Providence Mugisha ’28 serves the Wesleyan community through her campus jobs at the Sustainability Office, Olin Library, and Exley Science Library. Through her campus jobs, she has refined her leadership and values, improved access to resources at Wesleyan University, and grown “not just as a student doing a job, but as a responsible woman with real goals and real impact”.
In what ways has your campus job contributed to your personal, academic, or professional growth and aspirations? What skills have you gained?
I’ve come to know two things. First, being a great leader starts with leading myself — working on my character, my habits, and my humility — and letting my actions speak louder than instructions. Second, almost anything is possible if I stay disciplined and choose discomfort over comfort.
In both of these roles, I was scared at first. I didn’t always understand the language, and even simple instructions could feel complicated because of the barrier. But I kept showing up. I stretched myself. I asked questions again, even when I worried I was being annoying. And that process shaped me into someone who listens carefully, takes responsibility, and follows through on every commitment I make.
I also learned the importance of boundaries. I realized that leadership is not saying yes to everything; it’s knowing what is right for you at a given moment. There were jobs I had to step away from and opportunities I had to turn down because they did not align with my purpose and the kind of impact I want to make. Through all of this, I started to understand myself — what I value, how I work, and what I’m called to do. And I’m excited, because I know this is only the beginning of my growth.
One of my most memorable experiences was my first Waste Not spring move-out day. It’s a huge operation: we collect items students are donating instead of throwing away, so that we can resell them in the fall at affordable prices. That day, we spent around 9–10 hours lifting and moving heavy furniture, bags, and boxes. My back was already hurting, and I honestly remember thinking, “Is all of this even worth it?”
I got my answer in the fall of my sophomore year. We started setting up the sale, and I watched students walk in, find things they needed for a price they could actually afford, and leave smiling. In that moment, I felt this deep sense of fulfillment. I realized that all the physically exhausting work was not just about moving stuff — it was about making school more accessible, reducing waste, and giving someone dignity in being able to afford what they need. That made it worth it.
I balance my campus job with academics and other commitments by knowing when to pause, reset, and even step back when needed. I care deeply about serving my campus community. Still, I’ve also learned that my academic success has long-term importance because it’s directly connected to the impact I want to make in the future.
Because of that, I prioritize school first, and I’m intentional about the kinds of jobs I take. For example, I work at the circulation desk in the library, which allows me to support students and faculty while also using quieter hours to study. That structure helps me stay present in both roles instead of choosing one over the other.
Ultimately, it’s about being honest with myself. I’ve learned to recognize when my plate is full, protect my study time, and press pause on other commitments when necessary. That’s how I make sure I’m effective in what I do now and still moving toward where I want to be.
My advice is this: Wesleyan is what you make it. There are so many opportunities here, and so many kind, genuine people who are also looking for a real connection. Be yourself, know your values, and you’ll naturally find the right spaces — including at work. Some of my closest friends are people I met on the job.
Also, don’t be afraid to ask for help. You’re not supposed to figure everything out alone. People are rooting for you — supervisors, other students, staff. Campus jobs can feel intimidating at first, but you deserve to be there. Be honest about what you need, communicate, and give yourself time to grow.
How has your campus job helped you build connections or networks within the university or broader community?
My campus jobs definitely helped me build connections with other students and staff, but the most important connection I built was actually with myself. Working on campus helped me understand who I am in a professional setting — what kind of work environment I enjoy, what kind of support I need to do my best, and what I know I wouldn’t want to do long-term. That kind of self-awareness is part of networking too, because it guides the spaces I choose to be in.
At the same time, I’ve formed real friendships with people from very different backgrounds. Those relationships have challenged me, taught me new perspectives, and made me feel more rooted in the community. Every shift isn’t just “work”; it’s also conversation, learning, and growing alongside people I might not have met otherwise. I’m grateful for that, because it’s made me more well-rounded — not just as a student, but as a person.
Give your campus job supervisor(s) a shout out – what did you love about their mentorship?
Shout out to Randy Wilson {Library Assistant at Olin Library} and Jennifer Kleindienst {Director of the Sustainability Office}. They both pushed me to grow and to take myself seriously — not just as a student doing a job, but as a responsible woman with real goals and real impact. They never treated me like “just a student worker.” They trusted me.
I especially appreciate Randy for the way he celebrates progress. Any time I learned something new or handled a task better than before, he noticed it. That meant a lot. And at the same time, he wasn’t afraid to correct me when something needed to improve. That balance — support and honesty — made me better.
Updated November 5, 2025.
