Erika

Erika R. is a well-rounded young lady that values her education and the social events provided to her on campus. Graduating from Mount Diablo High School in 2015, Erika is entering her second year here at DVC. She is planning to transfer to a CSU in order to obtain a bachelor's degree before moving on to achieve a teaching credential in Special Education. Erika is also a part of Puente, one of the learning communities here on campus. Being a part of Puente has helped shape Erika into the aspiring leader that wishes to give back to her community as a teacher. Erika loves volunteering her time working with children with special needs, being a youth leader in her church, and spending time with friends and family. Erika is a firm believer that coming to DVC was one of the best decisions she has ever made. Attending DVC has allowed Erika to network with a wide variety of people, make some wonderful memories, and has allowed her to truly embrace the value of her education. As part of the Student Ambassador program, Erika aims to put her leadership skills into practice, and help support her fellow students.

1. What are you most proud of during your time at DVC?
I am really proud to be part of Puente. Puente is one of the learning communities we have at DVC, and we take classes together. It helped me have a network of people to be around, and it helped me discover what I wanted to pursue as a major and as a career!

2. What is your advice to freshmen starting at DVC?
My advice to freshmen is that they should learn to ask for help. It might seem intimidating, but you shouldn't be afraid to ask questions! Get involved around campus, don't let the college experience be a passive one for you!

3. What is your favorite spot on campus?
For me, it's the PUMA center. PUMA is an acronym, standing for “Puente, Umoja, MESA and Achievement”, and it's where the learning communities are based. In the PUMA center, I feel like part of a community. It's a great place to study, with wonderful resources.

4. Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I see myself being married, having a career, while also working towards attaining a PhD.

5. What is on your bucket list?
There are a few places I want to go that are on my bucket list! In Europe, I would like to visit Ireland and Spain in particular. I love the architecture and the culture of Spain. Any country that advocates siestas, I am a fan of!

6. What else should we know about you?
I love to dance! Dancing and smiling are my favorite things!

Erin

Erin R. graduated from Northgate High School in June 2016 and is currently in her second year at DVC. Through her volunteer experiences at the Japanese Community Youth Council (JCYC) in San Francisco and at John Muir Hospital in Walnut Creek, Erin has been inspired to pursue a career in the medical field. At JCYC, Erin discovered her passion for working with children and hopes to become a pediatrician or pediatric registered nurse. In her first semester at DVC, she was introduced to the MESA (Math, Engineering, Science, and Achievement) learning community which provides academic enrichment, counseling and exposure to four-year universities for science and engineering majors. She plans on transferring to a UC to obtain a Bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences/Physiological Sciences. Off campus, Erin enjoys hiking and exploring the Bay Area with her friends. Erin strongly believes that attending DVC was one of the best decisions she has made and looks forward to helping students as a Student Ambassador.

1. What are you most proud of during your time at DVC?
During my time at DVC, I am most proud of the connections I have made with many of the diverse students and faculty. The Pre-Nursing Society and Toastmasters International student clubs have exposed me to possible nursing careers, and have helped to further develop my public speaking skills, as well as creating new friendships.

2. What is your advice to freshmen starting at DVC?
My advice for freshmen is to be involved on campus and explore the opportunities available, from student clubs to learning communities at DVC. If you get involved earlier, you'll be able to get the best out of your experience as well as enhance your college applications and resume.

3. What is your favorite spot on campus?
My favorite spot on campus is just up “Cardiac Hill” towards the Life and Health Sciences building, where there are three small ponds and picnic benches. I enjoy the peaceful, serene environment where I take study breaks or savor a snack from the Crow's Nest café.

4. Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
In ten years from now, I see myself completing my residency program to become a UCSF pediatrician. Hopefully I'll find time to travel overseas to visit family in Vietnam and explore Europe and Asia.

5. What is on your bucket list?
A few ideas come to mind, including lots of traveling! I'd like to experience watching the aurora borealis (Northern Lights) in Alaska, riding an elephant in Thailand, and scuba diving in the Great Barrier Reef. I would also like to go skydiving and eventually hike Half Dome in Yosemite National Park.

6. What else should we know about you?
I am a biracial child of Asian and Mexican descent! I'm also native to San Francisco and moved to the East Bay in 2007. Despite the move, I have always visited my hometown every weekend to enjoy the cool San Francisco fog and spend time with family. I'm friendly and approachable, so please say hi if you see me on campus

Isabelle

Isabelle Y. graduated early from Campolindo High School after passing the CHSPE, an exit exam, in summer 2016. Isabelle is majoring in Psychology and is planning to transfer to a four-year university by next year. Aside from being a Student Ambassador, Isabelle does a lot of volunteer work, and enjoys being outdoors. She hopes to use her Psychology degree to make an impact in the lives of those around her. Becoming a Student Ambassador is one of the first steps in Isabelle's goal to do so.

1. What are you most proud of during your time at DVC?
I am most proud of my improvement in my grades and the success I have found at DVC. In high school I struggled a lot, but DVC's environment has helped me flourish and appreciate my education more.

2. What is your advice to freshmen starting at DVC?
My advice is be open to new experiences and branch out from your comfort zone. Trying new things can help you discover new passions! DVC provides affordable opportunities, so don't be afraid to experience something unfamiliar.

3. What is your favorite spot on campus?
My favorite spot is the cafeteria. The food is great and the company even better. It is the perfect place to meet up with friends in between classes and relax.

4. Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
In 10 years, I hope to be traveling and volunteering. I want to make a difference in every place I visit by volunteering and doing whatever I can to help those in need.

5. What is on your bucket list?
Traveling is something I've always wanted to do. I love the outdoors and exploring new places, so I would be pretty happy wherever I found myself going. My hope is that when I get older I'll be more minimalistic and be able to fit everything I own in only a few bags. It would make travelling so much easier, as all I would have to do was pack up and take the essentials without having to worry about the things I “might” need!

6. What else should we know about you?
I love reading all different kinds of books but my favorite book will always be Harry Potter!

Jackie

Jackie H. graduated from Newbury Park High School in Conejo Valley, in June 2015. As a technical theatre major, she is incredibly grateful to be attending a school with such a renowned theatre program to pursue her passion. After moving up to the Bay Area from a small town near LA, Jackie is thankful that the students at DVC have been so kind and accepting of her. After completing her first year of college, Jackie is ready to take on the semesters that follow head on. Jackie enjoys being active, being part of the theatre program, and spending time with the friends she has made at DVC. Jackie firmly believes that coming to DVC was one of the smartest decisions she has made so far.

1. What are you most proud of during your time at DVC?
I am a technical theater major, so for me, I am most proud of being hired as the stage manager for DVC's production of The Laramie Project! It's an amazing opportunity, and one I am thrilled to have!

2. What is your advice for freshmen starting at DVC?
My advice would be to talk to your professors! Make sure you email them with your questions, and make the most of their office hours so that you have a clear understanding of your classes.

3. What is your favorite spot on campus?
So there is a big hill with a long set of stairs on campus, known as “cardiac hill”. Some of the science buildings are up there, but there is also a small pond! It's kind of hidden because it is hard to get to, so there is usually nobody there. It's very peaceful.

4. Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I hope to be working in theatre! It's what I love to do!

5. What is on your bucket list?
I think it would have to be skydiving. It looks like a ton of fun, and I am excited to try it!

6. What else should we know about you?
I am a huge geek! I love Pokémon and Avatar: The Last Airbender.

Jonathan A

Jonathan A. graduated from Dougherty Valley High School in San Ramon, California. He is pursuing his degree in Finance and plans to transfer to a four-year university to continue his business studies. He is working towards his goal of acquiring an MBA and to someday head his own venture capitalist firm. Jonathan thanks the DVC business program for providing him with numerous opportunities and resources that have helped him develop his business skills. Jonathan also is a major proponent of political activism, and he serves as the Vice President of Students for America, a nonpartisan club dedicated to encouraging students to engage in political discussion. His goal is to have more students register to vote, and to realize the power of their voice. Jonathan appreciates being able to study at DVC, and the role he plays as a Student Ambassador.

1. What are you must proud of during your time at DVC?
I am proud of the amazing relationships I have built with faculty and student body at the campus. They have helped me through the ups and downs throughout school, and pushed me to achieve my goals. Many of these friends have been with me at DVC since I started, and will continue to be my friends long after our transfers.

2. What is your advice to freshman starting at DVC?
You are freer now than you will be at any other time in your life. If there is a class you want to take, a club you want to join, an opportunity you want to take advantage of, now is the time to go for it! This is the time to figure out who YOU are, and what you want to be. Also, start investing now, the compounding interest will be insane!

3. What is your favorite spot on campus?
That would be the learning commons at the San Ramon campus. It is a bookstore, a social area, a computer lab, and a study hall all rolled into one. After and between classes, this is the best spot to go. It's where late-night studying and group chats can occur in the same place. It's really the best of both worlds.

4. Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I see myself travelling the world with my friends, and working as a financial analyst. I hopefully will be able to start my own business, and be able to pursue my dream of having my own venture capitalist firm.

5. What is on your bucket list?
I want to visit over 100 countries, to become a writer, to hold public office at some point in my life, and to dedicate my life to leaving the world a better place than I found it.

6. What else should we know about you?
I am a big finance and economics guy, I could talk about it for hours! I also enjoy reading - it's one of my favorite pastimes. I'm always looking for good books to read.

Jonathan M

Jonathan M. is a third year student that graduated from Castro Valley High School in 2014. Having lived in the San Ramon area for over 10 years, Jonathan knew attending DVC at the San Ramon campus would be the perfect fit for him. There were many contributing factors that led Jonathan to choose DVC – the location of the campus, the affordability of community college, and his belief that transitioning from a community college to a 4 year institution is the best educational path. Having an interest in videogames from a young age, Jonathan is pursuing a degree in Game Design, so that he can use his knowledge and enthusiasm to help shape a developing field. Jonathan wants to make sure that those who need assistance receive it, and that he is here to help!

1. What are you most proud of during your time at DVC?
I am definitely most impressed by how much I've grown socially compared to how I used to be in high school. I used to only stick with my own group and not really talk to anyone else, but my time here has made me more interested in what other people are up to. I get to speak to a wide variety of students, and find myself wanting to do so both when serving as a Student Ambassador, and in my own time!

2. What is your advice to freshmen starting at DVC?
Don't let yourself become overwhelmed thinking about all the things you need to do, especially in your first semester! Preparation helps, so getting everything taken care of ahead of time means you have less things to worry about, such as if a class you need is going to fill up, or when a paper is due. These stressors are not good for you, and the less you have on your mind, the easier it will be to adjust to the college environment!

3. What is your favorite spot on campus?
I'm primarily over at the San Ramon campus, and I feel like perhaps our comfy little corner of DVC is a little unknown, so hopefully I will get to shed some light on its finer points! For me, my favorite spot on the campus is by the fountain. It's a peaceful spot where you can sit and clear your mind. You can sit and take in the surrounding fields, listen to the birds sing their songs, watch the light dance through the trees, and let the gentle sound of the fountain wash your cares away.

4. Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I can see myself making video games, hanging out with old friends and family, and raising my children with my wife. I am hoping that by then, I'll have the funds, go traveling with those I care about – it would be great to share that experience of seeing the world with someone. It would be nice to come back to DVC, and sit at the same bench, at the same fountain, and to reflect on how much things have changed!

5. What is on your bucket list?
I really want to go sky diving, and do some off road driving too. It would be a dream to talk to some of the people who have been an inspiration to me – people such as George Lucas, Michael Morhaime, Russell Shaw, Martin O'Donnell, Russell Brower to name a few!

6. What else should we know about you?
People should talk to me about the current trends and design elements in the game industry today, I would love to discuss them with someone sometime!

Jorge

Jorge S. graduated from Concord High in 2016 and is in his second semester at DVC. Jorge has always been drawn to the performing arts since a young age. From performing in plays during middle school, to participating in over 10 different music ensembles in high school, his passion for performance has continued to grow. During his first semester at DVC, Jorge served as an Assistant Sound Technician for the DVC Drama production of Hairspray, and the experience helped Jorge decide the career he wishes to pursue. Jorge has plans to transfer to a four-year university in the future, but in the meantime you can find him around campus, always with a smile on his face. If you see him around, say hi!

1. What are you most proud of during your time at DVC?
I'm proud of my choice to make Diablo Valley College my college, because it offers a high quality educational experience in a local area for an affordable price. I'm taking really interesting classes, with engaging teachers who offer me a lot of individual attention. I have also had the opportunity to work with our theater department as a sound tech assistant, and I was able to do that because I could set my own schedule!

2. What is your advice for freshmen starting at DVC?
My advice would be to familiarize yourself with the DVC website, and learn how to navigate through the InSite Portal! This can be really helpful down the line, when you need to do things such as find your class schedule, or find out what your registration date is!

3. What is your favorite spot on campus?
It would have to be the cafeteria. They have really tasty food for a very good price. It's also a good place to meet up with friends if you need to work on an assignment, or you just want to hang out!

4. Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I can see myself playing percussion, or working in the field of sound engineering. Music has been a huge influence on my life, and I would love to make a career out of it!

5. What is on your bucket list?
I have a few things! I really want to travel – not only through the US, but all over the world! One of the coolest things I have seen is a place known as “Four Corners” where you can have your hands and legs in different states at the same time! I also really want to pursue a career in music, and to leave my mark in some way at DVC.

6. What else should we know about you?
There's a lot of things people should know about me! My dad was born in El Salvador, and my mom was born in Venezuela, and I really wish to visit those countries someday. I was born in San Francisco, but my family moved to Concord when I was four years old. I have been studying martial arts since the age of six, and during high school I was in over 10 different music ensembles! I really enjoy playing music, as well as sound production and acting. I also like hanging out with my friends, going to the movies, and working as a Student Ambassador!

Nadia

Nadia K. graduated from Castro Valley high school in 2015 and is now in her third year at DVC. Nadia aims to follow in her family’s footsteps, by transferring to a UC and majoring in Mathematics. She brings excitement and enthusiasm in her role as a Student Ambassador, as she loves helping people and giving back to her community. Nadia also serves DVC as a tutor for both Math and English, and as a Student Instructional Assistant. In her free time she enjoys reading, hiking, photography, and binge watching her favorite shows on Netflix.

1. What are you most proud of during your time at DVC?
I am proud of how much time I am able to dedicate to DVC! I usually have a large course load, as I enroll in around 18-21 units in a semester, and on top of that I have four different jobs on campus! While this does cut into my free time, there are many things I appreciate about it. I get to learn new things in class, I can work on improving my skills, and most importantly, I get to help people in a number of ways.

2. What is your advice to freshmen starting at DVC?
Get involved as much as possible. Sometimes college can really be difficult, but being surrounded by people who are going through similar experiences can be really helpful. Campus jobs, clubs, and sports teams are all filled with people who have similar goals and interests – it really makes it easy to find friends! In my experience, making those connections will lead to the most exciting and life changing moments.

3. What is your favorite spot on campus?
My favorite spot on San Ramon Campus is the Math Lab. It can be loud and a little disruptive when exams are approaching, but for the most part, it is a great, peaceful place to study and focus.

4. Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I am not quite sure! If there is one lesson life has taught me is to never plan ahead, because things can change very drastically at the last minute. As of right now, I am hoping to complete my degrees in Math, start pursuing photography as more than just a hobby, and maybe open a bar or a restaurant somewhere in Europe, but time will tell.

5. What is on your bucket list?
Aside from travelling around the world, getting a tattoo, and tasting foods from different cultures, I have always wanted to buy an art piece that is worth at least as much as college tuition for a private university.

6. What else should we know about you?
I am not a morning person! I am really fun and outgoing… but after around 5pm. I am usually the person who laughs at jokes that are not even funny, and this results in my laughter making everyone else laugh. If you ever see me crying, it is probably because a few moments ago I was laughing to the point of suffocation!

Nastaran

Nastaran Q. graduated from College Park High School in June of 2015, and has been attending DVC for two years. She is currently working towards obtaining an associate's degree in her major of Psychology, and plans to transfer to UC Berkeley. Nastaran loves the diversity and the welcoming atmosphere of DVC, as well as the many opportunities offered for students to succeed. Nastaran is looking forward to working as a Student Ambassador, as she sees it as an opportunity for her to grow and develop her skills, while also helping out as many students as possible! In her spare time, Nastaran works as a volunteer, enjoys exploring the outdoors, and spends as much quality time with her friends and family as she can.

1. What are you most proud of during your time at DVC?
My proudest moment was when I was selected to be a Student Ambassador for DVC!

2. What is your advice to freshmen starting at DVC?
My advice to freshmen starting at DVC is to put yourself out there as much as you can; join clubs, don't be afraid to ask questions, develop connections with your professors, and work hard. By doing all of these, you will learn so much and this will help you grow more as a person.

3. What is your favorite spot on campus?
My favorite spot on campus is the lake. It's a very relaxing and beautiful area, with lots of wildlife. It is even better during the time of year that you can see the ducklings walking around with their parents!

4. Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I can see myself married and living in southern California, pursuing my PhD in Psychology. Helping others is something that I love to do, so I hope to also have a career in which I would be able to do that!

5. What is on your bucket list?
Traveling is definitely on top of my bucket list. I want to travel not only across the USA, but around the whole world! I want to visit different countries and experience different cultures – travelling is the perfect way to explore the world and appreciate all the diversity it contains!
Skydiving is also on my bucket list. Whether it will happen when I'm 20 years old or 80 years old, I will skydive someday! It looks so fun and exciting!

6. What else should we know about you?
As weird as it may be, I actually love running! I've also been studying German for almost five years. I want to become fluent in German someday, so that I can fully understand what my family members in Germany are saying. I've visited more countries than I have states, and I'm constantly watching Netflix.

Nola

Nola C. graduated in 2016 from Saint Mary's Academy in Los Angeles, California. In her first semester at DVC she joined the learning community Umoja, which helps African American students succeed in school. Her major is Psychology, and she plans on transferring to Howard University to earn her B.S., before moving on to earn a PhD. in Marriage and Family Therapy. In her spare time she enjoys hanging out with friends and exploring her new home of the Bay Area.

1. What are you most proud of during your time at DVC?
I am proud of the connections that I have made with different students here at DVC. It's been a learning experience of its own, getting to know people from so many different backgrounds.

2. What is your advice for freshmen starting at DVC?
My advice for freshmen is to really be on top of your time management. Professors do not always hand out reminders about assignments like a teacher would in high school, so it is up to you to be on top of your workload! It's not a bad thing though, it really helps you to keep organized, which is invaluable as a life skill!

3. What is your favorite spot on campus?
My favorite spot on campus is the PUMA Center. PUMA is an acronym standing for Puente, Umoja, Mesa and Achievement. These are some of the different learning communities we have here at DVC, and they are a great way to meet people with shared interests, backgrounds and concerns to take classes together. All of the learning communities come into the PUMA Center to study and hang out, it's a great place!

4. Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
In ten years I can see myself practicing Marriage and Family Therapy for someone like Kaiser Permanente. I feel like I could really help a lot of people that way!

5. What is on your bucket list?
One of the biggest things on my bucket list is that I want to travel somewhere out of the United States! I would love to visit Paris or spend some time in Italy. Both are beautiful, and would make for such an amazing journey!

6. What else should we know about you?
I am a big fan of Grey's Anatomy and How To Get Away With Murder. They're both really interesting shows!

Paige

Paige S. is from a small town in Ohio. After moving to California in 2012, she began attending DVC. After taking several language classes and discovering a passion for other languages and cultures, she decided on her major - Linguistics. She hopes to graduate from DVC in 2019 and transfer to UC Berkeley to complete her Bachelor's Degree. Following this, Paige aspires to attend Graduate school and pursue a Ph.D. in Linguistics. Paige is an active tutor in the Diablo Valley Literacy Council, and in her free time she enjoys making delicious vegan food, practicing piano, hiking, or getting lost in a good book.

1. What are you most proud of during your time at DVC?
Although I had a rough academic start at DVC, I am proud that I have slowly raised my GPA and continued to do well in my classes. With the support of my professors, friends on campus, and my academic advisor, I am not only reaching, but surpassing my educational goals.

2. What is your advice to freshman starting at DVC?
Don't be afraid to utilize office hours. It can feel strange at first, going to see a professor outside of class hours - especially if you might not even have a question - but professors love to get to know students and want to help us succeed. Some of my classes became my favorites simply because I connected with the professor.

3. What is your favorite spot on campus?
Near the library, on the side facing the Math building, there is a beautiful grassy area! I enjoy sitting here all year around! In the winter, it's a great spot to soak up the sun, and in the summer you can sit under the trees for some shade. One of the best things about DVC is that the grass is literally greener here! As our school is very Eco-Conscious, and we use recycled water to care for the campus lawns. Everyone can enjoy plush, green grass all year round, guilt free!

4. Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I see myself finishing my Ph.D., and starting my career in language revitalization.

5. What is on your bucket list?
Too many things to list! But I'd say the top 5, in no particular order, are:

• Take a summer to backpack around Europe, visiting the sites where Harry Potter was filmed, and the Doctor Who museum.
• See the 7 Wonders of the World.
• Live in Russia for a year to improve my Russian.
• Go to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Orlando, Florida.
• Spend a summer teaching English in Mexico and learning Mayan.

6. What else should we know about you?
I love Doctor Who, Supernatural, and Sherlock. I'm friendly and outgoing and am happy to chat if we run into each other on campus!

Pedro

Pedro P. graduated from Las Lomas High in June of 2015, and has decided to pursue a career in medicine. Pedro's desire is to help children live their lives to the fullest, and it is this desire that has led him to DVC. DVC has introduced Pedro to mentors that have helped him achieve his educational goals, and he is very thankful for all the support he has received here. He feels that this has resulted in his decision to attend DVC one of the best choices he has made. Pedro is majoring in Biology, and wishes to transfer to a four-year university. He wishes to use his Biology major to focus on hematology and oncology, two areas he would like to make his specialty. For Pedro, the best part of being a Student Ambassador is the opportunity to meet people from different backgrounds, and to help the college community. Pedro is also a part of the Latino Student Alliance, and volunteers for the Community Emergency Response Team in the city he lives in. Pedro loves eating out with his classmates, hiking Mt Diablo with his father, longboarding around town, and playing video games with his cousins.

1. What are you most proud of during your time at DVC?
During my time here at DVC, I have found that I am most proud of finishing Puente - a learning community here on campus - with a group of students that went on to become some of my greatest companions and supporters.

2. What is your advice for freshmen starting at DVC?
Definitely do not procrastinate! You will save yourself many headaches and late night coffee rampages if you do your homework days before it's due. I also highly recommend checking out the clubs on campus if you're looking to make friends and become more active on campus.

3. What is your favorite spot on campus?
There's a small bench behind the quad that overlooks the lake. It's scenic and quiet. It's the perfect spot to relax, study, read, and just hang out!

4. Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
If I'm not sailing the oceans of the Caribbean with Jack Sparrow at my side, you'll most likely find me at a medical school researching new methods of taking care of sick children in Pediatrics.

5. What is on your bucket list?
I actually really want to visit Pripyat and Chernobyl. I am a little fascinated with the place, it's abandoned and really rather creepy! I have an interest in photography, so for me, it would be really cool to go in and take some pictures… especially of that carousel!

6. What else should we know about you?
Something people might not know about me is that I love longboarding! One of my favorite things to do is go longboarding with my cousin when I have some time over the weekend.