Building on her personal experiences as a first-generation student at Colorado State University, Janelle Mobley developed a passion for working with first-year college students in the Department of Human Development and Family Studies. She has excelled in her roles as student and peer adviser and is being recognized as an outstanding graduate of the department.  

Mobley is originally from San Antonio, Texas, but calls Colorado Springs, Colorado, home. Throughout her time at CSU, Mobley has persevered through hardship and made the most of her opportunities. 

“I have a chronic illness that has made my path to receiving my degree challenging at times,” said Mobley. “The pain from my condition caused me to miss class or work to recover several times, which was difficult for me to accept because I really value follow-through.” 

Working twice as hard 

Mobley’s involvement in HDFS coincides with a strong work ethic which she developed at an early age. 

“As a black woman, it’s been ingrained in me that I have to work twice as hard as I think I should to be successful,” said Mobley. “Having an invisible disability has made me challenge my idea of success and redefine what it means for me to give 100%. It’s taken a lot of positive self-talk and support from my family and mentors to overcome the feelings associated with needing accommodations and flexibility to be successful.” 

In her work-study position, Mobley has worked in the RamCard office for several years, supervising student staff. She was initially a Peer Advisor for HDFS and now she’s completing her internship co-supervising the Peer Advising program. 

“In addition to these experiences, I’ve been involved in Residential Leadership Programs, Campus Connections, HDFS Peer Mentoring, and I’m currently the undergraduate representative on the HDFS Committee for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice,” said Mobley. 

A love of CSU 

Mobley graduates with a fondness for CSU and many individuals in the department who have positively impacted her on her journey. 

“The first person I think of would be the director of HDFS advising, Katie Ditter. When I was attending Ram Orientation in 2019, Katie recruited me to my major’s peer mentoring program,” said Mobley. “I do think being involved with a community of other students of color and of first-generation status really helped me feel like I belonged at CSU. I look back and think of her recruiting me for this program as the catalyst for everything else I’ve been involved with.” 

Mobley also credits much of her success to those involved in her other experiences at CSU. 

“The rest of the HDFS advising team – Lucy Paltoo-Brady, Hiba Abdeljalil, and Mitch Trebesh – as well as the director of RamCard, Neal Luján, have also been really important to my experience here. All these professionals have encouraged me, challenged me, and been an integral part of my support system away from home when I have gone through challenging times,” said Mobley. 

“I can’t say enough good things about the faculty, staff, and the classes I’ve taken. I feel like I’m part of a community here, so it is very bittersweet to leave,” she said. 

Mobley came to CSU thinking she might want to be an occupational therapist, but her time majoring in human development and family studies changed her career plans. “I’ve always been passionate about education, so eventually I learned that I wanted to work in student affairs instead,” she said. Following graduation, Mobley will follow her passion of supporting college students. “I plan to pursue a graduate degree in student affairs in higher education and get some more experience in the field,” she said.  

Mobley has a promising future but will never forget about her time as an undergraduate in HDFS. 

“When I reflect on my undergraduate experience, I feel proud to say I’ve done everything I’ve wanted to do. I made great friends and connections, discovered my professional passion, was involved, and have overall learned so much about myself and the world around me. I think I’m always going to look back on this time of my life fondly, even with the challenges.” 

The Department of Human Development and Family Studies is part of CSU’s College of Health and Human Sciences.