FAIRFIELD – Chuatakoon is often the first friendly face that students encounter at the EOPS office at Solano Community College. As an EOPS generalist, Chuatakoon does all of that and more: she assists with appointments, data entry, and workshops while also providing students with direction and motivation to keep them on track.
The work for her is not just about the forms and deadlines; it is about creating a place where students feel they are being seen, supported, and that they belong to a community.
Chuatakoon knows Solano from both sides. She graduated from the College in 2022 with an Associate’s degree in Psychology, and she is currently pursuing her Bachelor’s in Business Administration with an emphasis in Human Resources at Western Governors University.
Ironically, Chuatakoon could not participate in EOPS when she was a student, as she did not qualify at the time. This makes her role today even more special.
“I wish I could have been a part of it,” she stated.
Her day is a mix of behind-the-scenes tasks and student interaction. She helps students stay on track with counseling requirements, grades, and financial aid, while also organizing workshops on resumes, interviews, and LinkedIn profiles.
“We really want to foster community in EOPS,” she explains.
Checking in with students, asking students how their classes are going and building trust are one of the few things she does at the front desk.
“It’s one thing to receive EOPS benefits,” she said,
“But it’s another thing to actually feel comfortable going to the office and talking to people.”
To her, that sense of belonging is one of the most gratifying parts of the work she does.
But her position can also be challenging. Chuatakoon observes students grappling with financial burdens, academic expectations, and even homelessness.
“I would give the students the world if I could. But we have rules and policies and things like that kind of get in the way.”
In her personal life, she cultivates her own community. She hangs out with friends and family, travels, plays guitar, golfs, and is part of a book club.
“I hate being alone,” she laughs.
“I just love connection. And like, I get a lot of that through my friends and family, which I’m so utterly grateful for.”
Her previous work in retail also influences the way she works with students.
“It taught me to meet people where they’re at,” she says.
And that patience and empathy propels her work at EOPS now.
Continuing towards her future, Chuatakoon aims to further develop her career in Human Resources and then return to psychology as a counselor or therapist “because I think that’s something that brings me genuine joy and happiness.”
She encourages her students to be kind to themselves and that it takes time to develop as a student and as a person.
“Give yourself grace. School’s hard. Times are hard.” she says. ”
So just like, you know, celebrate your wins. If you have losses, you know, it’s okay. There’s always tomorrow.”
