My name is
Faces of SSU
Andrea Jimenez, and my pronouns are she/her/ella. I am a firstgeneration college student, and I am currently a third year business major concentrating in accounting. I’m an only child from the nearby small town of Sonoma, and I hope to one day work for a firm in which I can learn more about professional services. My involvements on campus include being in the Accounting Forum, Student Outreach for Lifelong Learning (SOLL), MALCS de SSU and the publicity committee for MEChA de Sonoma. By being a part of these clubs and organizations I have allowed myself to strive for higher education and help other minoritized students, like myself, achieve their goals. One of the challenges I have faced was figuring out a way to become involved while having a 30 minute commute to campus. Throughout my freshman year I was not involved at all, and I couldn’t find a place where I felt as though I belonged. That feeling changed once I joined M.E.C.h.A de Sonoma where I was exposed to a group of people who promoted social activism and awareness of oneself. After taking my first accounting class, I learned about the Accounting Forum where I was able to learn about a variety of leadership and internship opportunities. The clubs which I am currently involved in have provided me with skills to be able to network and meet new people.
The most everlasting and positive experiences I have had here at SSU are being able to take a numerous amount of classes outside of my personal comfort zone and learning more about myself and the cultures around me. Building and sustaining relationships with professors and peers has allowed me to appreciate this campus and enjoy being here.
2019
My name is
Andrea Dela Ashley Jimenez, Cruz, and am pronouns currently a are second-year psychology My most positive experiences and Imy she/her/ella. I am a first-generation college student, and favorite ones major. I come from aaFilipino-American have been with my FAASSU fam. My FAASSU fam and I am currently third year Business major concentrating in accounting. I’m an onlyofchild frommy the nearby town ofhas Sonoma, hope to one and anytime I am household five, with twin sistersmall and I being becomeand my Isecond family, day work for from a firm in whichCA. I can learn of more about services. the youngest, Cupertino, Outside with professional them, I feel happy and have a sense of school, I try to give back to my community with belonging. Whether we are performing My involvement on campusyou’ll include being Student volunteering, and sometimes catch me inin theorAccounting just having aForum, social with one another, Outreach for Lifelong Learning (SOLL), MALCS they de SSU onmade the publicity the Rec Center dancing in the studios. My biggest haveand really Sonoma State feel committee for M.E.C.h.A Sonoma. By being alike part of these clubs and goal in my everyday life is tode make everyone home, and I couldn’t ask for more. organizations have allowed myself to strive happy and makeI at least one person smile. I am for higher education and help other minoritized students, like as myself, achieve their goals. currently the vice president as well a Pacific Culture Night (PCN) coordinator for the FilipinoOne of the challenges I have faced was figuring out a way to become American Association of Sonoma State University involved while having a 30 minute commute to campus. Throughout my (FAASSU), and I assist with planning events and freshman year I was not involved at all, and I couldn’t find a place where I choreographing a few of the dances you see in felt as though I belonged. That feeling changed once I joined M.E.C.h.A de PCN.
Sonoma where I was exposed to a group of people who promoted social activism and awareness of oneself. After having taken my first accounting One of my biggest challenges has been finding class, I then learned about the Accounting Forum where I was able to learn my ownabalance finding my place here at about variety and of leadership and internship opportunities. The clubs which Sonoma. Between findingin a good system, I am currently involved have support provided me with skills to be able to network trying to maintain a reasonable GPA, while also and meet new people. having fun and being able to do extra-curricular activities, realized howand much I was struggling. The mostI everlasting positive experiences I have had here at SSU are My mental took a turn for the worse, of and for being ablehealth to take a numerous amount classes outside of my personal a second,zone I lost and sightlearning of who I was why myself I was and the cultures around comfort moreand about here. I wantedand to leave and quitrelationships so many timeswith professors and peers have me. Building sustaining but I knew that’s not who I am andcampus things can allowed me to appreciate this andonly enjoy being here. get better. I’ve never experienced something so bad in my life before and it made a huge impact on me and only allowed me to grow.
Faces of SSU 2019
Faces of SSU 2019
Wassup! My name is
Ben Co,
and I’m a fourth year at Sonoma State University, majoring in psychology with a minor in sociology. I am Americanborn Chinese, born and raised in Oakland, California. I’m proud of where I’m from because Oakland has shown me the ropes to life. Oakland has also taught me a lot about community, since back at home we treat everyone like family. When I came out to Sonoma State, I wanted to bring that part with me, and that is the reason why I try to be cool with everyone. I’ve been a part of many different clubs and organizations on campus; from leading elementary school students at the Fairfield Osborn Preserves to helping students find their purpose here on campus with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship. I’ve also been a SPUF Co-Coordinator for the Filipino American Association of Sonoma State University (FAASSU) at Friendship Games, Community Services Advisor (now referred to as RA) for Residential Life, and a Youth Programs Coordinator for Join Us Making Progress (JUMP). Through my involvement, I was able to provide students with community, mentorship, and compassion.
Growing up in Oakland, we had our own unique culture and language. It was difficult for me to find my community because of the lack of diversity on campus. Back at home, people say “You can take a kid out of the ghetto but can’t take the ghetto out of the kid.” I resonate with that quote a lot because I grew up in the 100’s (a block in Oakland), and now I attend Sonoma State in Rohnert Park, which is a more gentrified area. Through my years at Sonoma State I’ve been laughed at for the languages I’ve used when conversing with others because it didn’t sound correct to them or my voice didn’t fit my ethnic and physical appearance. However, after getting involved on campus, it taught me to be proud of the way I talk and present myself because it is a part of my unique identity. My active involvement in different clubs and organizations has taught me many lessons and shaped the person that I am today.
My name is
Faces of SSU 2019
Charles Mikhail Almeda Zabala. It means to think or to wonder. Every child in the Philippines has a nickname, mine is Taka. A Tagalog word which translates to wonder and to think. I have always had an affinity for cultures, storytelling, grammar, and theory. After all, I am double majoring in american multicultural studies and anthropology with minors in english and linguistics. I am openly gay and I am an HIV advocate. I have a background in the culinary industry, I am former celebrity chef in the Philippines, but here I am a first-year college student. I transferred to Sonoma State in the Spring of 2017and have been highly involved on campus. I was part of the Yoga Club, Wine Sense Club (vice president of Food and Wine pairings), Filipino American Association at Sonoma State University (cultural chair), Hillside Village Council (programing officer), RHA administrative coordinator, and I teach yoga at the Recreation Center. As a new student, wayfinding was one of the most difficult aspects here at Sonoma State. Since I started college in 2010, my family has always taught me to find my own way. If I need to get lost to find my way, then that is what I need to do.
In my first semester I took my Anthropology Linguistics method class with Dr. Richard Senghas and that class helped me grow as a student, and a scholar. With that experience, it led me to my mentor Dr. Leny Strobel who helped me find my Pilipino voice in the campus where wayfinding was difficult. However, none of this would be possible if not for the following faculty and their support; Dr. Elenita Strobel who is now retired, but she continues to advise me in my endeavors, Dr. Richard Senghas who has fueled my love for language and linguistics, and Dr. Christina BakerFoley who has been one of the most supporting faculty members I have had. I have been a teaching assistant for the American Multicultural Studies department- AMCS 350 Ethics, Values, and Multiculturalism- specifically with Dr. Jurgen Kremer. I am still working with said faculty, and I am also working with Mark Fabionar and his team at the HUB. Wayfinding has helped me find my voice, identity, and truth.
My name is
Faces of SSU
Cori Stevens and I am a sophomore pre-nursing major here at Sonoma State University. My friends would describe me as kind, caring, and funny. In my free time, I love to go to concerts and hang out with my friends. At SSU, I am involved in two clubs, the Water Polo club and Best Buddies. The water polo club is just something I do for fun. A group of friends get together and play water polo four nights a week, but what I am passionate about is my club Best Buddies. I am the president of the club Best Buddies that is about making friendships with adults with special needs here in our community. Every member is paired up with an adult from the age of 18-65 and builds a friendship with them. My buddy is named Tony. Tony loves scary movies, trains, and the moon, so naturally we take the Smart Train to the movie theatre every two weeks. I have been involved in Best Buddies the past 5 years of my life and was elected president this year. A challenge I have had at Sonoma is getting students more involved. Although my club is only 20 people, I have tried to get more people involved, but no one signs up. I also see students not getting involved, such as at basketball games and on campus events.
Although I have had challenges, I have had more positive experiences like making amazing friends and getting a very personal education. Because of the size of the school, it has been easier to get to know people and get to know my professors. I hope everyone can get involved here at Sonoma and love it as much as I do.
2019
My name is
Faces of SSU
Elena Ross and I was raised in Los Angeles. I am a third year student at Sonoma State University with a hutchins liberal studies major and a women and gender studies minor. My pronouns are she/her/hers. Since I was young I have been deeply passionate about being an advocate and using my voice to speak against the systematic inequalities and inequities of our society, specifically those regarding gender, race, class, and sexuality. At Sonoma State University I have been involved in numerous clubs and leadership positions that have allowed me to follow my passions. This includes being a member of the Vagina Monologues and minoring in Women’s and Gender Studies. Women’s and Gender Studies is an interdisciplinary field that analyzes the complexities of cultural power structures. I have learned so much from studying societal power structures and norms through an intersectional and inclusive feminist lens. The experiences that I have had at Sonoma State have allowed me to find and use my voice to advocate for change and help create a more accountable campus and community. I was also a Summer Orientation Leader at Sonoma State this past summer and got to know incoming students and stand as their mentor to help them transition into college. I was able to be a positive role model and demonstrate the deeply rooted values of Sonoma State. I also attend weekly Queer Student Alliance meetings where SSU provides a safe and open space for the LGBTQ+ community to come together, meet new people, and share experiences ensuring that everyone
feels valued and validated. Other clubs and resources that I have been involved in at SSU include Improvaholics and United For Success. Throughout my three years here at Sonoma State, this school has welcomed me with open arms and I have not had many negative experiences while here. However, a challenge that I faced when first arriving to SSU was pushing myself to get involved. Leaving my home and coming to college was a huge obstacle that I overcame; and I knew that in order to make this experience the best it could be I needed to push myself out of my comfort zone and get involved. Though it was difficult at first, I encouraged myself to sign up for different clubs, attend meetings, speak to new people, and really expose myself to all that SSU had to offer. I am fortunate in getting to attend this school, and as a result I have been blessed with many positive experiences, such as being a part of the Hutchins program. The Hutchins program has offered me a way of learning that allows me to critically analyze a multitude of texts in an environment that provides an intimate space to engage with my professor and class to seminars with deeper meanings. I have learned to question every aspect of the unknown, ways of living, and my inner self. Sonoma State has become so much more than a school to me, but rather a second home that I know will continue to support and encourage me as I grow, learn, and thrive in my college career.
2019
My name is
Faces of SSU 2019
Eliza Velarde and I am Mexican-American. I am a first-generation college student born and raised in Vallejo, CA. My pronouns are she/her/hers/ella. This is my third year here at Sonoma State University as a pre-nursing major. My ultimate goal would be to become a midwife. I am passionate about helping others, music, and food. Being the oldest in my family, I love taking on the leadership role and providing comfortable and inviting environments to my peers. Challenges that have occurred throughout my time here at Sonoma State would be balancing time for academics while still having a social life. It is important to give each aspect space in order to fully enjoy the experience and also not burn yourself out. In addition, homesickness has been a constant battle since I am very family oriented. I usually cope by having time to call my loved ones and visit when I can. Also, the workload can be very draining and could challenge your self-esteem. However, surrounding yourself with positive influencers and taking time for yourself will get you motivated to continue your academic journey. During my freshman year, I had the opportunity to partake in a research project on autism and
employment. The project highlighted resources that were limited to autistic individuals once they entered the workforce. This project hit home for me because my brother is autistic and has recently entered the workforce. This project exposed the challenges people with a mental disability live with but also provided a different outlook which could influence others who are unaware of this situation. In addition, I am a TA for English 100A/B. This experience allows me to become more independent and take part in a leadership role for freshmen students. Some positive experiences here at Sonoma State would have to be the faculty. All of my professors have been very approachable and helped me when I struggled with a certain topic. There are many events on and off campus that I have attended which granted me the opportunity to meet new people and discover new interests. The idea of just being able to attend this beautiful campus is an honor because academia is so helpful and almost a necessity to achieve your dream job.
My name is
Faces of SSU
Emily Gamboa (she/her/hers) and I am one of those people you hear before you see. It’s undeniable that I am as loud as I am spirited, and I love talking to anyone around campus. Often times, I even get so caught up in chatting that I have to race to snag a seat in class just before it begins. Yet, my gift of gab genuinely lends itself to Sonoma State University in many different ways. I am a selfproclaimed student leader having been a Summer Orientation Leader for the summer of 2018 and a Peer Mentor for the 2017-2018 and 2018-2019 academic years. I am an english major and dream of becoming a high school teacher one day, so working as a Summer OL and a Peer Mentor has validated that dream as I work with the same age range and love it. But, more on that later. I have recently declared a minor in film studies since I am an absolute film nerd. Every year, I watch the films nominated for the Oscars and predict which flicks will win in each category, and I have consistently been correct in my guesses! I also love to write and have written countless short stories in the Notes app of my phone whenever I feel inspired. I am a huge fan of the Myers-Briggs personality type and wear my ENFP profile on my sleeve as I love to learn about what I amount to in the grand scheme. Like I’ve mentioned previously, I am a returner Peer Mentor having been fully acquainted in the Center for Transfer and Transition Programs in which Peer Mentor is housed. As a Peer Mentor, I sit in on a first-year only class and experience their transition to Sonoma State alongside them. There are two parts to this title, “Peer,” which I exercise by having routine one-on-ones with the students to know them personally as
a fellow college student. Then, most integral to the program, “Mentor” where I’m responsible for guiding lessons on vital transitional topics such as alcohol awareness or the power of consent, even the importance of time management! This platform has helped me in more ways than one. I now have abolished any lingering fear of public speaking I had, and I’ve redefined my sense of empathy. This job is especially powerful because I know exactly what these first-years are going through with roommate problems or homesickness as I was just there myself. Reassuring them that these issues simmer down and college becomes what you make of it is so gratifying since I recall how much I needed that when I was in their shoes. The biggest challenge I’ve faced at Sonoma was struggling to find my place on this little campus. I always knew the best way to acclimate was to get involved to ground myself to this campus. I tapped into that with student leadership, and now my goal is to help others do the same.
2019
My name is
Faces of SSU
Esmeralda Ortiz At only two years old, I immigrated to the U.S. from Mexico with my mother and grandfather. I was fortunate to become a U.S. citizen at 16 which secured my legal status and allowed me to travel and visit family in Mexico. Citizenship also gave me the opportunity to attend college and apply for financial aid during my educational career. I had finished my GEs at SRJC back in 2008 and even though I was accepted into hutchins school of liberal studies, I attended class for one day before dropping out of the program. I decided that transferring to a four-year school was not for me, at least not at the time. As a first generation college student, I felt like I was letting my family down, but I knew in my heart of hearts that I wanted to accomplish something else before being thrown into a teaching career at only 21. I ended up returning back to SRJC and discovered the culinary arts program. I developed an immediate passion for food and wine and received an AA in culinary arts. I also met many in the industry with the same passion. For the past eight years, I have worked full time in the hospitality industry. I have worked in popular and award-winning restaurants, wineries and catering companies across Sonoma County. After a long 10 year break from traditional academic schooling, I decided to transfer to SSU to complete my bachelors degree in Early Childhood Education. I am still very passionate for the industry and know that furthering my education will open more opportunities. Teaching is something that I have always wanted to do. I just felt like I needed a bit more life experience
before I could authentically teach others. As a 31 year old re-entry student, SSU has been an amazing school to transition back into being a full-time student. Most recently, my classes have sparked an interest in social justice relating specifically to education and food. Having a background in culinary arts, I feel a need to advocate for these issues. Most recently I have been a volunteer for Corazon Healdsburg, a nonprofit which helps bridge the cultural and racial divide in Healdsburg. I have the same passion at SSU for my studies with professors and peers as I had previously found in my culinary career. The addition of being a full time student while working to support myself is not easy. I am endlessly tired! But I have coffee to help. I work over 30 hours a week on top of school, leaving me with a tight schedule, but I always find a way to spend time with friends and family that support me in my educational career. A combination of determination, work ethic and encouragement from professors has finally helped me develop a sense of pride with my status as a successful student, something I didn’t honor myself with before.
2019
My name is
Faces of SSU
Haley Beimfohr, and I am a senior here at SSU majoring in early childhood education. I am organized, driven, passionate and highly dedicated to my education. I am always looking to lift others up and help those in need, be it assisting friends with their academics or volunteering with charitable organizations. I am also always willing to share a smile. While I would not describe myself as a class clown, I have been known to make comments during class that are both informative and lighthearted, making even the toughest of professors crack a smile.
and passion for learning that has helped guide me toward my ultimate goal of being a teacher. These professors pushed me to do my best and have been consistent sources of encouragement and support. I hope to do the same for my students one day.
Attending Sonoma State University has been the best part of my life so far. The people I have met will leave an impression upon my heart for the rest of my days. The spectacular things I have been able to do are fantastic lasting memories. From camping in Big Sur to I am fortunate to be a Teaching Assistant this Big Nite, many dances and concerts, semester, and I make myself available to students watching movies on the Weill Hall lawn, as much as I possibly can, as I am keenly familiar doing homework on a blanket on the grass with the need for periodic guidance and a helping as I watch the pink petals fall from my favorite hand during college level courses. I have been trees, meeting up with friends at the coffee volunteering with JUMP for the past few years, shop on campus, walking along the creek packaging food for the local homeless community and through the butterfly garden are at St. Vincent de Paul’s dining room. I was also just a few of the amazing things I have involved with Students Offering Support (SOS) experienced. On top of the sights and which focuses on providing mental health services activities, and even more importantly, here on campus. I am also blessed to work at the relationships I have been fortunate the YMCA where I work with splendid little ones, enough to develop with my professors watch them blossom, grow, learn and absorb the have been priceless. world around them. SSU will always have my heart. Leaving my family home and heading to college was nothing short of daunting. I have been combating anxiety and panic issues for several years, and I was unsure as to how I would be able to overcome this away from home while managing an academic course load on my own. The professors at SSU have gone above and beyond to exercise patience, gift me with their wisdom and open my eyes to see that I can indeed succeed. In fact, my professors have instilled in me a love
2019
Faces of SSU 2019
Hello everyone! My name is
Heidi Guadalupe Parra. I am a fourth year pursuing a degree in psychology and sociology. I am from Richmond, CA, the city of pride and purpose, and I’m a proud first-generation latina student. I am the oldest of three, and everyday I strive to be a motivational role model to my younger siblings. My aspiration in life is to be a future counselor and help the next generation pursue a higher education. When I began SSU, I was proud to be a Seawolf. Although I did experience culture shock, I would remind myself that I have worked as hard as anyone here and have earned my seat at this University. My parents taught me to embrace my roots because in times of adversity they remind you where you’re from and where you’re headed. My passion for helping others, diversity and education is what influenced my involvements. I am part of Ballet Folklorico de Sonoma, Blue Baronz, and work for Associated Students community service branch, JUMP. I serve as the Days of Service Director, and through this position
I am able to bring awareness about different social justice issues our community faces. This position has also allowed me to surround myself with individuals who are passionate about making a change in the world. Moreover, I’ve also had the opportunity to participate in the National Student Exchange in Hawaii. Through this cultural and educational experience, I was empowered to continue to help others from distinctive cultural backgrounds. What I hold dear to my heart, is the EOP community. This has grown to be my home away from home. I receive endless motivation and support through this program. I have had the honor to be a Summer Bridge Leader, and I am currently a peer-mentor for UNV 102. My first year here at SSU my advisor Andre said that “our purpose in life is to help others.” This is something that stuck with me throughout college. SSU has given me the opportunity to grow, learn, explore, challenge myself and recognize my potential. As a proud Seawolf, I will continue to make a change.
My name is
Faces of SSU 2019
Heidy Garibay. I am a bilingual elementary school teacher, graduate student at SSU and a first generation college student. I’ve been a part of SSU since my undergraduate years. I started at SSU as a freshman in the fall of 2012. I was part of the hutchins school blended track. The blended track is designed for students who want to become teachers. In the blended track you work on your BA and a multiplesubject teaching credential all in 4 years. Once I graduated with my BA and credential, I started teaching. I am currently in my third year as a teacher in a Spanish dual-immersion school in Sonoma. I couldn’t stay far away from SSU, and decided to go back in order to pursue my MA in education.
and continue growing as an educator. I plan on bringing back what I learn into my school community so we can all grow together. The biggest challenge I faced while at SSU has always been balancing academics and work. From the time I was an undergrad and credential student, I was taking heavy unit loads. I was taking 18-19 units per semester, plus I had a full time job. When I started the credential program, I was also student teaching in addition to everything else. Now that I am in the Master’s program I am teaching full time and going to school. This has been hard to manage but not impossible. This has also helped me become a better student and a better teacher.
I am currently involved in teaching! I am incredibly passionate about my career, and I have Sonoma State to thank for that. My original plan wasn’t to become a I’ve had several positive experiences teacher. I knew I wanted to work with kids at SSU, but the most significant has but teaching wasn’t on my list until I took a been finding something I am deeply tour of SSU and learned about the Hutchins passionate about. SSU has opened blended program. I also did my student many doors for me and that includes teaching through SSU. I was incredibly teaching. I love being a teacher and interested in bilingual education, but at the having the opportunity to work with time SSU didn’t offer a bilingual education. students every day. Being able to I voiced my interest in this and so did a few help students become bilingual is others. We were incredibly lucky to have something extremely meaningful to the opportunity to student teach at dual- me. While at SSU I had the opportunity immersion schools, and have an amazing of working alongside wonderful supervisor that supported us. Fast forward people and learning more about duala few years and I am still deeply involved in immersion education. I continue to the education field. I decided to go back to learn more about this field every day at school to SSU in order to better my practice work and in the MA program.
My name is
Faces of SSU
Isabelle Briseño The summer before eighth grade my sister went to camp at Sonoma State University. When she came home she told me she had found my dream school. I had never visited the university but I knew she was right. At that moment my dream became Sonoma State. Senior year my dream became a reality. I got into SSU. I knew that I would thrive at Sonoma State, make memories, and have experiences that would affect the rest of my life and I couldn’t be more excited to be a Seawolf. Concluding the second semester of junior year, everything I thought I would succeed at SSU was wrong. It is so much more. I never realized that I would be able to accomplish so much while being here. I am Isabelle Briseño. I fell in love with Sonoma State in the eighth grade without even knowing that it would develop me into a strong, opinionated, overly optimistic woman and a leader, and I AM a Seawolf. Throughout the last two and half years, I have gone through Associated Students’ (AS) Future Officer Program, volunteered with JUMP as a homework helper at a mobile home park, joined the Greek Life organization- Alpha Xi Delta, successfully ran for an AS senator position as a freshman, was a Summer Orientation leader, served on many academic committees, and have had many positions within my Greek Life chapter including Academic Achievement Director and Chapter President. Through each of my positions I have come to the realizations that my passion lies in advocating for students and helping those students reach for their potential.
I believe everyone on campus has the opportunity to be successful, but I struggle with helping students understand how many opportunities there are to be successful. For example, I took the position of a Summer Orientation leader because as the first years come in, I want them to understand that they have a voice on this campus and there are resources to succeed, not only on campus, but in life. As I continue that work as President of Alpha Xi Delta, oftentimes the women in my chapter feel like they are not capable of succeeding or growing on this campus, but they do. We have so many resources that are unknown to most of the students and as a Senator of Associated Students, I advocated for more of those resources for our students. During my time as a Seawolf, I have become the person I always hoped I would become and just as much as Sonoma State changed me, by the time I graduate, I hope that I will have made an impact on Sonoma State.
2019
I am
Faces of SSU
Ja’Keemah Seals, a proud first generation college student from Oakland, California. I am currently a third year undeclared student here at Sonoma State University. After this semester, I plan on declaring a double major in american multicultural studies and political science. My passions include activism, art, and serving my community. I believe in the power of organizing and take pride in being part of the change I want to see in the world. Finding your community is crucial for success on college campuses. I found my family in the Educational Opportunity Program, where I served as a Summer Bridge leader for the largest cohort of students in recent history, and in the Black Student Union. I plan on staying involved with student leadership as a new member of Sonoma State’s chapter in the National Society of Leadership and Success. I am also a proud student assistant in the Office of the Provost and have worked in other departments including the School of Business and Economics and Faculty Affairs. Living in a new area, I am fully responsible for housing, time management, my nutrition and physical health, finances, mental health, schoolwork, and occasional fun. Being a first generation college student adds additional pressure because the fear of failure is always in the back of my head. It has been a very rewarding challenge. My overall college journey has been a roller coaster, but I am happy to be able to have access to SSU and will make the best out of all the it has to offer. I have been nurtured and supported by countless faculty and staff members since my arrival and want to give that same love and
support to incoming students. I see so much potential in the impact Sonoma State can makes on the surrounding communities. Because of this, I focus on working to make this school a safe, welcoming, and fun place for all students, especially for student of color and other marginalized students on campus. I feel that every student should have an opportunity to grow, learn, and be exposed to new ideas in a comfortable and beautiful environment like Sonoma State. I am proud to be a Seawolf and am eager to see the woman I’ll become when my undergraduate career is over.
2019
My name is
Faces of SSU
Jennifer Juarez, and I am a biology and spanish major with a minor in chicano and latino studies. My interest in healthcare arose after seeing disparities in access to healthcare in my community and witnessing serious illnesses in my family go untreated due to the lack of access in our household. I love to participate in opportunities that examine, analyze and address healthcare issues among medically underserved communities. Since December, I have been a peer health leader at the wellness center in my neighborhood in San Francisco. I am committed to improving my own community’s holistic health by co-developing a spectrum of health prevention programs on topics such as physical exercises and healthy eating. To accomplish our goal, we currently do a sports event for children and provide samples of vegetable and fruit smoothies that make the healthy choice of eating easy and accessible at the food bank. Additionally, I am planning a health fair and a lecture on diabetes. During summer of 2017, I also conducted community based-research at Children’s Hospital Oakland Research Institute-UCSF Center for Health & Community. As a research assistant and experimenter of a quantitative study, I examined the effects of food insecurity stress on eating behaviors in children and parents. I had the opportunity to view health from the perspective of patients as I heard about their experiences with food insecurity. During the Fall of 2017, I conducted a qualitative research in a primary care facility. The results suggest that efforts to improve the quality of physician comprehension by Spanish-speaking Latino patients in primary care settings is still needed. As a Latina woman, I learned I am able to advance diversity in the medical field and increase efficient physician-patient interaction. Currently, I am a Diversity Officer for the
Pre-Health Club, and I am passionate to serve as a mentor to pre-health minority students to increase their matriculation to health profession schools. The challenges I have faced include learning to navigate college as a first generation student. At first, it can be intimidating to attend a professor’s office hours and to adjust to the curriculum. Yet, the greatest feeling comes from embracing challenges and exceeding my own expectations. I have been honored to be on the Dean’s list for earning a 4.0 GPA for the past three years. The positive experiences I have had at SSU are having a supportive environment from professors, programs and friends who genuinely care about my success. Thanks to my Spanish professor’s encouragement, I studied abroad in Madrid, Spain. Finally, I will always treasure my chemistry professor’s words, “You are the limit.” I realize if I want to attain my goals, nothing can stop me. My future goal is to continue to advocate and improve the lives of those who suffer by following a MD/ MPH route. I want to improve the laws that affect my community’s access to primary care and treatment while having a well-rounded physician serve them.
2019
My name is
Faces of SSU 2019
John Dunstan, and I am a third year double major in political science and geography. I originally grew up on the East Coast, but my family moved to the Bay Area during my sophomore year of high school.
When I think of the positive aspects of SSU I think of the opportunities I have been given. I came in as a history major, thinking that I would become a high school history teacher. Coming here and taking a variety of classes I am involved in various areas of the GEP really opened up my perspective on department where I was the TA for GEP 203, the world, especially how unequal currently one of the TAs for GEP 201, and a it really is; I really have the World research assistant for Dr. Goman through Regional Geography class to thank the SSURI program. I also serve as the for that. If you were to ask when Associated Students executive vice president I first got to SSU what I would be where I advocate for student voices in the doing now I would never had said committees that I sit on with faculty & that I would be a TA, doing research, administration, chair the senate for student or be the Vice President of the government, and generally try to change the student body; none of those things lives of the diverse campus for the better. were what I had envisioned for my path past high school, but they are The main challenge I had when coming to SSU instrumental pieces in my future that was finding my place in a new and different I truly am thankful for. There are a lot environment. I did not really click with a lot of professors, students, and other of the mainstream groups or activities on adults that have helped me along the campus which really made it hard for me way, and unfortunately there is not to find a place where I felt comfortable or enough room to thank all of them. myself. Through my time living on campus Everything I have accomplished would and my classes I was really able to find not have been possible without those groups of people who are interesting, share individuals, and I am forever thankful similar ideals, and were accepting of me. One for how they have enriched my life. issue that myself and many of my peers face when coming to SSU is that there are a lot of people with very different backgrounds and ideologies who are not always conscious of where people are coming from and how that really affects their outlook on the world. It is hard for us to connect with one another at times, especially when it feels as though a person’s beliefs or background invalidates your own experiences.
My name is
Faces of SSU
Jose Castro. My parents brought me from Mexico when I was one year old. My mother, who left her family and medical practice, came to the United States to become a baker. My Father would spend the rest of his years here uneducated and working in construction. Although not born here, I cannot say I am a result of the crossing of a border. I am the result of the tenaciousness, fear, and courage that my parents had when crossing while I slept and waited. My name is Jose Castro, and through the guidance and resilience of my parents I have been able to focus on my education and future. I am a third year psychology and chemistry student that has the goal of medical school in mind. Every time I mention my majors, people always have two reactions. Either they have no clue why I chose such opposing subjects or they think that my choices correlate perfectly with each other. My reasoning behind my choices is as follows: The brain and mind of a person are two very different things. One holds the basic foundations of movement and bodily functions and the other holds the rationalization of thoughts, emotions, ideas, and personality. One helps your body stay alive, the other lets your soul stay alive. My belief is that both the empirical sciences and our soul have to be healthy in order to be a whole rounded person. This is my motivation to not only become a doctor but to become someone that can make a positive influence in the community. The activities that surround my week consist of AVID tutoring on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and the rest of the week I am either working at the office of Pre-Admissions and Tours on campus or at one of the local high schools presenting about the CSU system, and more importantly, how to get to college. Very recently I have also gotten the opportunity to be part of the EEG lab to research brain waves and functions. Through tutoring and presenting I am able to help the next generation get to a higher level of learning. Something that I emphasize with the youth is that to fail is to learn. Through my presentation, I showcase my
failures to show that failing exposes areas of improvement and that hard work can get you results. When I came to Sonoma State, something I found very evident was the lack of diversity in staff within the science departments. Teachers are the foundation for our learning so if there was more diversity within the system it would give more confidence for people, such as myself, to see that there is someone else who has done the things I am aspiring to do. During presentations when asked about parties, I always say that whenever you are around friends it’s always a party. This has been evident through my 5 semesters here. The relationships and memories created through education are unforgettable. In fact, it’s made me more motivated knowing my peers are next to me following their aspirations as well. These bonds are going to make leaving college unbearable.
2019
Hey y’all! My name is
Marian Mejia, and I’m a second year geography, environment, and planning (GEP) major with a concentration in society, environment, and development. I am a Bay Area born and raised Filipino-American woman who was born to teen parents, and I am the first person in my family to go to college. Currently, I’m an events director/ programmer for Associated Students Productions (ASP), a Peer Mentor for Science 120, an Outdoor Pursuits Trip Leader, Treasurer for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Club, and a member of the Students for Sustainability Club. My involvement here at Sonoma State stems from my desire to make a positive impact and inspire others. Despite the fact that each club, department, and organization I’m in is unique, they all require me to apply my skills as well as learn and grow as a person. As a Filipino woman, it is expected that I pursue a career in the medical field and even though I have a passion for helping others, I wanted to do so in my own way. Inherently, I’m not a scienceoriented person, but it is my passion for the environmental sciences and the well-being and justice of others that drives my work in environmentalism. The way the environment responds to human influence directly affects everyone; I want to educate and inform others as well as encourage everyone to work together so we can all live healthy, safe, and sustainable lives. This also encompasses advocating for minoritized communities that are experiencing severe environmental consequences caused by industry and privileged carelessness. My time at Sonoma State has been generally positive so far, but my biggest challenge would have to be representation. I want to show people like me—people of color, people who have faced numerous adversities—that they can be where I am, do what I do, and foster a passion (or passions). I will never forget when one of my Science 120 students wrote to me in class saying: “It’s nice to see another Asian face.” I’m here to dispel expectations and stereotypes, and promote awareness, environmentalism, and social activism. If I had not come to SSU, my involvement and growth would not have been possible, and I’m more than grateful that the University provided these opportunities for me to take advantage of.
Faces of SSU 2019
Faces of SSU 2019
My name is
Matthew Bowker, and I’m currently a second year music education major at Sonoma State University. My primary instrument is the saxophone, and I plan to become a high school music teacher after I graduate and get my credential. I am very passionate about teaching music to young kids and seeing a spark in their eyes once they see that they can make a sound from an instrument, inspiring them to continue to be creative. I’m Mexican, Italian, and Portuguese, which means I have a huge family that I love to the moon and back. I grew up in Belmont, California, a small town situated between San Francisco and San Jose that exposed me to many walks of life. I currently work as an usher and facilities member for the Green Music Center, along with being the Equipment Manager for the Music Department. I am heavily involved in the SSU Music Education Club, where we strive to help music programs in Sonoma County provide the tools necessary for students to grow as young creatives. We also work to strengthen Sonoma County’s musical community through various performances, both on and off campus. As an active musician, I regularly give music lessons to local students who want to improve their musical skills. I am also very proud to be a part of the SSU Nerf Club. Some challenges I’ve faced since enrolling at SSU are finding time to venture out of the music building to see what the rest of campus is up to and finding a balance between homework, practice, and sleep. Through my time working and attending class on campus, I’ve witnessed firsthand how compassionate and supportive students can be towards one another, which to me, is the best thing about SSU.
My name is
Peter Forte I am a third year geography, environment, and planning studies major, but I just generally love to learn, question, and reason to better myself. I care about solving problems that face our student population, local community and the globe. Primarily, I focus on the injustice of environmental health disparities between communities. I care about the experience of SSU students and want them to be generally happy and healthy individuals who feel a sense of belonging while they attend this school. I’m concerned about what impedes them from feeling this way, and work with other student leaders to address this. I am a member of Associated Students, acting as the Director of Sustainability for Join Us Making Progress and am the Treasurer of Students for Sustainability. I’ve challenged myself by being a full time student and part time employee. A constant challenge I face is learning to accept myself as enough even when I want to do so much more with my time here and learning to cherish the little moments of my college experience as I progress. A third challenge would be learning to remain mindful in the midst of difficulty or chaos happening in the world.
Faces of SSU 2019
Faces of SSU 2019
Hello! My name is
Serina Cabrera, my pronouns are she/her/hers and I am a second year here at Sonoma State University. I am a first-generation Latina student, majoring in biology and minoring in dance and statistics, in hopes of going into Family Medicine. I have been an active member in many clubs and organizations here on campus. I have been involved in MESA, SACNAS Seawolves and the SSU Cheerleading Team since my freshman year and have continued to be this year. I was also a co-founder and performer in an Art and Science Collaborative Project called Hope Ablaze. I was fortunate enough to present this project at the 2018 SSU Symposium of Research and Creativity. In addition, I was one of the recipients of the Community Engagement Award. Last year, I was chosen to be a School of Science and Technology Ambassador for the SSU Science Symposium. This year, I am currently a Student Assistant with University Culinary Services, a Math Tutor at the Learning and Academic Resource Center and President of the club SACNAS Seawolves
Hi Seawolves! I’m
Faces of SSU
Skye Flores (she/her/hers) and I am a third year student here at SSU majoring in both anthropology and biology. I am a latinx woman in STEM, ally, and inter-sectional feminist striving to make a positive change and impact on campus. I live in Beaujolais village along with my lovely ESA cat Khaleesi, and currently serve as an RA to my wonderful transfer students in Classico. Though time consuming and sometimes exhausting, I love being able to serve my community and residents through my position, and strive to assist in any way I can to make their experience at SSU as positive and educational as possible. Besides being an RA, I have served in other leadership positions on campus as a Summer Orientation Leader and in other involvements within REACH. Among my peers I consider myself to be somewhat of a tutor when asked, and am always willing to help others understand material so they may thrive academically and love what they are learning. I also was involved in the Vagina Monologues my second year on campus and am still a large supporter and advocate for feminist movements at SSU. Being involved in campus leadership has allowed me to expand my social circles as well as learn about the rich and diverse student body population on campus that at times goes unnoticed. My first year at SSU was definitely the most difficult as I struggled to find not only myself but people I could connect to and was very close to leaving at the end of my first semester. I found myself questioning my own morals and values, as well as how I wanted to make my mark on campus and whether it would be one that was memorable. It wasn’t until I took initiative in meeting other people around campus and getting involved
in student leadership that I found my calling. In applying for residential education, my goal was to serve as a member of our community that others could relate to, and feel comfortable turning to for support of any kind. Being a minority on campus inspired me even further to get involved, as inclusivity and diversity are areas that can always be built upon and improved and have such a large impact on the lives of students. Working in ResEd has allowed me to fulfill that role and make connections I wouldn’t have if I hadn’t gotten involved as well as expand my lens around social justice issues many of our students face on and off campus. I gained a family through ResEd and know that I would not be where I am today without my coworkers and staff who have inspired me to be an active member of the student body. I have learned that to make a difference you must be willing to set the example, and not be afraid to assist and lead others along the way.
2019
My name is
Faces of SSU
Symphoni Barbee, and I am a junior studying political science at Sonoma State University. I am 20 years old from Sacramento, California, and I am proud to be called a Seawolf. When I was in high school, I began a journey that I am still on today. I began a journey of finding myself and understanding my identity. Sonoma State has been an integral part of this journey, and it is the reason I am able to form communities for myself when it seems that there is no community for me. When my journey at Sonoma State began, I felt alone. As a black woman on this campus, it was extremely difficult for me to find myself represented at SSU. I struggled with microaggressions and implicit bias. Even in the midst of that struggle, I worked hard to make sure that I got the best out of my first year of college. By the end of my first year, I had been placed in positions to be a student leader. I led Summer Orientation and formed bonds with new Seawolves and made it my duty that every student I encountered felt safe and welcomed here at Sonoma State.
am currently a member of The National Society for Leadership and Success. I am also involved with the Alpha Lambda Delta honor society. Being in these organizations constantly reminds me of the importance of hard work and to strive for excellence in my academic endeavors. I also enjoy allying with other communities here such as the Latinx community or the LGBTQ community because I know there is power in unity. I involve myself with these communities by supporting their events and participating in building community with them.
I am grateful for this journey that I am on here at Sonoma State, and I know that this journey will continue long after I have completed my time here. I will continue my journey of finding myself and loving myself while loving and supporting others. Sonoma State has taught me how to do just this by My positive experiences at Sonoma State are when I am able to be an ally and build community. providing a community of people who genuinely One of the few things I have done to build care about you and your community is joining the Black Student Union. I have built amazing connections and relationships journey. My aspiration with people who experience the same challenges in life is to change the world around me as me on this campus. This community is and to improve the filled with people who lift each other up. It is a communities that community I am proud to be a part of at SSU. made me who I am Finding my community has helped me to find today by serving my identity while I have been here at SSU. The experiences that I have had here, both positive and them with the knowledge I have negative, have helped me to be a strong-minded young woman. I am now able to reach out to other gained here at students and make them feel welcome at Sonoma SSU. State. Aside from the Black Student Union, I involve myself in various activities on and of campus. I
2019