Justice and Community Advocacy student named NWTC’s 2022 state ambassador

Rosa Faustino has been selected as NWTC’s 2022 state ambassador. As part of this honor, Faustino will participate in the Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS) District Ambassador program. The program selects one student from each of the state’s 16 technical college districts to act as advocates for vocational and technical education. Students serve a one-year term and are called upon to make special appearances, give presentations, and participate in various events on behalf of their respective college and the WTCS. 

“In my 30 plus years of teaching at NWTC, I have never met a student whose story and attitude so perfectly reflect who we are, the values we aspire to, and what we collectively can do to make a difference in the lives of our students,” said Kevin Rathburn, the NWTC Public Safety instructor who nominated Faustino for this honor.  

Faustino’s story is a lesson in perseverance, having overcome poverty, homelessness, and food insecurity throughout her personal and academic journey. The proud mother of eight now enjoys family homework time with her children and is excited that the entire family has something so important to bond over.   

When asked what advice she would give to other students, Faustino said, “We all struggle - it is okay to not be okay and to talk about your problems. The services and resources at NWTC are here to ensure you succeed, and the instructors are like family... don’t let yourself get in the way of your own success.”