By NICK VILLALOBOS, Editor in Chief

It’s not every day a California girl ventures from her home in Oakland to the quiet community of Alva, but for the outgoing and compassionate Britney Houston, Northwestern Student Support Services project adviser, that was indeed the case.

Houston, who moved to Alva in January, graduated with a bachelor’s degree in behavioral sciences from California State University of Chico, and later received a master’s degree in public administration from CSU of Stanislaus.

Upon arriving in Alva, Houston began working in SSS. “Giving back to those who helped me throughout my college years has always been the reason I work here,” Houston said. “I was in SSS during my undergrad year, and it helped me significantly.”

As a project adviser for SSS, Houston helps supply tutoring, mentoring and assistance for filling out FAFSA’s to students involved with the program. She helps with additional types of services, like goal planning, career planning and college planning as well.

Outside of working for Northwestern, Houston said she works out with fellow coworkers, and plays with her 21 month old daughter. “I really enjoy playing with my daughter,” Houston said. “Whether it be going to the park, or the city, if it involves having fun with her, then I am happy.”

Houston added she enjoys going to the beach as well, but since she is in Oklahoma, there are not many beaches around to enjoy.

In the future, Houston plans to either continue working at Northwestern, or move on to a larger university in Oklahoma and making a bigger impact there.

“I just want to give back,” Houston said. “People helped me, so now I want to return the favor by giving back as well.”