COM grad on air

The first in her family to earn a degree, College of the Mainland grad Jocelyn Saldierna is already making waves on the radio.

Broadcasting live on Sundays 12-2 p.m. with CBS Radio, Saldierna entertains audiences with interludes of celebrity gossip, humor and introductions of pop Spanish songs.

"On the show, you can talk about whatever you want freely. I’ll tell people to call so they can send a ‘shout out’ for a friend’s birthday or a relative,” said Saldierna.

“I listen to (other DJs) not because I want to be like them but because I don’t want to be like them. You can do your own style.”

As a high school student, Saldierna began preparing for college through Upward Bound at COM, a program to help first-generation students. Once a college student at COM, she transitioned to Student Support Services, which helped her with advising, tutoring and a laptop-lending program.

“Upward Bound and Student Support Services are like your second parents. They’re always behind your back,” said Saldierna. “It made me feel comfortable, at home.”

 After earning an associate degree in general studies, Saldierna transferred at University of Houston, where she discovered communications.

“I contacted a representative from Univision, Rebecca Suarez, for a college paper. She gave me a tour,” said Saldierna. “When I stepped in there, I fell in love and knew communications was where I wanted to be.”

She worked to promote Spanish TV stations Telemundo and Univision for two years. Then CBS Radio contacted her on social media and invited her to audition.

“I was nervous but I had to give a celebrity scoop and introduce a song. They told me they liked my personality,” said Saldierna. “I started before the holidays and I thought, ‘This is the best Christmas present.’”

Besides working for the radio station, Saldierna also works for Upward Bound, recruiting students just like her for the college-prep program.

“I like helping them especially because they are first generation (college students) like I was,” said Saldierna. “Some of them don’t get that support at home.”

Encouraged by her family, especially her mother, to get an education, Saldierna enjoyed mentors’ support at COM.

“I had a couple teachers in high school tell me I wasn’t good in math and I couldn’t make it in college,” said Saldierna. “I told myself I wouldn’t let them tell me what I’m not capable of and [I would] show those people what [I’m] capable of.”

Now working on her master’s in Spanish, Saldierna wants to continue making a difference on air and in education, in her own way.

“I like to be very creative. I just do what comes to my mind,” said Saldierna. “I feel that we’re able to express ourselves.”

For more information on COM TRiO Programs and how they can help students, contact Ciro Reyes at creyes@com.edu.