success, Social Media: Communicating through pictures, Connecting through Social Media, Academic Advising, and Supporting Underrepresented Asian/Pacific Islander Students. As a first-generation college student, Star is passionate about helping students overcome the challenges students face in their academic journey