Current Student Ambassadors

Aldi

Aldi C. was born and raised in Hong Kong before moving to California in May of 2018. Entering her second semester here at DVC, Aldi has confidence in the decisions she has made for her educational and transfer goals. Aldi is thrilled to be a Student Ambassador, and hopes to use this opportunity to contribute to the community and share her enthusiasm and compassion. Aldi has had to learn to adapt to a new culture and environment, and wants students who are going through a similar adjustment to know she is there for them – come find her if you have questions, or need a friendly face to talk to!

What are you most proud of during your time at DVC?
I am proud of the fact that even though I am still relatively new to this country and I am still learning to adapt, I have not let that get in the way of pursuing my educational goals! I am also proud of becoming a Student Ambassador, which has helped me feel like a part of the community at DVC.
What is your advice for freshmen new to DVC?
Do not hesitate to ask for help, people at DVC are so helpful! When I first started in summer of 2018, I felt completely lost. I had no idea how to do anything, but through reaching out and asking for help, I managed to get all the answers, and here I am!
What is your favorite spot on campus?
My favorite spot on campus would definitely be the lounge area located in the Student Services Center. It is such a nice and quiet place. Whenever I have a gap period between classes, I go there to take a rest on a comfy chair, or finish some homework. There are also outlets there in case your phone or laptop is low on battery, which is the worst!
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I can see myself being married, sharing with my kids how different life is here compared to life in Hong Kong! I also want to continue pursuing my career goals. Maintaining a work-life balance, and spending time with my family and loved ones have always been my goals in life.
What is on your bucket list?
Right now, the biggest thing for me is to pass my driving test. Once I have my driver’s license, I will finally be able to drive my family around the next time they are in the United States. I would also be able to bring my friends to different tourist spots and take great pictures all over the Bay Area when they come to visit from Hong Kong. I also really want to travel the world and eat all the delicious pastries I can find, and visit Yosemite National Park.
What else should we know about you?
I lived alone for a short time, and I used that time to develop an interest in cooking. I found simple, healthy dishes I could make and use for my lunch in order to save money and stay healthy. It would be nice to make an Instagram account sharing my creations with other students, so I could spread the word on how easy it is to make simple, delicious and healthy meals! Other than that, I am also currently taking a hemodialysis class on weekends. I would like to become a certified hemodialysis technician to provide health care to patients with kidney failure.

Cody

Cody T. is a former member of the US Army serving in Germany, Lithuania and Israel. He graduated from Dougherty Valley High School in 2011 and is now attending Diablo Valley College. He is planning to attend The University of Chicago. Cody is also a part of DVC's Phi Beta Lambda (PBL) business club and has competed at the state level in business competitions, placing 2nd in the Future Business Executive competition. Cody loves helping students and other members of the community through his volunteer work with Habitat for Humanity and The Berkeley Project. Attending DVC has given him the opportunity to meet like-minded students and faculty members who are incredibly supportive in helping him reach his goals. Cody plans to leverage his unique experiences to help future students reach their potential and meet their goals through the Student Ambassador program.

What are you most proud of during your time at DVC?
I am most proud of my time spent with PBL, competing in case studies and the state business leadership conference in San Diego. It has helped me gain confidence in presenting myself and has helped me gain valuable business skills.
What is your advice for freshmen new to DVC?
My advice to incoming freshman students is to get involved in anything you can! Whether it be volunteer opportunities, clubs, or working on campus, there are opportunities to help you grow and learn even more during your time here at DVC.
What is your favorite spot on campus?
My favorite place on campus is the commons. I love studying there when the weather starts to warm up and there are always awesome events taking place! It's a great area to see what's going on and also to get information about various DVC clubs.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
In 10 years, I see myself having graduated from business school and working for a large investment bank or consulting firm in New York or San Francisco.
What is on your bucket list?
I definitely plan to go skydiving one day as well as visit all of the amazing places in the world, and see the beauty that is there. I would love to climb Mount Everest one day as well, and that would be the ultimate experience to check off of my bucket list!
What else should we know about you?
I love food! I'm constantly trying new restaurants around the Bay Area and I'm always a fan of custom mac n cheese or a good steak.

Cristobal

Cristobal C. moved to California from Mexico back in 2002, and graduated from Briones Independent Study in 2012. After taking some time off from education and working full-time to support his family, Cristobal enrolled in DVC thanks to its variety of educational programs and supportive staff, who have helped guide him throughout his college career. While working side jobs with agencies such as the National Park Service, Cristobal has been able to attend classes towards earning the necessary credits to transfer to a UC, and is now studying at DVC to earn a degree in Environmental Sciences. Cristobal has enjoyed making new connections during his time at DVC, and is eager to use his role as a Student Ambassador to provide support for his fellow students. When he is not studying or working at his side jobs, Cristobal enjoys exploring the outdoors through hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing or kayaking with his friends. His other hobbies include trying out new restaurants, volunteering, and taking naps in a hammock.

What are you most proud of during your time at DVC?
One thing I’m most proud of so far is having completed the prerequisites for my major. I struggled a lot in high school, which lead to a sharp decline in my GPA. Since then, I’ve been working towards improving my academic performance. Thankfully, with the support I got at DVC, I’m finally on track to transfer by Fall 2019!
What is your advice for freshmen new to DVC?
Take ownership of your college experience and make the best of it! Whether you’re taking classes that are required for your major, or just side interests you have, you can learn valuable lessons that are applicable in everyday life. Some of my favorite classes have been ones I thought I’d dislike, such as Macroeconomics and English-122.
What is your favorite spot on campus?
My favorite spot has to be the hillside next to the DVC library. It’s a great place to sit in the shade on a warm day and read a book, listen to music, or just relax before class.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I see myself where I love to be the most - outdoors. Whether that means working with a public land agency like the National Park Service in Yosemite, or for some non-profit land protection group in the East Bay, I hope to continue to protect the ecology of these places while helping improve access for all individuals to enjoy our public lands!
What is on your bucket list?
To climb the tallest mountains on all the continents on Earth such as Mt. Denali, Whitney, Patagonia and someday, Mt. Everest.
What else should we know about you?
While I may be quiet, I genuinely enjoy conversations! There are certain things that can get me to talk for hours, especially my taste in sports, movies, and music. Similarly, I love hearing about other people’s interests and their stories, and learning about what motivates them.

Fernanda

Fernanda O. graduated from Salesian College Preparatory in 2018. She is majoring in Architecture and plans to transfer into the CSU system to continue her education. Fernanda loves lending a helping hand and will always go out of her way for people, so she felt becoming a Student Ambassador is the perfect fit for her. Coming to DVC has presented Fernanda with great opportunities, and has introduced her to a variety of people from different backgrounds. She feels that attending DVC is the best choice she has ever made.

What are you most proud of during your time at DVC?
I am most proud of being able to stay on top of my work! Recently I had a 12 page essay due for one of my architecture classes. I spent a lot of time in the library, and the librarians helped me use the databases available to us so that I could research for my essay. Making use of the library, the computer labs, and office hours of my instructors has been really helpful for me.
What is your advice for freshmen new to DVC?
Never hesitate to ask questions! The faculty and staff are here for you, and will do everything they can to help! Utilize them while you can.
What is your favorite spot on campus?
I would have to say my favorite spot on campus is the computer lab in the Student Union. You will often find me in there doing homework or printing assignments for a class.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
With a degree in architecture, possibly a masters. I can see myself being financially independent and living on my own.
What is on your bucket list?
Skydiving and traveling. Getting to know different cultures and traveling to as many places as I can has been my goal since I was nine. So far, I have visited four countries, so I am off to a good start.
What else should we know about you?
I can be shy at times, but I am actually a very outgoing and friendly person.

Gabrielle

Gabrielle P. graduated from Valley High School in June 2016, and has been attending DVC for two years. She is working towards obtaining an associate’s degree in her major of Psychology, before transferring to a CSU. Gabrielle enjoys meeting other students at DVC and hearing about their educational journeys. She is excited to start her journey as a Student Ambassador, and is eager to help as many people as she can. Gabrielle loves to spend time with her family, going out to restaurants with others, and taking care of her nieces and nephews.

What are you most proud of your time at DVC?
The moment I’m most proud of during my time at DVC was when I first set foot on campus. Before that moment, I was very unsure of whether or not I was going to go to college, and I was very apprehensive on the way there. I’m glad I decided to visit, because the moment I arrived on campus, I knew I wanted to attend college at DVC. It was a big move for me to make, and I’m very grateful that I took that first step forward.
What is your advice for freshmen new to DVC?
Try not to get too stressed out about figuring out your major. Meet with a counselor and take classes that sound interesting to you, and see where your passion leads you. Once you find what motivates you, get after it! I changed my major a few times before I really figured out what was best for me, and there's nothing wrong with doing that - just don't be hard on yourself and think you need to figure things out right away!
What is your favorite spot on campus?
I’m mostly at the San Ramon campus and my favorite spot there is in the courtyard during sunset. It’s so beautiful when you have the water fountain, the trees, the beautiful colors in the sky, and the setting sun in your view all at once.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I can see myself working at a high school as a school psychologist, traveling the world with my husband, and spending time with my friends and family.
What is on your bucket list?
I really want to go swimming with whale sharks, and go on a ride in a hot air balloon. I also want to study abroad or vacation in Japan for a few months.
What else should we know about you?
I’m a pretty easy-going person, and I enjoy talking to others. If someone needs somebody to talk to, they can count on me.

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. 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.

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.
What is your advice to freshmen new to 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.
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.
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.
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!
What else should we know about you?
I love reading all different kinds of books, but my favorite book will always be Harry Potter!

Kayla

Kayla L. graduated from the Galileo Academy of Science and Technology, and is attending her first semester at DVC. While interning at CORO’s Exploring Leadership program in Oakland and San Francisco, Kayla found a passion for social justice. After discovering her love for helping others, and the legislative system, Kayla decided to pursue a degree in political science. She is planning to obtain an associate’s degree before transferring to a four-year university. Kayla is a part of EOPS (Extended Opportunities Programs and Services), which provides her with counseling, peer advisors, book vouchers, and more. Through that counseling, Kayla has been able to plan her next two years at DVC to ensure she will complete the required courses she needs in order to transfer. Off campus, she likes going out to San Francisco to catch up with her friends or exploring the East Bay with her sisters. Attending DVC has been the best choice for Kayla, and becoming a Student Ambassador will allow her to learn, grow, and help more people.

What are you most proud of during your time at DVC?
I’m most proud of how much I have grown already. I went to high school in San Francisco, so it was hard to transition to college, as well as being in a new city. I was always a loud and talkative person but I found myself more shy than usual when I came to DVC. After adjusting to my classes for a couple of weeks, I built up the courage to talk to more classmates and ask questions in class. I am glad to say that by putting myself out there, I have made some great friends here so far. DVC is a very welcoming environment and I love how you can meet so many different people here.
What is your advice for freshmen new to DVC?
My advice is to not be afraid to reach out and talk to new people or ask for help. It might seem intimidating to be in a new school with new people, but everyone is very welcoming and nice. If you start to struggle or get confused in class, I highly recommend going to your instructor’s office hours because it really helps. A lot of the time, students don't reach out to instructors in their office hours because they either don’t know what to ask or they’re afraid. Making use of office hours is a great way to clear up lecture notes or to have a problem explained thoroughly.
What is your favorite spot on campus?
My favorite spot on campus has to be the library. It’s a great place for studying and sometimes you even run into your classmates and are able to study together. It’s quiet and has lots of space for you to get things done, compared to my house which is always loud and crowded.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
In 10 years, I hope that I’m working either at a local government or somewhere in the state government. I see myself helping others to the best of my abilities as well as traveling the world to help people in need in different regions.
What is on your bucket list?
One goal on my bucket list is to visit all the Disneyland parks in the world. I love Disneyland in Los Angeles and it makes me so happy just to be there. I want to visit all of the Disneyland parks because they make me feel carefree and remind me of my childhood. Everything is so magical about it.
What else should we know about you?
I love boba and coffee! Whenever I hang out with my friends there has to be a boba place near by. Coffee is just my go-to for school. Since Peet’s coffee is available at the bookstore, you can always find me in there ordering my iced coffee. Other than that, I love to read. When I get started on a book, it’s hard for me to put it down. I started the habit of reading when I was in a book club in elementary school. Ever since then, reading has always been a hobby for me.

Kimmy

Kimmy G. graduated from Monte Vista High School in July of 2018. Kimmy plans to use her time at DVC to obtain an associate’s degree in biology. She also hopes to earn additional degrees and certificates before transferring to a UC. Kimmy imbues enthusiasm into everything she does, and has channeled this into getting involved at DVC. She is part of the Alpha Gamma Sigma Honors Society, and she is a member of DVC’s FOM (Friends of MESA - Math, Engineering, Science, and Achievement) program as well as the Women in STEM club. She loves to help others and is excited to be at DVC to serve the community as a Student Ambassador!

What are you most proud of during your time at DVC?
I’m most proud of my ability to uphold the work ethic I’ve had since summer. I knew certain classes would be challenging, so in my excitement to start them I introduced myself to some of the material beforehand. Since then, I’ve continued to be very motivated in my classes and plan to continue being prepared for what lies ahead.
What is your advice for freshmen new to DVC?
Being organized has been the biggest help for me. Everything moves slowly at the very beginning, but then the pace picks up. College classes can seem to move at a faster rate, especially if you aren’t prepared for it.
What is your favorite spot on campus?
My favorite spot on campus would definitely be the science area at the top of Cardiac Hill (behind the library)! It’s extremely beautiful up there, with so many cool displays around every corner. The first time I went up there, I was surprised to find the little study oasis by the stairs as well as a “crime scene” area and a planetarium! A little piece of science heaven up there!
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
In 10 years, I hope to be doing a forensic pathology rotation at one of the local universities. Much like I do now, I want to continue being actively involved in volunteer work and participating in running events. Then, off to medical school!
What is on your bucket list?
Going back to London and France. I recently visited both countries as my high school graduation present, and I absolutely loved it! I really miss Europe now.
What else should we know about you?
When I find something that interests me, I really dive into it and give it my all! I try to apply this enthusiasm into all aspects of my life, and approach everything with this attitude. I feel that this has helped me be successful academically, and I hope to channel this into my role as a Student Ambassador.

Lika

Lika S. completed most of her education in Côte d’Ivoire - a country located in West Africa, before moving to the US and graduating from McDonough High School in 2018. She is currently working towards an associate’s degree here at DVC, and plans to to transfer to a four-year university to pursue a Business and Marketing major. Lika loves getting involved on campus, and aside from being a Student Ambassador, Lika is also a French tutor and a member of Phi Beta Lambda. She loves to be around people and is an outgoing person.

What are you the most proud during your time at DVC?
Being able to be a part of the Student Ambassador program is something that I am proud of. It gives me the opportunity to meet and help many people. I find that being an Ambassador is an extremely rewarding experience, and it is also very challenging – you never stop learning new things!
What is your advice for freshmen new to DVC?
Don’t be afraid to take the initiative - join clubs, use the opportunities that are given to you. It is okay to experience failures, but nothing can stop you from success as long as you always get up and try again, and learn from your mistakes.
What is your favorite spot on campus?
My favorite spot on campus is by the benches near the student union. It has a great view of the pond, and you can hang out with the ducks and geese. There is one goose that can’t fly, who is actually pretty friendly!
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I see myself earning a master’s degree in Business Administration. I would probably be back in Côte d’Ivoire, working to get rid of the many inequalities and fighting corruption within the country.
What is on your bucket list?
I want to own the entire collection of the “Rougon-Macquart”, a series of 20 novels from a famous French author of the 19th century named Emile Zola. I also want to do more volunteer work and give back to my community.
What else should we know about you?
I am a very outgoing person! I love to smile, laugh, and meet new people.

Maheen

Maheen B. graduated from Angelo Rodriguez High School in June of 2017, and has been attending DVC for a year. She is currently working towards obtaining an associate's degree in Political Science, and plans to transfer to a UC. Maheen loves the diversity and the opportunities offered for students to succeed in the future. In her spare time, Maheen volunteers as a Sunday school teacher at her local mosque, and enjoys spending time with her friends and family.

What are you most proud of during your time at DVC?
I am proud of my time management skills! I am involved and active in school, and I have learned to manage my time to ensure I balance this with enough time for studying. This helps me maintain my good grades, and keeps me on top of my work.
What is your advice for freshmen new to DVC?
I would say to start early on your educational journey from high school to college. Many people believe coming to a community college is an easier way of getting into a four-year college, but that depends on how you spend your time here and what your goals are. Be on top of your game and get involved!
What is your favorite spot on campus?
My favorite spot on campus is the library quad, because it is conveniently located in the middle of my classes. This makes it a great place for me to get some work done when I have a break between one class and the next.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
In ten years, I see myself providing aid for the needy, all around the world. Maybe I will even have a family, and I will be traveling with them on my future adventures!
What is on your bucket list?
I have many things on my bucket list; a few would be to go skydiving, zip lining, and parasailing. I also want to travel all around the world!
What else should we know about you?
I am a very hyperactive person, so I am constantly on the lookout for adventures throughout my life. I always try to challenge myself and step outside of my boundaries.

Maria

Maria H. graduated from Concord High School in June of 2016, and has been attending DVC for two years. Maria is majoring in Sociology and is planning to transfer to a CSU by next year. She plans to use her Sociology background to become a social worker focusing on care for the elderly. In her spare time, Maria enjoys listening to music and spending time with her family and friends. Maria wants to improve her communication skills and as help as many students as possible while she serves as a Student Ambassador.

What are you most proud of during your time at DVC?
I am most proud of finishing Puente with the support of my classmates, counselor, and professors in the program. Puente is one of the many learning communities we have on campus, and being a part of Puente meant I would work closely with my Puente counselor and my mentors, and that I took the same classes as others who were a part of Puente. It introduced me to some great people, and has been such a valuable experience!
What is your advice for freshmen new to DVC?
My advice is to not be afraid to try new things! Join a club, become part of a learning community, maybe find a job on campus! Most importantly, do not be afraid to talk to your classmates. You can form study groups together and make new friends.
What is your favorite spot on campus?
My favorite spot on campus is the PUMA center! PUMA stands for Puente, Umoja, MESA and Achievement, and is home to those learning communities. I am always there before and after class, either studying or just hanging out with friends.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
In 10 years, I hope to have received a master’s degree in Sociology. I also hope to be married and starting a family.
What is on your bucket list?
I am very scared of heights! I have never been on a big roller coaster, so one thing on my bucket list would be to ride a big rollercoaster, like the ones I always see in Six Flags.
What else should we know about you?
I love all kinds of music! My music playlist is literally all over the place with genres.

Melissa

Melissa N. graduated from Acalanes High School in Lafayette, California in 2018. She is currently in her first year at DVC and is taking a range of classes in an effort to allow her to narrow down her interests so she can choose a major soon. She plans to transfer to a four-year university to earn a bachelor’s degree. So far, Melissa has been involved with Students for the Advancement of Global Education and Alpha Gamma Sigma Honors Society. She loves the support she has found in both of the clubs and the great work they do. She has had an amazing time exploring a variety of subjects through her classes, and hopes to inspire others to get their head start at DVC as she has.

What are you most proud of during your time at DVC?
I am most proud of my efforts to get involved on campus. I have joined a couple of clubs and have become a Student Ambassador, so I really feel like I am a part of the DVC community.
What is your advice for freshmen new to DVC?
Get involved! There are many opportunities for involvement, so everyone can find something that interests them. Join a club, team, or a learning community. These organizations really enhance a student’s experience at DVC.
What is your favorite spot on campus?
I love the miniature quad near the liberal arts building. There are trees and benches everywhere! It is a perfect, shady spot to pass time between classes or read a good book.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I see myself in a career helping other humans and animals. Whatever happens, I hope to be happy doing what I am doing!
What is on your bucket list?
A major item on my bucket list is to study abroad! I love the idea of travelling and learning simultaneously. Ideally, I would go to a country that speaks Spanish so I could become completely fluent.
What else should we know about you?
I am an animal lover and I volunteer at organizations for animals in my free time. I have three dogs at home and whenever I have a rough day, their presence makes me instantly happier!

Nastaran

Nastaran Q. graduated from College Park High School in June of 2015, and has been attending DVC for three years. She is currently working towards obtaining an associate's degree in her major of Psychology, and plans to transfer to a UC. Nastaran loves the diversity and the welcoming atmosphere of DVC, as well as the many opportunities offered for students to succeed. Nastaran enjoys 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.

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!
What is your advice to freshmen new to 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.
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!
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!
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 30 years old or 80 years old, I will skydive someday! It looks so fun and exciting!
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.

Pratistha

Pratistha M. is an international student here at Diablo Valley College, who was born and raised in Nepal. After graduating from Uniglobe High School in June 2016, she decided to further her education in the United States. She came to the US in late July of 2017 and began attending Diablo Valley College. She is planning to get an associate’s degree in Computer Science and transfer to a four-year university. Pratistha loves the diversity on campus, and feels that the diversity enables her to meet others from a variety of backgrounds. For Pratistha, becoming a Student Ambassador has allowed her to demonstrate and develop her leadership skills around the campus. Outside of class, Pratistha enjoys listening to music, sketching, exploring new places with her friends, and one day hopes to travel the world.

What are you most proud of during your time at DVC?
My proudest moment was joining Alpha Gamma Sigma (AGS) Honor Society at DVC after completing my first semester of 17 units with a 4.0 GPA.
What is your advice for freshmen new to DVC?
For me, my first semester was overwhelming. What had helped me make my way through was getting involved on campus by joining a few clubs. It was an easy way to make connections and meet new people outside of a classroom setting, so I highly recommend that freshmen check out the clubs at DVC.
What is your favorite spot on Campus?
There is a big set of stairs at DVC known as “Cardiac Hill”… as the name suggests, it can be quite a struggle to get to the top, but it’s worth it! Near the ATC (Advanced Technology Center) building is a small pond with a few benches. The pond is off to one side and because of where it is located, is usually nice and quiet. What I like to do is to get Chinese food from the nearby Crows Nest Café, head over to the pond, and sit on the bench to relax and enjoy my lunch.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I am a person who just goes with the flow, so I am not sure where I will be! So far, I have planned to pursue a career in computer science, and to work at one of the Big 4: Facebook, Google, Apple, or Microsoft!
What is on your bucket list?
I really want to complete the Annapurna Base Camp hike, located in the Himalayan trails of Nepal – it is one of the most popular treks in the world. The journey to the base camp has an elevation of 4130m (13,550ft), and mountain views that will leave you breathless! I also hope to climb to at least the base camp of Mt. Everest, but we’ll see about that!
What else should we know about you?
I am a huge fan of the British accent, and the Sherlock Holmes series is as one my all-time favorites. These two things are why I love Benedict Cumberbatch!

Stephanie

Subhiksha

Subhiksha K. was born and brought up in India by her grandparents. She came to the U.S in 2016 and graduated from Mt. Diablo High as a senior in June of 2017. At first, Subhiksha did not know what to major in, and decided to attend DVC to explore her options. She was surprised at the wide range of classes DVC has to offer, and was able to choose classes that she felt she would enjoy. Subhiksha has now been attending DVC for a year and plans to transfer to a four-year university as a Computer Science major. She believes that attending DVC not only helped her decide her major, but also believes that DVC continues to help her gain cultural competence, and grow as a person.

What are you most proud of during your time at DVC?
I was proud of myself when I started my first job at DVC’s cafeteria. Working on campus saves me time, and has let me manage my work and study schedules effectively. Little did I know that I could fit in, in a diverse college like DVC and become a responsible young adult who is constantly trying to better myself.
What is your advice for freshmen new to DVC?
Hello, to all the freshmen out there! I understand that going to college can be overwhelming. You might feel disoriented or scared, and that is ok! DVC staff are here to help you. You can turn to them when you need help figuring out things at DVC. My advice to you all is simple - do not be afraid to ask for help. Explore, and learn as much as you can. In doing so, you will feel comfortable on campus, gain knowledge and gain different experiences. Most importantly, you will grow as a person.
What is your favorite spot on campus?
My favorite spot on campus is the Cafeteria. I love the variety of food options they have. I find it hard to concentrate when I get hungry, so studying at the cafeteria enables me to grab delicious food so I can concentrate on completing my assignments.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I see myself working in the field of computer science and fulfilling my bucket list!
What is on your bucket list?
I have many things that I want to do. Every time I find something that sounds interesting, my bucket list increases. One of the things on the top of my list is travelling to Korea, because I am a big fan of Korean dramas, food, music and culture!
What else should we know about you?
I enjoy watching movies, playing sports, dancing, going for drives, and listening to different genres of music.

Yeeun

Yeeun M. graduated from Hillcrest Lutheran Academy in Minnesota, in May 2017, and is entering her second year here at DVC. Formerly uninterested and unsure of going into higher education, Yeeun believes that coming to DVC has widened her perspective of what an education can provide, and has found passion in a specific field of study. She initially majored in Graphic Design; however, taking different classes and exploring clubs helped her to find her true interest in Economics. She wishes to transfer to a UC before working towards her Ph.D. Yeeun really values the role of community in human life and loves interacting with different cultures. This informs her desire to visit many communities all over the world and to understand their needs in order to build stronger strategies to lessen poverty and injustice.

What are your most proud of during your time at DVC?
Although my GPA in high school was okay, I was definitely not interested in studying at all. I appreciated life experience a lot more than textbook learning. However, coming to DVC has taught me that getting an education would help me find work in a field that I love and feel passionately about. I am proud to have discovered my interests, and to have become somebody who is now excited about my education.
What is your advice for freshmen new to DVC?
Take advantage of resources at DVC, such as Counseling, the Career and Transfer center, Learning Communities, workshops, on-campus jobs, clubs, and tutoring. The more involved you get, the more you get out of it. DVC is very inclusive, and is a loving community that will help you in every way they can. I wish I had this advice for my first semester at DVC!
What is your favorite spot on DVC?
My favorite spot at DVC would be the Math Lab. Not because I love math, but because there are tutors there who can help me whenever I have a problem! It is also a great place to study and get extra credits for your math classes.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I see myself living in either Norway, France or somewhere in Africa. I would be married and raising kids, as well as working for an organization or a company with the goal of decreasing the poverty in the world by incorporating business strategies and raising awareness!
What is on your bucket list?
I want to take a year off to travel the world and explore different languages and cultures.
What else should we know about you?
I love outdoor activities. I love hiking, playing some sports at the park, going to the beach, or to just laying down to soak up some sun. Oddly enough, I am afraid of heights and water! I always chicken out when my friends and I go to amusement parks.

Student Ambassadors