My name is Elisa Hokulea Valle, Filipino and Hawaiian, born and raised in Fairfield, CA. I am a double major in Spanish and Sociology, currently in my 3rd year. I love Spanish and Mexican culture and I hope to work as an advocate for underdeveloped countries and/or underrepresented people groups. I love traveling & learning about cultures and I love being challenged to do things outside of my comfort zone in order to learn more about myself and the world around me. I have a relationship with Jesus Christ and I believe that he has given me these specific desires and passions.
I love being challenged to do what is outside of my comfort zone in order to learn more about myself and about the world around me. I work as an Advisor for Migrant Education working directly with middle school students at Lawrence Cook Middle School, academically advising my students who typically only speak Spanish and come from a different background. Here, I am able to advocate for these students who are not given enough credit for the hard work and effort they (and their families) have put into coming to the United States to live a better life.
Elisa Hokulea Valle Spanish and Sociology
During my sophomore year of college, I studied abroad in QuerĂŠtaro, Mexico. The return from Mexico has been challenging dealing with reverse culture shock socially, academically, emotionally, and mentally. Sonoma State has taught me to move outside of what I am comfortable with and find my own community. Here, I have learned how to be independent and to let go of my old life so that I can move on and find success in my future.
My name is Adriann Pineda Dizon and I am a Filipino-American student studying Biology here at Sonoma State University. Other than being a full-time student, I am a CSA in the residential halls and the Vice President of FAASSU (Filipino American Association of Sonoma State University) on campus. As a fourth year here at Sonoma State I have faced many challenges being a student of color. I feel that no one really understands what it is like to be ‘different’ or not be understood for how I was raised growing
No matter who you are or where you may come from I would encourage that you find that niche or community within Sonoma State and embrace it. up because of my ethnicity. If it were not for joining FAASSU, my second family, I would have never felt so welcomed to be or able to find individuals I can relate to and join in celebrating our Filipino heritage and other cultures together. No matter who you are, or where you may come from, I would encourage that you find that niche or community within Sonoma State and embrace it. We live in a time where we are capable to grow independently and figure out who we truly are. Being a student here at Sonoma State has given me that opportunity. Throughout my four years at this university, the individuals I continue to surround myself with reflect who I am. I have developed new perspectives, gained more confidence, and fostered relationships that I will continue to keep close once my time ends here. I hope that individuals who have ambitions remain determined, and are not afraid of change, and to take the chance to do great things.
Adriann Dizon Filipino American Association of Sonoma State University
My name is Erin Martens and I am currently a junior. I am from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, which makes me an international student. My major is Financial Management and I am hoping to continue to work in the US after I graduate. My biggest involvement at SSU is being a member of the Women’s Intercollegiate Golf Team. I have been playing golf since I was six years old. As soon as I came down to visit SSU, I knew this was the place for me. Being a member of the student-athlete population is something that I am very lucky to be a part of, and it is an honor to represent SSU both academically and athletically.
I am an international student from Canada and SSU has provided me the opportunity to play the sport I love while pursuing my academics.
I would say one of my biggest challenges at SSU has been adapting to living alone. Although this is a challenge, it is something that has been very good for me, and has made me a better person. I love that I live in such different places throughout the year! I feel like I have learned so much about myself while being at SSU and I recommend that young people experience time away from home.
Erin Martens Intercollegiate Women’s Golf Team
There are countless positive experiences that have come from my attendance at SSU. In general, I would say the most important one would be receiving a quality education. Being a member of the golf team is another positive experience for me, and something that as a kid, I only dreamt of. So far college has been everything I hoped for and SSU has given me the opportunity to become the person I want to become.
How’s it goin’ Sonoma? This is Farshad Hashmatulla, a second year student. I would say I’m an energetic and open-minded person. This is the main reason I chose to attend Sonoma State University! I knew the campus was open and green for my imagination to run wild and diverse as well as offer endless opportunities. Being the first person in my family to attend college, I approach my days at Sonoma State with open arms and try to embrace everything here. I currently work part-time in the SSU Library. I enjoy planning events and assisting the students and faculty. I am very glad to be VP of the Management Club. After being an active member of the club all last year, I saw an opportunity to take a step and run for a position. I approach every day at Sonoma State looking forward to meet new faces. In doing this, I
I balance my schedule with classes, clubs, and activities I enjoy so that I never feel overwhelmed with one aspect of college. have broadened my horizon and found out that it is the people who make Sonoma State University unique and enjoyable! I am in perfect harmony on this campus and all its activities. I have enjoyed the performances at our unbelievable GMC, the free popcorn and movies on the lawn, pick up basketball at the Rec Center, breaks between classes in our beautiful butterfly garden, and observing the exotic big cats in the Ballroom. Sonoma State never fails to impress me. I am honored to be part of Faces of SSU this year and also part of the Seawolf tradition. Wish you all the best!
Farshad Hashmatulla Vice President of Business Management Club
I have been a very active sister of my sorority since I joined in Spring 2013. I have held various positions such as Academic Chair, Public Relations, and Community Service Chair. One of the major events that I have been in charge of as Community Service Chair was “Compact for Success�. Lambda Theta Nu Sorority, Inc. partners up with the Sonoma State Outreach Office to put on this event for a local high school every year. The day consists of various workshops that are created to aim and empower young men and women to become the leaders of tomorrow, while also educating them on how to prepare themselves to go to college.
I believe that in order to have a good college experience, one must join something that makes you feel part of the campus like a club or a Greek organization. The three workshops that are offered throughout the day are Self-Esteem, Cultural Empowerment, and How to Get to College. I have had the opportunity to take advantage of the National Student Exchange Program (NSE) at Sonoma State, a program that allowed me to attend a university in Florida (Floria International University) for a semester. I have enriched my college experience thanks to the different organizations that I have been part of on campus.
Gemma Bolanos Lambda Theta Nu
I believe that in order to have a good college experience one must join something to feel part of the campus. This does not necessarily mean that you have to become part of a Greek organization but something that you enjoy doing. Go Seawolves!
Some of my characteristics are that I love to try new restaurants any chance that I get. I am known as the person that is all over the place, but my makeup is still all over the place. Most important, I am queer and proud of it. At SSU, I have been involved in a lot of different programs. Some of the programs that I am involved in heavily is QSA (Queer Straight Alliance). Also, I am a Coordinator for Kids Street Learning Center for Youth Programs in JUMP (Join Us Making Progress). Kids Street Learning Center is a K-8 Charter School for students who live in unstable households. Volunteering with these kids has helped me realize that I want to volunteer with youth because of the impact that you can make on them.
Whatever you are going through, you are not alone. Being a trans woman of color on campus can be a lonely experience due to, among other things, having to constantly prove my femininity to people. I also feel that the university does not support the LGBTQI+ community and other minority groups on campus. The fact that people face prejudice from racism to homophobia and sexism makes me frustrated because all identities should be respected in an academic setting. Some of my positives experiences at SSU are being involved with JUMP and QSA, which has made my experience well rounded. As a sophomore, I am optimistic about how much I will grow by the end of my chapter at SSU.
Harper Tadross Women & Gender Studies
My name is Jessica Mayer and I am currently a junior. I am majoring in Kinesiology and minoring in Spanish. I expect to graduate by Spring 2018 and my GPA is a 3.6. I am a first generation college student. I was born to a Salvadorian mother and Caucasian father. I was raised by my single mother, which taught me the value of working hard and never giving up. I am also a part of EOP and United for Success. They are both programs that strive to help students get through college. I work at the Learning Center as a peer leader, a receptionist, and a president/treasurer for our United for Success Club. I facilitate work meetings and am about to create two of my own workshops. One workshop deals with navigating the GE pattern and the second is about how to get into the Nursing program here at SSU.
Answering someone’s questions has a positive effect on me. I enjoy seeing the relief on their face. Being involved gives me that opportunity. A challenge that I have experienced here at SSU is not being able to get information over certain things that I deem necessary. For example, during my freshman year it was very hard to find information about different majors, how to navigate the GE pattern, and the whole registration process.
Jessica Mayer Kinesiology & a Minor in Spanish
Every time I am able to answer someone’s question it has a positive effect on me. I enjoy seeing the relief that floods the person’s face because they have one less thing to worry about. Being involved in United for Success gives me the opportunity to do just that. I am in charge of ten incoming freshman and I am there to answer any questions they have.
My name is Joi Fisher and I am a second-year double major here at Sonoma State University. I am working toward degrees in Criminology & Criminal Justice Studies and American Multicultural Studies with an Africana Studies concentration. I grew up in San Francisco, California where diversity is a hegemonic and ubiquitous component in the culture of our city. The most significant challenges that I have faced in coming to Sonoma State pertain to the lack of ethnic diversity reflected in the makeup of both our student body and faculty. Through my academic work, I continually gain a deeper understanding of the systemic complexities of this issue, as well as what is necessary to ensure the culture of our learning community is more inclusive.
The overwhelming amount of academic support I have received at SSU has led me to get involved in different leadership positions around campus.
Joi Fisher Criminal Justice Studies & Americian Multicultural Studies
Being the first person in my family that will receive an undergraduate degree has heightened the pride and responsibility that I feel in attending SSU. Being in the Educational Opportunity Program has provided me with the support of advisors and students who understand my experiences in transitioning to college. With this foundation I have been able to grow and get involved with leadership opportunities around campus. As a STRETCH peer mentor, I work to support other students and provide them with the knowledge that I have attained during my time as a student here. I am also a member of the Leadership Team in the Learning Center on campus. As I get further along in my academic career here at SSU I am grateful for everything that has contributed to my personal and professional development. I am also excited to uncover any new opportunities that lie ahead.
I was born in a small town called Twain Harte. I’m a whacky, semi-confident guy who loves making friends with anyone I meet. I have a passion for playing music. My favorite event to do is Open Mic Night at Lobo’s. I also have a passion for traveling. I spent my junior year abroad in Germany, and now I hold a position in the Center for International Education as a Lead Ambassador, encouraging others to take that scary yet rewarding leap to studying abroad. Every challenge I have faced at SSU has molded me into a person I am proud to have become. As a business major, I find some of the classes to be difficult; however this only
Another challenge at Sonoma State that I have yet to overcome is the parking. It is an all-out war in those lots, but Sonoma is worth the struggle. encourages me to dedicate time to my education and teaches me life-long time management skills. Another challenge at Sonoma State that I have yet to overcome is the parking. It’s an all-out war in those lots. I would say the first impactful experience I had at Sonoma State was being a part of Greek life. As a small town kid in a new and unfamiliar environment, Greek life quickly introduced me to new life-long friends and new experiences. It also encouraged me to stay focused on academics, as well as taught me professionalism.
Max Kohl Lead Ambassador at the Center for International Education
However my most positive and life long experience was studying abroad. My year in Germany taught me more about myself than a class ever could. The people I met and the places I experienced shaped me into a more worldly and focused person. Thank you SSU. I love you.
I’m 43 years old with a diverse history. I received my bachelor’s degree in philosophy from U.C. Berkeley in 1994, I was a software engineer for 12 years in both dot-coms and the CSU, and I ran a web design firm for 3 years. Currently, I am the owner of an educational games company and director of a non-profit that uses role-playing games in education. I am pursuing my master’s degree in order to better develop my products and services, and to gain a deeper understanding of educational theory and practice. I have been married to a beautiful writer and artist for 20 years, and I am the father of two teen boys. I am a ‘Burner’ for 4 years, I am a Maker, and I have educated youth through many maker projects.
Returning to school after 20 years made me nervous, but the support and friendship of my professors and cohorts have been key to my success. In the fall semester of 2015 my grandfather passed away, my father’s health took a turn for the worse, and my wife was diagnosed with breast cancer. Trying to handle these traumas while staying enrolled in my classes and maintaining a straight-A average, being a caring husband and parent, and running my companies has been a juggling act. Because of these challenges, I have pushed my graduation date back to the Spring of 2017. My education at SSU has been illuminating and satisfying. Getting to know my cohort and learning about their professional careers has inspired me and broadened my perspective. My professors have been highly motivated, knowledgeable, and extremely supportive. I was nervous about returning to school after over 20 years, but the support and friendship of my professors and my cohort has been key to my success.
Joshua Archer Masters in Education
I’m a first generation college student and this is my second year at SSU. My mom is extremely proud that her only child is at a four year university. I’m a communication studies major and I’m hoping to go into Public Relations. I am considering working for a nonprofit in the future that hopefully involves working with children. I grew up as an only child so when my two little cousins came along I immediately stepped
Everyone that I have met here is so accepting and friendly. It make the atmosphere on this campus feel very inviting. up in the role as the older “sister”. I love that they rely on me so much. I want to be there and show them the ropes when it comes to life experiences. This is why I want to work with kids; I want to make an impact on other children’s lives. I do so much on campus I love it! Last year I volunteered with JUMP (Join Us Making Progress) at the Catholic Charities in Santa Rosa. I work as a Peer Mentor for a THAR 160 class. I get to plan out some pretty cool lesson plans. I also work as a receptionist at the learning center where I schedule appointments for students to meet with Math and English tutors. I have recently taken on the job of a peer adviser where I will be helping other students with registering for classes.
Lucy Lopez Communications
Everyone that I have met here is so accepting and friendly. It make the atmosphere on this campus feel very inviting.
My name is Maria Nolasco Ramirez. I am a first generation college student, and the eldest of three children. In my free time I love to socialize with friends, attend events offered on campus, and be part of projects that are bigger than me. I also love learning and sharing my knowledge with others. I am the Vice President of the Dreamers Club. Some members, including myself, have spoken in classrooms on campus to inform them of the club. I have also
I hope to bring into awareness the presence of undocumented students on our campus, and to advocate for a fair opportunity for education. spoken to a panel of high school students about my college experience. Whenever I speak to younger students, I hope to empower them to become advocates for themselves, their education, and their communities. One of the biggest challenges I faced my first semester as an undergrad, was not being able to apply for a program on campus due to my immigration status. After being denied this service, I asked to be referred to someone who worked with undocumented students. I was referred to another program that I was not a participant of. It wasn’t until this semester that I found the Dreamers club. I was able to meet other students who are undocumented and who share a similar experience as mine, in regard to the services not being offered at SSU for us. I hope to bring into awareness the presence of undocumented students on our campus, and continue to advocate for support from the school.
Maria Nolasco Ramirez Anthropology & DREAMers Club
My grandma raised my siblings and me, I could tell it was challenging for her. This is what led me to choose Human Development as my major. Watching my grandma struggle made me realize I wanted to help people in this particular need. I know by becoming a social worker I will be able to support people in difficult family situations. As a University Culinary Services Coordinator, my duties include: creating weekly schedules for staff, hosting monthly meetings to ensure operations are running smoothly, and also conflict resolution. Being able to work with students from different backgrounds is really enjoyable for me. We come together as a group and aim to accomplish the same goals. We focus on learning from one another, to improve our work ethic, and how to interact with different individuals from different backgrounds.
Being a Culinary Services employee has allowed me to grow as an individual and take on different leadership roles with more responsibility. The EOP community is a wonderful place to meet people who come from a similar background as me. They have professional advisors that offer academic, financial aid, housing, and personal support. Various events are hosted for students to connect to one another and strengthen the EOP community. Being both an EOP and Seawolf Scholars student has eliminated some challenges the typical 1st generation student, such as myself, faces.
Maria Hernandez Human Development
Being a Culinary Services employee has allowed me to grow as an individual and take on different leadership roles with more responsibility. This has helped me learn the ins and outs of management and customer service. All of my experience and growth of being a Culinary Services employee allowed me to support students to gain similar experiences.
My name is Marquisha George and I am a junior with a double major in Criminal Justice and Sociology with an American Multicultural Studies minor. I am a bisexual, black woman with 5 siblings, who was born and raised in the East Bay (Oakland). I am going to use my experiences, along with my degree, to alleviate the structural racism that still plagues the US subconscious. At SSU I’ve had many leadership opportunities that have helped me build a larger sense of community. As a second year CSA, I work with first-time freshmen in Zinfandel (MOSAIC). The thing that I most enjoy is watching students discover themselves and create their identities. I have also worked with my EOP family as a Summer Bridge Leader. I took on this position because
I am going to use my experiences, along with my degree, to alleviate the structural racism that still plagues the U.S. subconscious. I love being a member of the EOP community and enjoy acting as a mentor for the incoming students. Currently I am beginning work as an intern with the Rohnert Park Public Safety Department. From this experience I hope to learn how professionals in the law enforcement field operate. Some challenges that I have faced at SSU stem from the dual role of being both a student and a student leader. Another set of challenges that I face regularly stems from the fact that I am a member of multiple underrepresented groups here on this campus. It is because of this that micro-aggressions are plentiful in my daily life. However, for every person who isn’t supportive, I have met many open-minded individuals who accept me for who I am.
Marquisha George
Criminal Justice Studies & Sociology & a Minor in American Multicultural Studies
I am a female, African-American, first generation college student majoring in Electrical Engineering. I am Sonoma State University tour guide Coordinator. I am involved in The Society of Women’s Engineering Club and held the position of Treasurer last year. I am also very involved in student recruitment and outreach for Sonoma State. Off campus, I am highly involved with the Special Olympics and the Paralyzed Veterans of America. I’m passionate about giving back to my community in any way possible; especially the veteran population. Many of the challenges that I have faced at Sonoma State have to do with being one of the very few women in my field of study. In many of my courses I am the only female. At times, it feels like every thing in the world is against me,
You can’t complain, when you’re living the American Dream.
but I refuse to give up. I did not make it this far to throw in the towel when times get hard. I constantly remind myself that all of this hard work will pay off in the long run; I just have to keep pushing until I make it to the finish line. My college experience has been filled with positive memories. One of the biggest being giving chancellor Tim White a VIP campus tour. You can’t complain, when you’re living the American dream!
Miah Crocket Electrical Engineering
I am an early childhood education major and I identify as Mexican American. My cultural identity is something that has always been an interesting topic because I don’t have the darker complexion and linguistic heritage typical of many Mexican Americans in the region. People always assume that I am just White, which is not a bad thing, but I have always felt that I am a cultural and racial outcast. I am a very patient and understanding person. I love
I love working with people, particularly with those who have a different level of cognitive ability than I do. It’s my passion. working with people, particularly those who have a different level of cognitive ability than myself. It is definitely a passion of mine! I also love music! I am currently in two bands. One of them has management and we record and play regularly as if it were a second career. Music has always been another passion of mine. I play music regularly and tour with my band. It is a great outlet for expression and is a great way to get to learn about people in a different, yet intimate manner. I love being an Early Childhood Education major and it actually occurred in a rather serendipitous manner. My goal was to become a special education teacher for high school students, so I took part in the CATS program. It was there that I learned how important early intervention is for children with special needs and I decided that early childhood is where I can make the most significant change in the lives of others. That same semester I changed my major and have never looked back.
Michael Guerrero Early Childhood Education
I am a 3rd year student here at SSU looking forward to graduating in Summer of 2016. After graduation I hope to work with AmeriCorps followed by grad school. With my MSW (Masters of Social Work) I aspire to work in juvenile jails or adolescent rehab facilities. I am currently the Director of Alternative Breaks through JUMP (Join Us Making Progress). Alternative Breaks is a week-long service trip that works on different social justice issues in a variety of communities. This year I have helped eight service leaders and two coordinators plan trips that will be sent out in the spring semester. I have been involved with Alternative Breaks since my freshman year. It wasn’t until I accidentally walked in to an AltBreaks info night that I decided I would stay at Sonoma and not transfer. My first year I went on the Urban Poverty trip and it’s where I learned “how to live simply so others can simply live”. My 2nd year, I led the Hunger and Homelessness trip. The most
Accidentally walking into an Alternative Breaks meeting was the best mistake I could have made. It’s the mistake that has shaped my college experience!
Morgan Ayache JUMP Alternative Breaks Director
rewarding part of leading a trip is being able to watch other participants have their moment of realization. This year I was fortunate enough to become director of AltBreaks. The best part about being involved in JUMP has been finding my passion for a potential career. I think one of the most challenging things in college in general is finding your place and making friends. Before college I considered myself outgoing and extroverted, I was not as outgoing as I had thought. I appreciate that Sonoma has challenged me and has helped me overcome those obstacles.
I am Nanette. I’m a linguistic anthropology major and I’m first generation Nicaraguan-American and a researcher. I like to research microaggressions at SSU and educate people about them. I’m also an intern-turned-student assistant at The HUB, where I help plan, set up events and support The HUB’s leadership students in CORE. I mostly help coordinate SPOKE—a discussion, open mic, and poetry showcase. I help to facilitate deep and necessary conversations between students, faculty, and poet activists. The main challenge I’ve experienced at SSU, was transitioning from a highly diverse Latin and African American majority based community, to a community where we’re the minority. I quickly found wonderful friends with shared interests, but they aren’t a very ethnically diverse group, and it became difficult to exist as a person of color because I’d have to constantly explain my differences. I chose to attempt to become a
After I told myself I had given up, I found community and a group of friends and mentors who have given me an incredible amount of support. ResLife student leader but I received all rejections and found myself giving up. Months later, I was contacted by the HUB and decided to give leadership another go. I found a niche for myself in The HUB: and then I conducted my research. I became hyper-aware to all of the discrimination I experienced, I became aware of its toxicity. So I started to decolonize myself and became a stronger self-aware person. But from my challenges, I found a community who have given me an incredible amount of support that has allowed me to become a person that didn’t know could exist. I am so much stronger, so much happier than I thought I could ever be.
Nanette Reyes Cruz The HUB
Hi! My name is Nhi and I am one of the few Vietnamese-American students here on campus. I’m currently a junior and I’m an Early Childhood Studies major. When I graduate I plan on continuing my education to get a Master’s degree in Speech Pathology. During my freshman and sophomore year, I volunteered at the Family Support Center through JUMP (Join Us Making Progress). However, this past year I’ve had to put a pause on volunteering so that I can really focus on school. I do hope that during my senior year I can start volunteering again at either the Family Support Center or at another place that works with children. I’ve had a couple of different challenges here at SSU but one of my biggest challenges was adjusting to life away from home. All throughout freshman year I was constantly missing everyone and everything I was familiar with and so
Despite these challenges there are also a lot of positive experiences that have made my time here at SSU memorable. I went home a lot. Going home so often made it hard for me to make new friends and as a result, I spent my first year here feeling like I didn’t belong.
Nhi Nguyen Early Childhood Studies
Despite these challenges, there are also a lot of positive experiences that have made my time here at SSU memorable. One of these positive experiences is getting nominated for Faces of SSU by my ECS professors. When I first received the email letting me know that I was nominated I wasn’t sure if I wanted to participate. However, after thinking about it I decided to say yes and now I’m glad I did.
My name is Rachel McCloskey, I am a junior at SSU. I am a Communications major and am hoping to go into event planning or PR. Sonoma State has helped me in many ways the past three years, giving me amazing friends and providing me with incredible leadership opportunities. I am involved in several organizations here. I’m the Director of Campus Connections for Associated Students Productions, the other directors and I plan a wide variety of events for students. ASP has connected me with many different faculties on campus, as well as agents and performers off campus. I am also involved in Alpha Delta Pi, and this past year I was
Through Alpha Delta Pi, ASP, FYE, and many other organizations I have been able to find my people here and make friends for life. Formal Recruitment Chair. Prior to that I was Director of Social Enrichment and Risk management. Alpha Delta Pi has provided me with amazing friends and lifelong sisters, as well as chances to connect with women from all over North America. Being a part of ASP and ADPi has had its challenges. In ASP I want to bring performers the students want to see and get excited for, however you can never please everyone. I have learned through ASP and Alpha Delta Pi to trust my instincts and do what I think is best for campus. The connections I have made at SSU are definitely the most positive thing I have experienced. Through Alpha Delta Pi, the theater department, ASP, FYE, and many other organizations I have been able to find my people here and make friends for life.
Rachel McCloskey Recruitment and Marketing Vice President of Alpha Delta Pi
My name is Rosa Maria Martinez. My major is mathematics with a focus in secondary teaching. My anticipated graduation date is December 2017. I am a hard-working student who never gives up. I want to be able to set an influence on younger students the same way I was influenced. I am treasurer for Bible Club. I am part of Sonoma State’s Track and Field team, Math Club, EOP Club, Divine Leaders and Campus Connections for ASP. I am also part of an outside organization named Unite HERE. I did an 8 week internship throughout the summer, and I am continuing to volunteer. It was amazing working with a union because it made me realize the importance about being able to fight for the rights of our community and our workers.
All of the different clubs and organizations I am part of have helped me build new identities of myself. I have been faced with challenging assignments such as writing a research paper of 10 pages and keeping up with my sports. I have also faced the challenge of being away from home because it’s hard being away from your family.
Rosa Martinez Mathematics with a Focus in Secondary Teaching
My professors at SSU have supported me, and we have built very good relationships. I have made very good friends and I’ve learned that I’m not alone in this journey. Being part of EOP has also given me the opportunity to have a positive experience because I feel like I have a family in the university. All of the different clubs and organizations I am part of have helped me build new identities of myself.
My name is Sara Steele, I am a junior at Sonoma State. I am a Blended Hutchins Major. I am studying to be an elementary school teacher. I am from the Bay Area and grew up in a town called Pleasanton. I love working with children and being a helpful hand for people in my community. I am currently a Community Service Advisor in the Sauvignon Village. I was a Summer Orientation Leader in 2015. I was a Themed Living Advisor in the 2014-2015 school year. I volunteer at Monte Vista Elementary school once a week. A challenge I face at SSU is finding time to go to all the amazing events offered on campus while focusing on school and my work responsibilities. The best thing I have experienced is the genuine people here. There is always an opportunity to meet new people everyday. The opportunities this school offers in regards to clubs, jobs, and programs for students to attend is outstanding. There really is always something to do at SSU which is something that often gets complained about.
The relationships my teachers make with me in my classes is beneficial to becoming successful and creates a space for great communication. The housing here at SSU is one amazing amenity to this school because it provides a chance for community to take place and flourish. Lastly, but definitely not least, the beautiful campus is not something to overlook. The beauty of this school provides a great chance to destress just by walking from class to class. There is an immense amount of amazing experiences here at SSU for all students to experience if they choose to get out there and get involved!
Sara Steele Blended Track of Hutchins School of Liberal Arts
My name is Tania Carrillo, I am a first generation college student. I’m a proud Mexican American from a single parent household. I’m a very energized happy person who is always looking at the bright side of situations. My goal is to become a high school counselor in a low-income community because I want to promote higher education and reduce high school dropout rates. I want to become the counselor that motivates, inspires, and provides hope for all students. I hold the position of Days of Service Director for JUMP (Join Us Making Progress). I am in charge of training and mentoring my coordinators for their position in order for them to successfully feel prepared to execute small or large scale events. Additionally, I am an Alpha Omicron Pi member where I hold the position of Activities Chairman. The most challenging experience that I faced at SSU was when I met with an EOP advisor during my tour because he discouraged me from coming here due to my race and income. He said that it would be very hard to adjust to SSU because my income was low and it’s a predominantly white
Working for JUMP is a blessing. I get to transmit my passion to others and help them discover a love for service while helping my community! school. He even looked up statistics to try and make me realize that coming here could be a mistake. This discouraged me because a professional staff member judged me based off my race and income instead of who I am on the inside. However, he made me realize that by coming to Sonoma I would have to get out of my comfort zone, and that is when I knew I was up for the challenge. Being part of the Join Us Making Progress family has been the best experience at SSU because I have become more actively engaged with my school and community.
Tania Carillo Join Us Making Progress
My name is Shauna, I am a nursing student here at SSU and have been attending SSU since my freshman year. In my school life I am a diligent worker and bookworm who loves learning. In my home life I am a compassionate and free spirited country girl who loves horseback rides and quality family time. I am very involved with the Nursing Club on campus and the Student Health Advisory Committee (SHAC). I joined SHAC as a freshman and fell in love with it’s purpose, values, and the people involved. Nursing club has helped me pursue my passion of being a nurse and bond with others who share the same goals. The nature of the nursing major means most
I have wanted to be a nurse since I was twelve; now I get to become one here at SSU with fellow students and staff who share my passion. of our time is spent in hospitals, classrooms, or studying. To most it sounds atrocious, but in my opinion it allows complete submergence into a world of science, compassion, leadership, and critical thinking which form the foundation of being a nurse. I’ve had the opportunity to meet lifelong friends from being involved on campus, through classes and my new nursing family. The faculty and staff here are truly wonderful and they have helped to shape my career path and inspired me in so many ways. Every day I set foot on this campus I am thankful for being a student here and wouldn’t change it for the world.
Shauna Fassino Nursing
My name is Siqi (Selene) Li, and I was born in Beijing, China. I came to America as an international student in 2012. Because of my father’s work, I traveled to 14 different countries in the past 20 years. Because of my traveling experiences, I had to learn different languages and understand different cultures all the time. In the process of learning different languages, I made new friends from a lot of different cultural backgrounds. I want to influence young people to be interested in ideas and to be curious about first principle. We take so much for granted without ever getting down to the essence. I want my future students to know how to think critically and speak out for themselves. International Student Ambassador: Being an Ambassador helps me to practice important skills in event coordination, marketing, outreach, and leadership.
I want to become someone who can positively influence other people. I am a student assistant at the SSU Library. I love to help people and spend my time with books, and I am still learning new things every time when I work.
Siqi Li
Early Childhood Education Studies
Ethnically, I am a minority at SSU, because we do not have a big Asian population or international students in our school. The biggest challenge I am facing now is how to distinguish myself with traditional Chinese stereotypes. However, living in a community where most people are American is the best way for me to learn and understand a new culture. I consider my experience in taking English classes as the most valuable and important part of my experiences at SSU, because it has allowed me to understand a language deeply.