Ry De Guzman Jr. ’28 embraces his passion for the arts and intercultural learning across campus, working to build community through his roles at the Office of University Communications, the Center for the Arts, the Dance department, the Office of International Student Affairs, and the Office of Student Involvement. Ry encourages students who want to work on campus to “Do it out of love!” and pursue roles that are personally fulfilling.
In what ways has your campus job contributed to your personal, academic, or professional growth and aspirations? What skills have you gained?
I gained a lot from my campus jobs but more specifically, it taught me to recognize the value of community. I’ve always been interested in so many things from content creation, performance art, event management, intercultural learning, and many more. Through these jobs, I was able to thread all of those interests together and I was able to create spaces and communities for the people at and around Wesleyan.
These jobs taught me how to connect with people and bridge identities to create a space, may it be for international students or people who just love to dance with music. Ultimately, it helped me realize my passion for community-building and problem-solving which are roles I am interested in exploring for my career beyond Wesleyan.
Can you share any memorable experiences or achievements from your campus employment journey?
During my role as an International Student Orientation Intern, one of the parents who attended my parent’s campus tour walked with me after our tour to express that she feels assured that her son will have a fruitful time at Wesleyan. She expressed deep gratitude to me as I answered all of her questions about the campus and student life at Wes (I’m well-trained by my mom who asked me a thousand questions before coming to Wes haha!). As an international student myself, I understand the worry of the parents sending their kids to a different country, and so hearing that from a parent sparked joy for me and made me realize the larger impact that I have by doing the work I am passionate of.
What advice would you give to students who are seeking or starting their campus employment journey?
Do it out of love! All of these jobs are things that I am completely passionate about and so working more than three of them feels more empowering and fulfilling for me as I’m able to do community-organizing work while getting paid. There is value in doing something you love which will eventually be reflected in the work you do.
If you are thinking of getting a job or any engagements at Wesleyan or outside, try to reflect on the things that matter to you, to the people you are close with, and to the larger community around you.
Give your campus job supervisor(s) a shout out – what did you love about their mentorship?
Shout out to Ana from UComms {University Communications}; Morgan, Janice, and Dari from the Office of International Student Affairs; Jen and Joanne from the Office of Student Involvement; my lovely faculty members from Dance department – Prof. Iddi, Prof Katja, Michelle, and others; and Rani from Center for the Arts!
You all inspire me to work and serve the community around me and I hope you all will keep inspiring our students!
Updated February 25, 2026.
