Tara Block

Tara currently attends San Diego State University and is pursuing a degree in Public Administration.

When I think of EOP I think of the first day I walked into the office and how that small act has made such a huge impact in my life. I was a commuter student my first year, and for the first 2 weeks to a month I would just go to class and go home. I did not feel connected to the campus at all. I knew I needed to do something to put myself out there and find my niche. I had heard about the EOP Student Advisory Board (ESAB) at EOP so I thought it might be a good starting point. That same day they announced board vacancies, so I took a chance and applied for and became a Campus Representative. The next semester I promoted to Vice President, and the following two years I have served as President.

In the Fall of 2017 San Diego State awarded me with $15,000 for a project proposal called “Advancing Women in Public Policy”. These funds allowed me and eight other students to attend a 5-day public policy seminar hosted by the Public Leadership Education Network (PLEN) in Washington D.C.

Throughout my involvement with EOP I have gained a multitude of leadership skills and I found a village of friends and mentors who provide me with a heaping amount of support, guidance, and encouragement. I urge all incoming EOP students to take full advantage of the resources and services EOP offers. College is tough, so a little help goes a long way. Also be proud of who you are and where you come from. Embrace your identity as a first-generation student and use your platform to vocalize the needs of the community/communities you come from.