Sheba Candor: Most Outstanding Public Administration Undergraduate
Sheba Candor, a Public Administration transfer student in the School of Public Affairs at SDSU, balanced a full-time job (over 40 hours per week) with her studies. While working as a paralegal and law firm administrator for a prestigious law firm in East Village, Candor gained practical experience by preparing for and attending jury trials and arbitration hearings alongside the attorneys. She also managed all aspects of law firm administration, including hiring and termination of staff and attorneys, while ensuring adherence to labor laws. Remarkably, during this demanding time, Candor maintained a perfect 4.0 GPA, graduating summa cum laude.
As a non-traditional transfer student, Candor initially struggled with imposter syndrome, questioning her place and abilities at SDSU. However, she quickly discovered a supportive community that valued her unique journey and diverse experiences. The School of Public Affairs and Public Administration Resource Center (PSFA/PARC) embodied a whole-person approach to student success. Faculty, counselors, and advisors genuinely invested in Candor's achievement, fostering a sense of belonging and capability that she had not often encountered. Embracing this unwavering support system proved pivotal in her success.
Candor credits the unwavering support of PSFA/PARC faculty and staff, particularly her learning coach, Rebecca Tedesco, with helping her overcome imposter syndrome. During their first meeting, Candor's self-doubt was palpable. However, Tedesco's simple yet powerful words, "I hear you," marked a turning point. This acknowledgment chipped away at Candor's self-doubt and fundamentally altered her academic trajectory.
Selected as the "Outstanding Undergraduate Student of Public Administration from the School of Public Affairs," Candor views herself as a testament to PARC's dedication to student success. Despite her initial reservations, she thrived at SDSU, proving that with the right support, anything is possible. As Candor reflects, "I like to think I am exactly where I am supposed to be." In closing, Candor extends her congratulations to the graduating class of 2024 and echoes the Aztec spirit with a resounding, "Go Aztecs!"
