Team
Welcome, Jenny Barajas
AgTEC Student Support Coordinator
What is your role at Merced College?
At Merced College, I’m one of the Student Support Coordinators for the AgTEC Program. A big part of my role is doing outreach, both with students and in the community, to spread the word about our free program and make sure people know it’s available to them. I also work closely with students by helping them through enrollment, setting up their assessments, and even doing one-on-one tutoring on the modules they’re working on. Since I’m bilingual, I’m able to support our Spanish-speaking students as well. Overall, my goal is to make sure our minority communities have access to the resources that can really help them in the future.
What part of your job do you enjoy most?
What I enjoy most about my job is being able to help our students access opportunities they’ve always wanted or hoped for. Many of them are working, raising families, and juggling busy lives, so having a program they can complete at their own pace makes a big difference. I also love providing one-on-one support, especially for students who may have never even turned on a computer and thought it was too late for them to learn. One student once told me in Spanish: “Siempre les decía a mis hijos que fueran a la escuela y obtuvieran una educación; nunca pensé que yo también iba a tener una oportunidad.” In English: “I always told my children to go to school and get an education; I never thought I was going to get an opportunity as well.” Hearing their stories and being able to help them get started, whether it’s furthering their education or simply giving them that opportunity, is what I enjoy most.
Tell us about yourself. What brought you to Merced College?
I started working at a very young age, balancing several jobs while also being a full-time university student. I even remember using a tractor as my desk during breaks to attend classes while working in the fields. Later, I worked in a coffee shop, where I realized how much I enjoy helping people—even something as simple as making their day with a coffee and a smile. My most recent job before Merced College was at a dental office, where I supported Spanish-speaking patients and taught them about the importance of dental hygiene, which many had never been exposed to before. When the opportunity at Merced College came up, I didn’t hesitate, because I knew it would allow me to continue helping others—this time, supporting students. Now, in my role as Student Support Coordinator, I get to combine my passion for outreach, mentorship, and student success to make a difference in the community I care deeply about.
What do you like to do outside of work?
Outside of work, I love spending time with my family and being outdoors, whether that’s camping, heading to the beach, or just enjoying some really good food. I’m also a huge coffee lover—so much that my sister and I started our own coffee cart, Tazita de Café, where we serve up delicious Latin-infused lattes on the weekends. We honestly just love making coffee for people who love it as much as we do. I also enjoy exploring new coffee shops, small businesses, restaurants, and outdoor spots—it’s a fun way to discover new favorites. And if you know me, you’ll definitely catch me getting super competitive on the indoor soccer field!
Many Hispanic students lean on you for support and advice. How do you help them feel a sense of belonging and encouragement at Merced College?
I always tell students that it’s never too late to learn, and that there will always be opportunities if they’re willing to seek them out. I also share examples from my own journey and the experiences of other students to show them what’s possible. This helps them feel encouraged, supported, and like they truly belong at Merced College.
Hispanic Heritage Month is about celebrating culture, history, and contributions. How has your heritage shaped your approach to supporting students?
First things first: I am so proud to be Mexican (¡Viva México!). My culture and family traditions have shaped me into who I am today, and I especially take after my dad. He’s the type of person who helps everyone around him, even when there’s a language barrier.
Spanish is my first language, and being fluent allows me to connect deeply with students and their families. I grew up with the saying, “si quieres algo, trabaja hasta conseguirlo” (if you want something, work until you achieve it). That mindset carried me through working in the fields—planting strawberry plants, driving tractors, even working in ag labs—and it motivated me to keep growing and moving up in every role I had.
That’s the same message I share with my students today: “Si quieren, van a poder” (If you want it, you can achieve it). My culture gave me values of hard work, family, and pride, and I try to reflect those when supporting students.
What’s a change you’ve seen at Merced College that you think has strengthened our community as a whole?
One change I’ve seen at Merced College that has really strengthened our community is the addition of CBE, Competency-Based Education. Students really appreciate being able to study at their own pace, and many find it much easier to manage than other formats. Another big change is the availability of Spanish programs. Offering programs and free training makes a huge difference, life can get hard sometimes, and the more resources we can provide at no cost, the more supported and happier our community feels.
