2015 Phi TheTa KaPPa - Mt. San Antonio College · Kappa Tau chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society and serves as one of two honors student coordinators for the

Co m m u n i t y Co l l e g e le a g u e o f Ca l i f o r n i a

2015 Phi TheTa KaPPa

All-California Community College Academic Team Awards

2015 Phi Theta Kappa

all-California Community College academic Team awards

Luncheon Program

• Music,AmericanRiverCollegeJazzCollective

• Introductions

• RecognitionoftheAll-CaliforniaAcademicFirst,SecondandThirdTeams

• AwardPresentations

• Closing

about Phi Theta KappaAll-California Community College Academic Team Program

BuildingonthesuccessofthenationalAll-USATeamProgram,PhiThetaKappalaunchedtheAll-StateAcademicTeamProgram.Thepurposeofthisprogramistoproviderecognitionatthestatelevelforthesetopcommunitycollegestudents.

Thisyear,30CaliforniacommunitycollegestudentswereselectedfortheAll-CaliforniaAcademicFirstTeam,31studentsfortheSecondTeamand31studentsfortheThirdTeam.TheCommunityCollegeLeagueofCaliforniaisproudtosponsorthisawardceremonyatwhichallteammembersreceivemedallionsofhonorandacertificaterecognizingtheiraccomplishments.

Grades,leadershipandcommunityservicedetermineselectiontotheAll-Californiafirst,secondandthirdteams.TheselectionfortheAll-CaliforniateamswasdeterminedbythescoresnomineesreceivedfromPhiThetaKappajudgesatthenationallevelselectingwinnersforthenationalacademicteams.These91studentsrepresentsomeofthebestofthetwomillionstudentsenrolledinCalifornia’s112communitycolleges.California’scommunitycollegesunderwritetheirstudents’successdaily.Themostdiversestudentbodyinhighereducationsucceedseverydaybycompletingassociatedegreesandcertificateprograms;gettingjobs;transferringtobaccalaureateprograms;orfurtheringalifelonghabitoflearning.Eventhoughcommunitycollegefundingislimited–andfundingperstudentislessthananyotherhighereducationinstitutioninthestate–dedicatedandprofessionalcommunitycollegefacultyandstaffkeepservicetostudentstheirnumberonepriority.

IbrahIm al SInafIAmerican River CollegeAge: 27GPA: 4 • Major: Computer ScienceIbrahimAlSinafiwasbornandraisedinBaghdad,Iraq.HemovedtotheUnitedStatesofAmericain2010.Currently,Ibrahimholdsthreevolunteerjobs:

mathtutorinQobaFoundation,physicstutoratAmericanRiverCollege(ARC),andaninformationtechnology(IT)specialistatSahaHealthCenter.BeinganITspecialistisanopportunitythathehadtotakeinordertoapplyforwhathe’slearningatschoolinreal-lifesituations.IbrahimreceivedthreeHighestHonorscertificatesandwonthegoldentrophyandacertificationinGrammarBowlatARC.BeinganactivememberinPTK,hehasreceivedaPreeminentRepresentativecertificatefromBetaZetaPiChapter.IbrahimhasreceivedascholarshipandacertificationofappreciationfromCSUSacramentoinrecognitionofhisacademicachievements.Heisplanningtotransferinfall2015tooneofthreeuniversities:StanfordUniversity,UCBerkeley,orCalPolySanLuisObispo.

JamIe atchInSonLas Positas CollegeAge: 19GPA: 3.68 • Major: BiologyJamieAtchinsonisabiologymajorandplansontransferringthisfall.Herultimateeducationalgoalistoattendmedicalschool.Sheisthevicepresident

oftheAlphaGammaSigmaHonorSociety,wheresheservesonvariouscommunityservicedrivesandhelpsorganizeclubeventsandcommunityserviceoutreach.SheisamemberoftheHonorsTransferprogram,theMuAlphaThetaMathematicsHonorSociety,theBiologyClub,andtheChemistryClub.Outsideofschool,JamiespendstimevolunteeringwithvariousorganizationsincludingKaiserPermanenteandtheOpenHeartKitchen.Duringherfreetimeshetutorshighschoolstudentsinmath,science,andSpanish.Tutoringhasconfirmedhowmuchsheenjoyshelpingothers,andhasstrengthenedherresolveforbecomingadoctor.EventuallyshewantstoexpandherpositiveinfluenceontheworldbybecomingadoctorwithDoctorwithoutBordersandvolunteeringhertimeandmedicaltrainingoverseas.

aLL-CaLifornia aCademiC 1sT Team

JaySon barkerFullerton CollegeAge: 30GPA: 3.53 • Major: PhysicsAformerunioncarpenter,JaysonBarkerisafull-timestudentmajoringinphysics.HeisaformervicepresidentoftheBetaKappaTauchapterofthePhiTheta

KappaInternationalHonorSocietyandservesasoneoftwohonorsstudentcoordinatorsfortheHonorsProgramatFullertonCollege.Jaysonhasexcelledinbothpositionsbecausehisinterpersonalskillsallowhimtothriveinateam-orientedenvironment.HeisalsoaLevel1EnglishandCompositiontutoroncampus.Histutoringexperiencehasbeeninvaluable,asithasallowedJaysontoworkwithindividualsofmanydifferenteducationalandculturalbackgrounds.Hechoseamajorinphysicsbecause,withaknowledgeofthephysicallawsoftheuniverse,everydayobjectsandeventsbecomebeautifulorchestrationsofnaturethatseemequallycontenttobeinperfectharmonyononescaleandsimultaneouslyexistinginwildunpredictabilityonanother.

alecIa barneSMerritt CollegeAge: 50GPA: 3.82Major: Nutrition SciencesAleciaBarnesisare-entrystudentcurrentlyattendingMerrittCollege,wheresheisstudyingnutrition,withthe

intentoftransferringtoUCBerkeleytomajorinnutritionalsciences,withanemphasisonbiomedicalresearch.AleciaisthevicepresidentofmembershipfortheBetaThetaLambdachapterofPhiThetaKappa.AleciaalsoservesassocialmediadirectorfortheOaklandTeenEmpowermentPageant,a“brainy”pageantfocusedonbuildingtheself-esteemofteengirlvictimsofdomesticviolenceandtrafficking.Inaddition,AleciaisaregularvolunteerfortheCourageousWomenAssociation,anorganizationofferingsupportandresourcestowomenandchildvictimsandsurvivorsofdomesticviolence,homelessness,addiction,humantrafficking/prostitutionandincarceration.Alecia’sultimategoalistoearnapostgraduatedegree,withthedesiretoreturntotheBayAreatoteachatthecollegelevel.


auStIn barrazaNorco CollegeAge: 21GPA: 4 • Major: Political ScienceAustinBarraza’scommunitycollegeexperiencehasbeenimmenselyrewardingbutbeganquiteunexpectedly.Initially,hestartedhiscollegeexperience

atUCSanDiegobutwithdrewtowardstheendoffreshmanyearduetofinancialconcernsandalackofacademicdirection.Asafirstgenerationcollegestudent,leavingafour-yearuniversitywasimmenselydishearteningtobothhimselfandhisparents.Thankfully,NorcoCollegeprovidedAustinwithawealthofopportunities.InadditiontobeingamemberofPhiThetaKappa,heservesasvicepresidentoftheHonorsProgram.ThroughHonors,Austindiscoveredapassionforacademicresearchandpresentedatmultipleresearchconferences,includingthestatewideHTCCConferenceatUCIrvine,wherehewashonoredwiththeExemplaryAchievementAward.Aftergraduation,AustinplanstotransfertoeitherUCLAorUCBerkeleytofinishhisBAinpoliticalscienceandworkhiswaytowardsadoctorate.

ryan DaubenmIreLas Positas CollegeAge: 19GPA: 4.0 • Major: EnglishRyaniscurrentlyasophomoreatLasPositasCollege,whereheismajoringinEnglish.HehopestotransfertoUCBerkeleyinthefallof2015,andhas

beenpassionateaboutLiteraturesincehewasveryyoung,atimeinwhichhespentagreatamountoftimewritingandplayinghockey—twothingshestillverymuchenjoystothisday.WhenheattendedVenture,theindependenthighschoolinSanRamon,hebegantakingcommunitycollegeclassesconcurrently.Yearslater,heisnowanactivememberofLasPositasCollege,participatinginboththeAlphaGammaSigmaHonorSocietyandthePsiBetaHonorSociety.Today,hecontinuestofollowhispassions,ashebothcoacheshockey,assistingchildrenofvariousbackgroundsintheirexplorationofthegameheloves,andtutorsstudentsinnumerousdifferentaspectsofEnglish.Inaddition,heistheassistantcoachofacompetitivetravelhockeyteamof14-year-olds.

kylIe GarDnerMt. San Jacinto CollegeAge: 19GPA: 3.8 • Major: PsychologyInherpastthreeyearsatMt.SanJacintoCollege(MSJC),KylieGardnerhasgrowntremendouslybothpersonallyandacademically.Priortohercollege

experience,Kyliewasoftenshyandoutspokenandneverdreamtofbecomingtheleaderssheistoday.HerinvolvementwiththeHonorsProgrammotivated,encouragedandpreparedherforallfutureendeavors.Sinceinitiatingherparticipationintheprogram,Kyliehasbecomeanactivestudentoncampusservingasanhonorsmentor,vicepresidentofthePhiThetaKappaBetaDeltaOmegachapter,presidentoftheMSJCPsychologyClub,apeertutor,andasupplementalinstruction(SI)leader.AlloftheseprogramshavehelpedherinamultitudeofwaysandsheisconfidentincontinuinghereducationtoeventuallyreceiveaPh.D.inclinicalpsychology.Asapsychologist,Kyliehopestoserveherareawhileadvocatingforsuicidepreventionandawareness.

evelyn GutIerrezCuyamaca CollegeAge: 27GPA: 4.0 Major: Business Administration & CommunicationEvelynGutierrezisasinglemothertoaneight-year-oldadorablegirlandtrying

tobearolemodeltoeveryoneshesurrounds.Despiteallthestrugglesshehasfacedandthedailychallengeofcommutingapproximately65mileseachday,Evelynhasbeenabletosurpassherowngoals.Thankstoalltheorganizationsthathavechosenherasascholarshiprecipient,shewillbeabletoearnanAssociate’sDegreeinbusinessadministrationandcommunicationalongwithabusinessofficetechnologyorcomputerinformationalsciencecertificate.EvelynhopestotransfertoSanDiegoStateUniversitytospecializeinhumanresources.Nomatterwhatdepartmentshechoosestoworkfor,shewilldedicateherlifetobethepillareveryoneneedswhenbattlingthroughanadversity.Finally,Evelynwillgreatlyenjoyprovidingfreecounselingservicestolow-incomefamilies,minorities,andofcourse,toherfavoritegroupofhumanbeings—thedisabled.


caleb henDerSonSouthwestern CollegeAge: 20GPA: 3.58 • Major: Biology (emphasis in Holistic Health Science)CalebHendersonisanhonorstudentatSouthwesternCollege.Heplansto

transfertoStanfordUniversityorBastyrUniversitytostudymedicine.Hehasmembershipinseveralcampusclubs,suchastheArduinoInventorsandRoboticsClub,theBlackStudentUnion,BiologyClub,thePhiThetaKappaHonorsSociety:AlphaPiEpsilonChapterandseveralmore.CalebistherecipientofseveralprestigiousawardssuchastheStudentofDistinctionAward(SODA),theLIPPFamilyFoundation:BiologyAward,theASOCampusInvolvementScholarship,andtheLeRoyOlsen:BiologyAward.Lastsummer,hecompletedaUCSDinternship,whereheresearchedtheintegrationofTCMandglycolyticandnon-glycolyticenzymestostudytheinhibitionofcancer.Inthenearfuture,CalebaspirestobecomeanaturopathicdoctorandspecializeinthestudiesofintegratedhealthscienceandTraditionalChineseMedicine(TCM).

JuDIth JaImeSan Diego Mesa CollegeGPA: 4.0 • Major: BiologyIamafulltimestudent,andproudPTKmember,atSanDiegoMesaCollegemajoringinBiologicalSciences.IneverhadtheopportunitytoattendHighschool,andthatmightbethereasonwhy

Ienjoylearning,literally,everythingthatcomesmyway.Ihavetakenhonor’scoursesinSpanish,English,andnowMathematicsforonereason,tostrengthenmyweaknessesandtobecomeabettertutorformychildren.IamlookingforwardtotransfertoUCSD,butIamopentogotoanyuniversityanywhereintheworld.IhaverecentlyacquiredatutoringpositionatMesaCollege,andIamdelightedtobepartofthechangeIwanttoseeinmycommunity.IamalsoasocialactivistandIactivelyadvocateforhomelesswomensincethedayIbecameone.Mysuccessisnothingbuttheevidenceofmystrongsupportsystem.

ruchI JarIwalaMt. San Jacinto CollegeAge: 20GPA: 3.791 • Major: BiologyEversinceRuchiJariwalawasyoung,shehasalwaysbeencuriousabouthowlifeworks.Thedevelopingscientistinherwaslessconcernedaboutabstract

questionslike,“Whatisthemeaningoflife?Whyarewehere?”andmoreconcernedwithhowthisinconceivablycomplexorganizationofinanimatemoleculeshastheabilitytocreatejoy,pain,pleasure,love,andlife.Naturally,Ruchiwasdestinedtostudybiologyand,ultimately,medicalscience.However,thereismoretoacademiathanonespecificdiscipline.Sincebeginningherjourneyofhighereducation,shehasimmersedherselfinmanydifferentfieldsandoneofthemisjoiningtheHonorsProgram.Ruchihasparticipatedinresearchstudyingtheantibioticeffectsofcolloidalsilveronhumancells,studiedthehumanitiessuchasmusic,history,andphilosophy,andhadthepleasureofbeingatutorformultiplesubjects.Sheisconfidentshehasadequatelypreparedherselfforthecompetitiveatmosphereofstudyingattheuniversitylevel.

JulIanna kIlpatrIckNorco CollegeAge: 40GPA: 3.95 Major: Pre-Medicine Exercise Sports & ScienceAftersuccessfullybattlingstage3cancer,JuliannaKilpatrickreturnedto

collegetoseekoutherdreamofbecomingaphysician’sassistantinsportsmedicine.Asasinglemotheroftwochildrenwithalearningdisabilityandafirstgenerationcollegestudent,shehasovercomemanygreatobstacles.ThankfullyJuliannamadeagreatchoiceinchoosingNorcoCollegetobeginhercollegejourney,asshefoundthesupportandcommunitydesperatelyneededtofindsuccess.Inbecomingengagedoncampuswithstudentgovernment,PhiThetaKappa,andveterans,shewasabletogivebacktohercommunitybybecominganadvocateforstudents.Lifeisnotaboutpersonalaccomplishments,itisabouttheimpactyouhaveonothersandtheworld.Juliannaisgratefultohavefoundfulfillmentinhelpingothersandmakeadefinitivedifferenceintheworld.


DalIa lopezFolsom Lake CollegeAge: 20GPA: 3.78 • Major: BiologyDaliaLopezstartedworkingatadentalofficewhenshewas11yearsold.Theofficeoftentreatedunderrepresentedpersonsand,throughthis,sheknew

shewantedtoserviceherfellowneighbors.DaliastartedhervolunteeropportunitiesinhighschoolwhenshejoinedtheKeyClub.ThenshestartedtheRegionalOccupationsProgram-Dental,whereshehadthechancetohelpothersinthedentalfield.DaliaiscurrentlyintheStudentActivitiesClubhelpingavarietyofpeople,fromstudentstoseniorcitizens.ShealsojoinedPhiThetaKappabecauseoftheimpactoftheiropportunities.ShecontinuesinthedentalfieldwitheventsincludingSmilesforKidsandCDACARES,bothfree-of-chargedentalwork.Daliaplansontransferringtoa4-yearuniversityandobtainherBachelor’sinbiology.Afterwhichshehopestogotodentalschoolandassistpeopleinthatform.

lawrence loveLos Angeles Southwest CollegeAge: 35GPA: 3.465 • Major: MusicLawrenceLovewasbornandraisedinSouthCentralLosAngeles.HeattendedSanFernandoValleyAcademyhighschoolandiscurrentlycompletingan

AssociatesDegreeatLosAngelesSouthwestCollege(LASC)inliberalarts.HehasthegoalofcompletinghiseducationintheMusicIndustryprogramatCalPolyPomona.ThroughoutLawrence’stimeatLASC,hisgoalhasbeentoachievethebestacademicexperienceinandoutsideoftheclassroom.HehasbeenprivilegedtoserveinsuchpositionsasvicepresidentofAssociatedStudentsand,currently,presidentoftheHonorSociety,PhiThetaBeta.Allthewhile,hehasastrongpassionforthemusicindustry.Lawrence’smaincareergoalistobecomeanArtist&Repertoire(A&R).Heaspirestobetheonewhorecognizesthenextpopularartistorsound,andthenfacilitateasthebrokerofadealbetweentherecordlabelcompanyandtheartist.HewilltakeadvantageofanyinternshipoffersorworkingopportunitiesthatwillbringhimclosertothisgoalwithcompanieslikeMTV,Sony,UniversalRecords,andColumbiaRecords.Naturally,heispursuingahighereducationinthemusicindustrybecauseofhisloveformusicandthewayitinfluencesthemindsandmoodsofpeople.Forsomuchofhislife,Lawrencehasthoughtabouthowhewouldleavealegacy.Heisconfidenthecandosowithmusicbecauseithasbeenpowerfulsincethebeginningoftime.Ittouchespeoplenomatterwhatculturetheyareapartof,whattheybelieve,orwheretheyareatinlife.

thuy nGuyenCosumnes River CollegeAge: 23GPA: 3.9 • Major: BiologyThuyNguyen’seducationalgoalistofinishherBachelorDegreeinbiologyafterfouryearsandcontinueontograduateschool.Toher,schoolisa

privilege.Beingborninafamilyinwhichmostofherfamilymembersdon’thaveasmanyopportunitiestofinishtheirschoolastheothers,alwaysmakesherbeawareofthesignificanceofeducationinlife.Therefore,Thuyalwaysputsalotofeffortinstudying,notonlytosatisfyherparents’hopebutalsotoreachherdream.Ofcourse,thingsalwaysappeartobedifficultatfirst,butasahard-workingandself-motivatedstudent,Thuyhasfaithshecanbeabletoachievehereducationalgoal.

kayla orlInSkyIrvine Valley CollegeAge: 20GPA: 4.0 • Major: MathematicsKaylaOrlinskyisa20-year-oldmathematicsmajorwithapassionforanimals,art,andresearch.Lastfall,shebeganrunningaseriesof

workshopsdesignedtopromoteundergraduateresearchatthecollege.Shewasabletowatchstudentspreviouslyunawareoftheirownpotential,blossomtofully-fledgedresearcherspresentingalongsidetheirpeersfromuniversitiesacrossCalifornia.Havingtheprivilegeofmeetingandworkingwithsomanybraveandintelligentpeoplehasinspiredhertofurtherexploreherownmajor.Sevenmonthsago,KaylabeganworkingonaresearchprojectthatinvolvesmathematicallymodelingthecurrentEbolavirusepidemicinGuinea.Shewouldliketothankherfamilymembersfortheirencouragement;professorsfortheirguidance;honorsdirector,KayRyals,forgivinghertheopportunitytogrowasaleader;andthemembersofherresearchteam,mostnotablyRahilHamzawhosesupportandfriendshipmadetheirworkshopsimpactful.


rIley preDumBerkeley City CollegeAge: 23GPA: 3.9 Major: Anthropology/LinguisticsRileyPredumisastudentatBerkeleyCityCollegeinhislastsemesterbeforetransferring.Hehopestogetadmitted

toUCBerkeleywherehewillstudyanthropologyandlinguisticswithaminorineducationtobetterunderstandtheimpactoflanguageandcultureonstudentsandtheiracademicperformance.Additionally,theJapaneselanguagehasalwaysfascinatedRileyandthisisoneofthelanguageshehasbeenfocusingonforthelastyear.Afterobtaininghisbachelor’sdegree,hewouldliketoliveandworkinJapanforsometime,perhapsasanEnglishteacher.HeisinterestedinobtainingaPh.D.inanthropologyorlinguistics,withanemphasisonlanguageacquisitiontoexplorehoweducationaltechnologiescanbeimplementedtoincreasetheexposurechildrenhavetolanguageintheircriticallyimportantyouth.Thisavenuewillhelpdevelopamoreglobally-mindedgeneration!

caren ScottOxnard CollegeAge: 23GPA: 4.0 • Major: HistoryInadditiontobeingastudent,CarenScottismilitaryspouseandanavidanimallover.Sheispresidentoftheschool’schapterofPhiThetaKappa,

aswellasanofficerandmemberoftheOxnardCollegeCheerSquad.Asahistorymajor,shehopestopursueaneducationandobtainamaster’sdegreeinhistoryoreducationsoshemightbeabletoteachatthecollegelevel.Inherfreetime,Carenvolunteersformultipleanimalsheltersandrescues,isanactivememberofthemilitarycommunity,andparticipatesinnumerouscommunityevents.HergoalasaPhiThetaKappaleaderistoencouragefellowcommunitycollegestudentstoneverletobstaclesstandinthewayofcompletinganeducationandfollowingdreams.

urSula SImonoSkIMt. San Jacinto CollegeGPA: 3.97 Major: Nutritional SciencesUrsulaSimonoskiwasborninPeruandwasstudyingtobecomeadoctor.ShewasshorttwoyearsofcompletingadegreewhenshecametotheUnited

States.MovingtotheUnitedStateswasadecisionthattrulychangedherlifeanddoesnotregretit,asithelpedhermatureandbecomethepersonsheistoday.Fifteenyearslater,Ursulahasahusband,twokids,andadifferentperspectiveonlife.Shedecidedtogobacktoschoolandpursuehergoalofbecomingaphysiciantohelpimprovethehealthofthecommunity.Currently,sheisastudentandhonorsmentoratMt.SanJacintoCollegeandisgettingreadytotransferthisfalltopursueabachelor’sdegreeinnutritionalsciencesandthenapplytomedicalschool.

curtIS SmIthMt. San Jacinto CollegeAge: 50GPA: 3.4 Major: Electrical EngineeringCurtisSmithisa50-year-oldelectricalengineeringstudentfromPuyallup,Washington.AftertheNavyhemovedto

Orlando,Floridafor20years.Heisjustnowcontinuinghiseducation.Thisisbecausehehasschizophrenia.Curtisisveryhappyhewasabletosucceedthisfarincollegeandhasbeenpublishedseveraltimesforhonorscoursework.Heisactiveinmanyschoolorganizations.Hehasfailedhighschoolandcollegecoursesbutneverletthatstophim.Curtiscontinuestopersevere.Therewasatimehehadnohopeandnowhehasmuchtolivefor.AshepreparestomoveontoHarveyMuddoraUCandpursueacareerinacademicresearch,Curtislooksforwardtothemanyexcitingtimeshewillencounterandnewfriendshewillmake.


Sarah tahaSan Diego Mesa CollegeAge: 26GPA: 4.0 Major: Business AdministrationSarahTaha’sshort-termgoalistotransfertoUCBerkeleyandfinishmybachelor’sdegreeinbusiness

administration.Herlong-termgoalistogetamaster’sdegreeinfinance,andfinally,pursueaPh.D.inaccounting.Intermsofacareer,Sarah’sshort-termgoalistoopenasocialenterprisethatimportsteagrownonlyinIraqandotherPersianGulfcountries,thushelpingbolsterthosecommunities.Herlong-termgoalistopursueacareerasasocialentrepreneurwhoisdeterminedtofindcreativesolutionstoongoingsocialandeconomicproblems,likepovertyandchildrenhealth.Intermsofvolunteerismandsocialwork,Sarah’sshort-termgoalistocontinueraisingawarenessandfundsforneedyandneglectedIraqichildrenwhoaredyingofbirthdefectsandotherwarpollutionrelateddiseases.Herlong-termgoalistoregisterthenonprofitorganizationsheworksfor,ICARE,legallyintheU.S.

monIca templePalomar CollegeAge: 30GPA: 3.957Major: Business AdministrationMonicaTempleisaproudveteranofourarmedforces,first-generationcollegestudent,andaCertifiedPublic

Accountantinthemaking.Afterservinghercountrytenyearsshereturnedtoschool.SheparticipatedasthevicepresidentofleadershipinAlphaOmegaRhochapteratPalomarCollegewhere,pushingpastseveralboundaries,shesuccessfullyledtheCollegeProjectadvocatingthecompletionofhighereducationatPalomarandMissionMiddleSchool.Recentlyreceivingassociatedegreesinuniversitystudiesandgeneralstudies,MonicacontinuestopursueabookkeepingcertificateofproficiencyandassociateinaccountingwhilewaitingtotransfertoUCRiversidewhereshe’llearnabachelor’sdegreeinbusinessadministrationandanMBA.HergoalistofindemploymentinbookkeepinggainingexperiencetoassistinobtainingaCPApositioninlateryearsmeanwhileworkingtowardgettingrecruitedbyoneofthemajoraccountingfirmsasaninterntolaterbehiredpermanently.

worlDmakerMoorpark CollegeGPA: 3.9Major: City and Regional Planning SystemsThestateofCaliforniaestimatesitwilltakemorethan$300billiontofixitstransportationandenvironmental

problems.Therefore,overthenextfewyears,WORLDMAKERwillbeplanninganddesigningfortheimplementationofCalifornia’snewmasstransportationsysteminordertoalleviatethecrisis.Hisinterestsinplanninganddesigninglarge-scaleinfrastructureandcommunitysystemsbeganwhenhewassevenyearsold.Atschool,hewouldalwaysbefoundbuildingmultiethnicsocietiesmadefromLegos.Evenasayoungchild,heknewthatsomedayhewouldactuallybeinapositiontohelpthestateofCaliforniasolveitsmostegregiousenvironmentalproblems.Andsincereturningtocollege,thatburningdesiregotevenmoreintensetoturnhischildhoodvisionintoreality:designingCalifornia’snewpublictransitsystematoneofthefinestcityandregionalplanningprogramsandinstitutionsintheworld.

varvara yefymenkoCollege of the SequoiasAge: 20GPA: 4.0Major: Psychology/Communication StudiesVarvaraYefymenkowasbornandraisedinUkraine.Twoandahalfyears

agofamilycircumstancesbroughthertotheUSA.Theprocessofadaptationtonewlifehasnotbeeneasy.Nevertheless,inMayof2015sheisgraduatingfromCollegeoftheSequoias.SinceMay2013shehasbeenonthePresident’sListatthecollege,recognizedasamotivatedstudentwhoperformsacademicexcellenceandparticipatesincommunityactivities.Varvaraispursuingtwotransferdegreesinpsychologyandcommunicationstudies,maintaininga4.0GPA.Herpassionispsychologyandwantstodevoteherlifetoit.Beingacommunicationmajorhelpshercontributetomodernsociety.Varvaraisfluentinthreelanguages.Sheisenergeticandsociallyawareandpossessescreativityandcourage.Sheisinterestedinartsandinterpersonalcommunications.Herlifeplanistogrowanddevelopbothprofessionallyandpersonally.


wafa zeIDanSkyline CollegeAge: 19GPA: 3.98 • Major: BiologyWafaismajoringinBiologyatSkylineCollege.Hergoalistoearnamedicaldegree,andcontinuetodoresearchthroughouthercareer.Wafaplansto

transfertoafour-yearuniversityinFall2015tocompleteherundergraduatestudies.DuringhertimeatSkylineCollege,sheconductedindependentresearchtodeterminetheantimicrobialactionofaplant.Shepresentedherresearchatthe2014SACNASconferenceandplanstocontinueherresearch.Inadditiontodoingresearch,sheisanactivevolunteerattheUCSFBenioffChildren’sHospital.WafaalsotaughtseniorcitizensthroughherPhiThetaKappachapterprogramentitledComputerLiteracyandInternetCompetencyforSeniors.

aLL-CaLifornia aCademiC 2nd Team

tanIShq abrahamAmerican River CollegeAge: 11GPA: 4.0 Major: General Science, Math & Physical Science, Language StudiesOngraduatingfromARC,TanishqAbrahamplanstotransferforhis

bachelor’sinbio-medicalengineering.Afterwhich,hewouldliketodoaMD-PhDprogram.Sinceheenjoysallfieldsofsciences,particularlybiologicalandengineering,Tanishqhopestoencompassthatinhisresearchfieldfornewinventionstohelphumanity.Alongwithprivateagenciesandindividuals,severalgovernmentofficials,likePresidentObama,SenatorsDianeFeinsteinandBarbaraBoxer,andMayorKevinJohnson,honoredhimforhisachievements,contributionsandinspirationtoothers.Althoughheisacollegestudent,Tanishqisstillakidandenjoyswhatother11-year-oldsliketodo.HeenjoysplayingtheWii;sportsliketennis,tabletennisandswimming;watchingTVandmovies;playingwithfriendsandyoungersister(whoisalsomycollegeclass-mate).HeenjoysmusicandwasachoristerforfiveyearswiththeSanFranciscoBoysChorus.

anuSh ambartSumyanLos Angeles Valley CollegeAge: 21GPA: 3.6 • Major: Political ScienceAnushAmbartsumyanenjoyswatchingpoliticaldebatesandreadingmagazinesandnewspapersaboutpolitics.Hermajorispoliticalscienceandwantsto

dedicateherselftopublicservice.Ittakespoliticstomakeahugechangeforthebenefitofsociety,andthatiswhatinspireshertostudythisfieldasaprofessionalaspiration.IntermsofpublicserviceAnushhasalwaysbeeninvolvedinvolunteeractivitiesoncampus.FirstsheservedasavicepresidentofTauAlphaEpsilon,anhonorssocietyclubandPTK.AfteryearofservingasaVP,sheparticipatedinelectionsforAssociatedStudentUnion(ASU)andwaselectedtreasurer.EachweekAnushspendsabout8hoursvolunteeringandrepresentinginterestsofstudents.Sheistransferringthisyeartoafour-yearcollegeandwantstoobtainabachelor’sdegreeinpoliticalscience.

vIctorIa bryantShasta CollegeAge: 20GPA: 4.0 • Major: Social Sciences


troy caStIlloPorterville CollegeAge: 19GPA: 3.77 • Major: KinesiologyTroyisasophomoreatPortervilleCollegewhoplanstograduateinMaywithtwoassociates’degrees:anASinbiologicalandphysicalscience,andan

AAinsocialscience.HeiscurrentlythesecretaryofPhiThetaKappa’sAlphaChiMuchapterandhasbeenonthePresident’sHonorListeverysemesteratPortervilleCollege.HeplanstotransfertoaCSUinthefallandeventuallyearnabachelor’sdegreeinkinesiology.Afterobtaininghisbachelor’s,Troyplanstoenterintoadoctorateprogramandbecomeaphysicaltherapist.

lInnett cazareS maDrIGalPorterville CollegeAge: 32GPA: 3.91 • Major: NutritionLinnettCazaresMadrigalhasbeenattendingPortervilleCollegesincespring2012.ShehasbeenonthePresident’sHonorListeveryyearand

LimitedDean’sListinthesummerof2013.ShewasalsoawardedtheCaliforniaEdisonScholarshipin2013and2014.WhenLinnettgraduatesPortervilleCollegesheplanstotransfertoFresnoStateUniversityandcompleteabachelorofscienceinfood&nutritionalsciences.Shewantstobecomeadietitianandworkatahospital.Shehasbeenmarriedfor12yearsandhasthreeboys.Shehasbeenavolunteeratherson’sschoolsince2009.Sheenjoyshavingafamilythatsupportsherineveryaspectofhereducation.Shewantstogiveaspecialthankstoherhusbandforthesupportandencouragementtoalwaysdoherbest.

emIly colbySkyline CollegeGPA: 3.9Major: International RelationsEmilyColbyisastudentatSkylineCollege.ShelivesinMillbrae,Californiawithherparentsandherdogandcat.Shehopestotransfertoafour-year

universitytostudyinternationalrelations.AtschoolshestaysinvolvedthroughparticipationintheHonorsClubandSkylineCollegeModelUnitedNations.Shealsoworksatherschool’sStudentLifeandLeadershipoffice.EmilyisproudtobeamemberofPhiThetaKappaandanhonorsstudent.SomedayEmilyplanstopursueinternationaldiplomacyand/orlaw.Sheispassionateabouttravel,art,cultureandlearning.Sheisthankfultoherfamilyandfriendswhoencouragehertotryherbestwhiletakingcareofherself.

fannya corDovaCitrus CollegeGPA: 3.6 • Major: EconomicsFannyaCordovaisamemberoftheBetaNuEtaChapterfromCitrusCollegeinGlendora,California.Sheismajoringineconomicsandisatutorforphilosophyandeconomics.Fannyaisawriterfor

herschool’snewspapertheClarion,andhaswonawardsforbesteditorialandbestopinionarticles.Shehasalsoparticipatedinherschool’soutreachprogramasastudentambassadorandispartoftheHonorsProgramandUCLA’sCCCPScholarsProgram.ShehaspresentedintheUCIHonorsresearchconferenceSheplanstotransfertoUCLAorCalBerkeleyandhopestoattendgraduateschoolabroad.

tanner De berryOrange Coast CollegeAge: 21GPA: 3.71Major: Business Administration (Marketing and Entrepreneurship)TannerDeBerryhasbeenactivelyinvolvedatOrangeCoastCollege

throughavarietyofcommittees:AssociatedStudentsFiscalAffairsCouncil,PhiThetaKappa,FoodRiders,RecyclingCommittee,CollegeBudgetCommittee,MarineScienceHonors’Society,andAccountingSociety.Heappreciateshisabilitytoarticulateideasandhavinghiswordslistenedto.Theresulthasbeenseeinganumberofhisideasadoptedoncampus.Tannerforeseesafuturewhereheearnsbothbachelor’sandmaster’sdegreefromaUC,constructhisowncompany—tobehisownboss,havealovingfamily,andaworldwherehecangivebacktothecommunityeachandeveryday.Onewayhewillaccomplishthisisbybeingaprofessor,becauseafterall,learningisalife-longprocessenhancedbyone’srelationshipwithsociety,one’sdedicatedstateofmind,andmostimportantly,one’sfamily.


martIn DeebLos Angeles Valley CollegeAge: 42GPA: 3.9 • Major: History/AnthropologyMartinDeebhopestodoresearch;somanyfascinatingquestionstoask.Heiscurrentlypresidentofbothhonorsocietiesoncampusandearnedseveralawardsandscholarships.Martinhasbeenaroundtheworld,workingwithmusicians,andasadocumentaryfilmmaker.Yethemostenjoysworkingonindependentacademicprojectsthattracetheinfluenceofhistoricalfiguresinmoderncultures.Heisconsideringseveraluniversitiesastransferdestinations,andplanstoapplytoallofthemandletthechipsfallwheretheymay.Heissuretorunintosomeofyoufromtime-to-timeinthefuture,andlooksforwardtodoingso!

JaImee DeeGanFullerton CollegeAge: 23GPA: 4.0 • Major: SociologyJaimeeisaSouthernCalifornianativeandhasspentallofherlifeinOrangeCounty,California.ShestartedhercollegecareeratFullertonCollegein

springof2013.Sincethenshehasbecomethepresidentofalocalnon-profitpreschoolandalsovolunteersasateacheronaweeklybasisatthatsameschool.ShehasbeenamemberofPhiThetaKappasincefall2014andexpressesithasbeenanextremelyrewardingexperience.BecauseofherinvolvementwithPhiThetaKappa,shewasintroducedtoanorganizationcalledHopeCenterfortheArts,formerlyknownasHopeUniversity,whereshehasspentmanyhourshelpingtheprogramprovidearttherapyforadultswithintellectualdisabilities.JaimeeintendstotransfertoChapmanUniversityinthefallasanIntegratedEducationalStudiesmajorwithhopesofbecomingateacher.

yaohua (tereSa) fanDe Anza CollegeAge: 19GPA: 3.76Major: Communication StudiesTeresaFanisaninternationalstudentfromtheSouthofChinaandhasstudiedintheUSformorethantwoyears.Her

majoriscommunicationstudiesandhopestotransfertoafour-yearinstitutionfordeepeningherinterestininterdisciplinarycurriculum.Aftergraduation,Teresaplanstopursueamediaandcommunicationcareerandhopestoinformthepublicwithaccurateandpositivemessages.

mIchelle hernanDezSanta Ana CollegeAge: 22GPA: 3.88Major: Psychiatric NursingCurrently,MichelleHernandezisafull-timestudentatSantaAnaCollegeaspiringtowardsobtainingamaster’sof

sciencedegreeinpsychiatricandmentalhealthnursing.Afterfulfillinghergoalofgainingabachelor’sofsciencedegreeinnursingatSanDiegoStateUniversity,sheplanstoattendgraduateschoolattheUniversityofCalifornia,Irvine.Asthefirstmemberofherfamilytoattendacollegeinstitution,accomplishingtheseeducationalgoalsisoftheupmostimportanceandbelievesherachievementsareareflectionofthis.Inadditiontoreceivingvariouscommunityserviceawardsforinvolvementatlocalretirementhomesandmentalhealthfacilities,MichelleisalsoanhonoraryPhiThetaKappamember.Whileproudtosaythatinthefallof2015shewillbetransferringwiththreeassociates’degrees,shelooksforwardtoseeingwhatmoresheiscapableofaccomplishinginthefuture.

mIchael lewItterSaddleback CollegeAge: 30GPA: 3.56Major: Communication StudiesMichaelLewitterispartofPhiThetaKappaatSaddlebackCollegeinMissionViejo,California.Hewillbe

graduatingSaddlebackCollegeafterthisspringsemesterandtransferringtoCaliforniaStateUniversity,Fullertoninfall2015.Hismajoriscommunicationstudies.HewillbegraduatingfromSaddlebackCollegewitha3.56GPAandwillbeontheHonorRoll,Dean’sListandalifetimememberofPhiThetaKappa.


nathan martInezIrvine Valley CollegeGPA: 3.9Major: Electrical EngineeringNathanMartinezisapre-engineeringstudentatIrvineValleyCollege(IVC).Beforere-enrollingincommunitycollege,Nathanworkedasarestaurantmanager

andshortordercook,andnowworksasamathtutor.AtIVC,hehastakenanactiveroleinhiseducation.Hehasworkedhiswayupfromintroductoryalgebrauptothehighestlevelsofmathoffered,whilealsoparticipatinginseveralclubs,mostnotablyasthevicepresidentofscholarshipwithPhiThetaKappa.WithPhiThetaKappa,NathanledaresearchteamandpresentedaprojectonthefeasibilityofusingsuperconductortechnologyinthepowergridatSouthernCaliforniaConferencesforUndergraduateResearchandTheIVCResearchSymposium.HewilllikelyattendeitherCalPolyorUCBerkeleyinfall2015andplanstomajorinelectricalengineeringwithafocusinpowergenerationandtransmission,withthegoalofdesigninggreenpowertechnology.

elIzabeth mIllSSacramento City CollegeAge: 24GPA: 3.642 • Major: PsychologyAtcommunitycollegeElizabethMillshasexploredvariousareasofinterestsincludingearlychildhoodeducation,mathematics/statisticsandpsychology.

Shehasalsomasteredafewfearssuchaspublicspeaking.CommunitycollegehasprovidedElizabethwiththeopportunitytobroadenherspectrumofknowledge.Shehaslearnedaboutthingsshehadnopreviousinterestinlikepoliticalscience.Throughoutallthecoursesshehasdevelopedvaluabletimemanagementskills.Atherschool,Elizabethisamathematicstutorandlearnedexcellentstudy,leadership,andcommunicationskills.Tutoringforcedhertosolidifycomplicatedmathematicsconceptsshewouldnothaveotherwise.Elizabethlovesworkingwithpeopleandwantstobeequippedtohelpthosewhoneeditmost;thisiswhyshechosetopursuepsychology.SheistransferringtoCSUSacramentointhefallandhopestobeapsychologistoneday.

lIla mullInSCollege of MarinAge: 33GPA: 3.54 • Major: DramaLilaMullinsisthrilledtoparticipateinthePTKhonorsprogram!Sheisatheatermajor,havingcomefromatheatricalfamilyintheBayArea.Specializingin

directing,playwriting,andstagemanagement,LilahopestotransfertotheUniversityofCaliforniaatBerkeleyinthefallof2015tostudytechnicaltheaterandproduction.Forthepastthreeyears,LilahasvolunteeredwiththeRichmond/ErmetFoundationinSanFranciscoasanassistantstagemanager,workinginconjunctionwithBroadwaycaresandthecastsofBookofMormon,JerseyBoys,Newsies,andLionKing,tonameafew.AnactiveparticipantinthedramadepartmentattheCollegeofMarin,Lilahaswrittenanddirectedshortplays,organizedfundraisers,andreceivedtheDeniseKirschnerscholarship.FuturegoalsincludeworkingwithDisneyonBroadway;writing,directingandproducingherownplaysforthestage;andnothavingtobartendanymore!

fernanDo navarroBerkeley City CollegeGPA: 4.0 • Major: MathematicsFernandoNavarrousedtobeconcernedonlywithhimandwhateverobjectivewasgoingonatthemoment.Thisshapedhimintoapersonthatlackedcommitmentandasenseofpurpose.

In2013,duringanightofdeepreflection,itbecamecleartoFernandothatifhekeptgoingthisway,hewouldbecommittingtoalifehecouldn’tfeelproudof.Herealizedthatsomeareasoflifeneededtoberecalibratedinordertoseekbalance.Hedecidedtopursueaprofessionhecouldlove,andtostartlivinginwaysthatcouldenrichbothhimandothers.Fernandoseesgreatprogressinbothareas.Hehasoutstandingacademicperformance,tutorsmathematics,coordinatesthetoursforcollegevisitors,andhasthewonderfulopportunitytovolunteerasthementorofagreatkidfromOaklandthroughtheBigBrotherprogram.


fouaD ouchmameSacramento City CollegeAge: 34GPA: 3.91Major: Electrical EngineeringFouadOuchmameisoriginallyfromNorthAfrica.HewasbornandraisedinMorocco.Afteraruptureofovera

decade,hedecidedtoreturntoschooltofulfillhisdreamofbecomingaresearcher.Heistransferringnextsemestertoafour-yearuniversityandbeginanewphaseofhisacademicjourney.Forthelasttwosemesters,FouadreceivedSacramentoCityCollegepresident’shighesthonorsforaveragingovertwentyunitspersemesterwhilekeepingahighacademicperformance.HeisaregularvolunteeratAISschoolandtutorsmath,physics,French,andArabic.Hisultimategoalistobecomeascientistandhelpfindsolutionstosomeoftheworld’schallenges.Fouadalsowantstoteachengineeringtopasshisknowledgeontothenextgeneration.

Jocelyn roDrIGueSMerced CollegeAge: 19GPA: 4.0 • Major: NursingCurrently,JocelynRodriguesworksasaCertifiedNursingAssistantatEmanuelMedicalCentertwenty-fourhoursaweek.Shealsomaintainsa4.0GPA

whiletakingfourteenunits.SheisplanningontransferringCSUStanislausinthefallwiththegoaltoattendthenursingprogram.ThemedicalfieldiswhatJocelynalwayssoughttoendeavorinto.Withherparent’ssupport,shecanpursueamaster’sinnursing.Themedicalfieldhasseizedmyheart.However,thelifestyleofadoctorisnotforher,despiteanoverwhelmingdrivetobeanoverachiever.Sherealizedthatherdrivewastomakepeoplehappyandbethereforpatients.Herexistencewillnotbeminute;shecravestomakeadifference.WhenpeopleseeJocelynastheirnurse,shewantsthemtobesmiling.Whenpeoplegotothehospitalshedoesn’twantthemtofeeldistant,shewantsthemtoknowwhomsheisandthatshe’stheretohelp.Themedicalfieldisnotforthefaint-hearted.It’snotthatshedoesn’thavethecapabilityofbecomingadoctor;she’sjustmeanttobeanurse.WatchingherstepmomaccomplishtheRNprogram,Jocelynwitnessedpersonallywhatbeinganurserepresents:diligenceandcompassion.Thesearetwotraitsshewantstobeknownfor.

anthony SalazarSolano Community CollegeAge: 20GPA: 3.6Major: Materials Science and EngineeringAnthonySalazarisoneofsixkids

whogrewupinthefamilyhomeinFairfield,California.Asachild,helovedtolearnnewthingswhetheritwasswimming,ridingabikeorroller-skating.Whatothersaccomplishedwithease,inspiredhimtotryevenhardertoexcel.HeisreallyhardonhimselfbecauseAnthonyisthefirstinhisfamilytogotocollegewantstosetanexample.ThankstothementorshiphereceivedatSolanofromDr.Lutz,Anthonyfoundapassionformaterialsscience.ThroughhisexperienceparticipatinginanNSF-fundedresearchinternship,hehasdecidedtopursuethisfieldintoresearch.HewillbeparticipatinginanotherinternshipthissummeratthematerialsscienceresearchandengineeringcenteratNorthwesternUniversityandplanstotransfertoUCBerkeley.UltimatelyAnthonywouldliketobecomearesearchprofessorinmaterialsscience.

auStIn SIboleBarstow Community CollegeAge: 19GPA: 3.67 • Major: BusinessAustinSibolemovedfromMontanatoBarstow,Californiasixyearsagoandisstilladjustingtothechange.Hecomesfromafamilyofsixwherehisparents

alwaystoldthemtodotheirbest.AllthroughgradeschoolAustinstrivedforA’sandachievedthem.Whereverhisfamilygoes,theybecomeinvolvedinthecommunity.BeingChristianisn’tthemainreasonforgettinginvolvedandpitchingin,butithasinstilledinhisfamilyvaluesthathaspushedtheminthatdirection.Asacollegestudenthestrivestobethebesthecanandhelpotherstodothesame.Austiniscurrentlypresidentoftwoclubsandvolunteersaroundcampusandchurch.Hewaspresidentoftwocommunityorganizations,theJuniorFairBoardand4-H.Unfortunatelyandfortunately,Austinhasahardtimesayingnowhenaskedforhelp.

colIn SkInnerSan Diego Miramar CollegeAge: 30GPA: 4.0 Major: Biomedical EngineeringColinSkinnerisfromSanDiego,California.AlthoughhespentmostofhislifeinSanDiegoandhighschoolin

Yokosuka,Japan.Amajorcontributingfactordirectinghislife’scourseisaneuromusculardiseasecalledCharcot-Marie-Tooth(CMT),whichhewasbornwith.Colinoriginallyneverplannedtocontinuehiseducationafterhighschool,buteventuallyaloveforscienceandmathematicsandmydesiretomakeanimpactinthesearchfortreatmentforneuromusculardiseaseslikeCMT,drovehimbacktoschooltopursueadegreeinbiomedicalengineering.InthefallhewillbetransferringtotheUniversityofCaliforniatocompleteabachelor’sprogramandhopestosubsequentlybeginaPh.D.programatStanfordUniversity.Ultimately,hehopestoworkinresearchinbiomedicalengineering.

emIly SwIftButte CollegeAge: 19GPA: 3.86 • Major: Business FinancePhiThetaKappa(PTK)helpedEmilySwiftgrowinunimaginablewaysoverthispastyear.SteppinguptobepresidentofthePTKchapterduringthe

fallsemesterhasallowedhertobecomeextremelyactiveinallcampusactivitiesandaroundthecommunity.EmilyhasmanagedallprojectsfromHIAandCollegeProjecttofellowshipeventsandfundraisers.Shehaskeptthemainfocusofthechaptertobeteamworkandcommunication.SincebecomingPTKpresident,Emilyhelpedthechaptergetinvolvedinmultiplefundraisers,volunteereventssuchasgalasandRelayForLife,chaptersunitedevents,recruitment,andhallmarkandregionalawards.Herteambecameafivestarchapteragainthispastyear.SheplanstomoveontoCSUChicomajoringinbusinessfinanceandthenmovingontoaUCtoearnamaster’sdegree.Emily’shopeistostartacareerinfinancialadvising.

mackenzIe thurStonCollege of the CanyonsAge: 19GPA: 4.0 • Major: PsychobiologyMackenzieThurstoniscurrentlyinvolvedwithSpecialOlympicsasanassistantcoachforthreesports(volleyball,basketball,andYoungAthletesprogram),anintern,aswellas,amemberofthe

recruitmentcommitteeforUCLAClinicalCareExtenders,andacollegeassistanttutoringEnglish.SherecentlyreceivedthehonorofbeingselectedfortheAAUW2014-2015WomeninSTEMscholarship.MackenzieisplanningontransferringtoUCLAorUCSBasapsychobiologymajorinfall2016withassociates’degreesinmathematicsandbiology.Hercareergoalistobecomeapediatricsurgeonandtreatchildrenindevelopingcountries.Shetrulybelievesthateachpersonwasputonthisearthtohelpothersinauniquewaythatonlytheycandobest,andthatiswhatsheispursuing.


aLL-CaLifornia aCademiC 3rd Team

faDI abouD SyrIanICañada CollegeAge: 19GPA: 3.97 • Major: Cell BiologyFadiAboudSyrianiwasbornandraisedinSyriaforthelasteighteenyears.Duetointensifiedwar,Fadihadtoleavehome,family,andfriendstostartanewchapteroflifeintheUnitedStates.Sincethefirstday,Fadiwasdeterminedtokeepthehardwork.FadihadthehonortobeinvitedtotheHonorSocietyaftermaintaining4.0transferGPAandwasanofficeratthePre-Healthsociety.FadiwasawardedtheNSFandYanniChenFundscholarships,whichhelpedtopaypartoftuitions.FadivolunteersduringfreetimeintheERatKaiserandwithReadingPartners.FadiistransferringtoUCDavisnextfallandplanningonobtainingabachelor’sdegree,andthengetaPh.D.andacoupleyearsofresearchtoincreasescientificknowledge.Afterthat,Fadi’smaingoalwillbebeingasurgeonorapediatrician.

antonella cammarotaOxnard CollegeAge: 38GPA: 4.0Major: Computer Networking/ITAntonellaCammarota’slifeatOxnardCollegeisamazingcomparedtotheworldsheknewonlyfiveyearsago.As

theoldestoffourchildren,herparentscouldnotaffordtosendhertocollegeuponhighschoolgraduation.Sheisfinallyrealizingherdreamtopursueahighereducation;Antonella,consequently,willbegraduatingwithHighestHonorsthisMay2015andreceiveanAssociateofSciencedegreeincomputernetworkingandinformationtechnology.ShewillbetransferringtoCaliforniaStateUniversity,ChannelIslandsinfall2015tocontinuehereducationandobtainaMasterofSciencedegreeincomputerscience.WhileatOxnardCollege,shehasbeenontheDean’sListeachsemester.Additionally,sheenjoyedparticipatingwiththeAssociatedStudentGovernmentasitssecretaryandasamemberofPTK.Antonellaspendsfreetimewithher3-year-olddaughterandparents.Shecannotwaittoseewhatthefutureholds.

kIran chaGGanSanta Monica CollegeAge: 20GPA: 3.76Major: Business AdministrationKiranChaggan,bornandraisedinKarachi,Pakistan,livedaluxuriouslifestyleuntilshemovedtoLosAngeles.

Afterrecreatingherlifeinanewcity,shesuccessfullyfinishedhighschool,enrolledinSantaMonicaCollegeandbecamethedirectoroffundraisingforthelargestchapterofPhiThetaKappacalledBetaKappaDelta.Afterreceivingherassociate’sdegree,sheplanstotransfertotheUniversityofSouthernCaliforniamajoringinbusinessadministration.SheplanstoworkasafinancialanalystorownafranchiseforKumonMathandReadingCenterwhereshehasbeenworkingforthreeyearsandwaspromotedasachiefassistant.Sheenjoyswatchingtheworkingsoftheyounginteractivemindsofherstudents.Shemanagesthecenterwitha180studentcominginandouteveryweek.Sheawaitshernextchapteroflifeina4-yearuniversitythisfall2015.

kacee clyneModesto Junior CollegeAge: 26GPA: 3.67 • Major: NursingKaceeClynehasbeenvicepresidentoftheBetaMuThetaChapterofPhiThetaKappasincefall2013.Kaceewasa2013eQualityScholar/Kaiser

PermanenteNursingScholarrecipient.InDecember2014,KaceegraduatedfromModestoJuniorCollege’sAssociateDegreeNursingprogramwithhonors.KaceealsohasASdegreesinbusinessadministration,accounting,andsupervisorymanagement,allwithhonorsfromModestoJuniorCollege.Kaceeisthefirstpersonfrominthefamilytograduatefromcollege.KaceeappliedtoattendCSUStanislausstartinginfall2015fortheRNtoBSNprogram.Kaceeaspirestoreceiveamaster’sdegreeinnursingfromUCSF.Kacee’scareergoalistobeapediatricnurse.


JoSh DelanoFresno City College / CSU FresnoAge: 32GPA: 3.63Major: Electrical EngineeringJoshDelanohasbeendeployedwiththeU.S.NavyfourtimesinsupportofOperationIraqiFreedomandTheGlobal

WaronTerrorism.HeprovidedrelieftotsunamivictimsinIndonesiain2004andagaininJapanin2011.Lastsemester,heservedasvicepresidentofleadershipforPhiThetaKappaBetachapterofFresnoCityCollege.ThissemesterhehastransferredtoCaliforniaStateUniversity,FresnoandisnowapledgefortheOmegaDeltaSigmaNationalVeteransFraternity.HealsodoesworkstudyattheVeteransAssociationHospitalwhereheprovidescompanytoconvalescentveteranswithoutfamilies.Asareturningstudentofelectricalengineeringandfatheroftwodaughters,heplanstogointocleanenergytoonedaybeonthefrontlinesofresearchandimplementationofthenextnewfuelsourceforourplanet.

patrIck GoreLong Beach City CollegeAge: 56GPA: 3.95Major: Human Services/Alcohol and Drug StudiesPatrickGoreisa56-year-oldnativeCalifornianwho,beforecomingtoLong

BeachCityCollege,wasaninternationalflightattendant.Patrickwasinjuredonthejob.Insteadoflivingalifeondisabilitypayments,hedecidedtoreturntoschooltogetacertificateofachievementinalcoholanddrugstudies,whichhereceived.ThenPatrickhadagrowinghungerformoreeducation.HeisnowontheroadtoachieveanAAdegreeandeventuallyplanstogetamaster’sdegreeinsocialwork.Hewantstohelppeopleandbeself-sufficientatthesametime.Patrickwouldliketospecializeinalcoholanddrugtreatment,becausehefeelsthereisagrowingneedforsuch.Patrickisveryhonoredtoreceivesuchanaward.ThankyoutoGod,PhiThetaKappaandallhisprofessors.

canDIce hanDJoJoMt. San Antonio CollegeAge: 20GPA: 3.94 • Major: SociologyCandiceHandjojoisasecond-yearstudentatMt.SanAntonioCollege.SheconsistentlymakesthePresident’sListbyachievingaminimum3.5GPA.

CandiceplanstotransfertoUCBerkeleyinthefallof2015,majorinsociologyandminorineducation.Sincehighschool,shepursuedherhobbytosingandparticipatedintheMt.SanAntonioCollegeChoirandperformedatherlocalchurch.Asavolunteertutor,sheworkswiththehomelessyouthsofSouthernCaliforniatoworkonhomeworkassignmentsandencourageacademicplansforthefuture.Subsequently,sheplanstoobtainhermaster’sdegreefromColumbiaUniversityandworkintheUnitedStatesschoolsystemasaprofessor,schoolcounselor,orinschooladministration.Candicewouldliketoworkatthecommunitycollegeleveltoassistfirst-generationandlow-incomestudentspursuehighereducation.

yI tInG (Joy) lIuCitrus CollegeAge: 21GPA: 3.83 • Major: PsychologyYiTing(Joy)Liuisanhonorsstudent,vicepresidentofcommunicationsoftheBetaNuEtachapterofPhiThetaKappa.ShehelpedcreateanHonorsAmbassadorprogramatCitrusCollege,volunteeredwithTHINKtogether.org.SheplanstotransfertoUCBerkeleyortheUniversityofWashingtontostudypsychologywithhopesofbecomingasubstanceabusecounselor.


maurIcIo marquez palencIaSan Diego City CollegeAge: 21GPA: 3.74 • Major: MicrobiologyMauricioMarquezPalenciawasbornandraisedinTijuana,Mexico.HemovedtotheUnitedStatesinthefallof2011.Heiscurrentlyathird-yearstudentat

SanDiegoCityCollege(SDCC)majoringinmicrobiologyandontracktotransfertoafour-yearuniversity.MauricioisthefounderandcurrentmemberoftheAmericanMedicalStudentAssociation(AMSA)chapteratSDCC,amemberoftheMathematics,Engineering,Science,andAchievement(MESA)program,PhiThetaKappaHonorSociety,andthePriceScholarshipProgram.HevolunteersasanEnglish/SpanishinterpreterfordoctorsandpatientsattheUCSDRunFreeClinic.HiscareergoalistoearnaM.D.-Ph.D.withanemphasisinhematology.MauriciopreviouslyconductedcancerresearchattheUCSDMooresCancerCenter.Currently,hehasbeenacceptedtoasummerinternshipattheMedicalScienceTrainingProgramatUCSDforstudentspursuingaM.D.-Ph.D.forsummer2015.

evan martInezSanta Monica CollegeAge: 30GPA: 4.0 • Major: PhysicsComingfromSantaMonicaCollege,EvanMartinezhashopes(ormoreappropriately,dreams)oftransferringtoBrownUniversityinRhodeIsland

tostudyphysicswithanEnglishminor.Itishisgoaltocombineboththeempiricalscienceswiththehumanitiestohaveabetterunderstandingoftheworldwelivein,andpossiblyhisplacewithinthat.WhenEvanisnotstudyingyoucanfindhimplayingultimateFrisbeeoratTheBlankTheatre,wherehehasbeenproducingprofessionaltheatreforthelast5years.

naokI matSumotoFeather River CollegeAge: 21GPA: 3.88 • Major: Business Administration: AccountingNaokiMatsumotoiscurrentlyastudentatFeatherRiverCollegeinQuincy,California,andpartoftheEnactus

Organizationasthedirectoroffinance.NaokiwasrecentlyappointedonbehalfofhiscollegetorepresenttheirEnactusChapterinMiami,aspartoftheClintonGlobalInitiative.HereceivedTheRoseCortezMemorialScholarshipandTheFeatherRiverCollegeFacultyUnionScholarship,andhewasalsoselectedastheOutstandingBusinessStudentinspring2014.NaokihasmadetheDean’sListeverysemesterandiscurrentlythetreasureroftheAlphaPsiZetachapter.HewilltransfertoCaliforniaStateUniversity,Chicoinfall2015andmajorinbusinessadministration:accounting.

eunIce molInaMiraCosta CollegeAge: 58GPA: 4.0 • Major: NursingEuniceMolinawasborninMexicoandmovedtoSanDiegoattheageofsix.HerfirstchallengeinlifewaslearningtheEnglishlanguage,whichblessedher

withbecomingbilingual.Herultimategoalistobecomeanoperatingroomnurse,assistingthedoctorduringsurgery.HavingbilingualabilitieswillenableEunicetohelptheSpanish-speakingpatientstobetterunderstandtheirdiagnosis,prognosis,andeverythinginbetween.SheisastudentatMiraCostaCollegeandhascompleted46unitswhilemaintaininga4.0GPA.Afterreceivinganassociate’sdegreethisspring,sheplanstocontinuehereducationbytransferringtoafour-yearuniversitytoobtainabachelor’sdegree.Today,Eunicelivesandcaresforhermother,whoisrecoveringfromlymphoma.Caringforotherstrulyfulfillsherheart.


GeralD morlIDGeCañada CollegeAge: 27GPA: 3.93 • Major: HistoryGeraldhasbeenastudentatCañadaCollegesince2012andhasassociates’degreesinbothinterdisciplinarystudiesandhistory.Absolutelydevotedtothe

studyofhistory,heisthetypeofpersonwhocanspitouthistoricalfactsatamoment’snoticeanddoesownafullcollectionofbowties.Inadditiontotakingclasses,hehasbeenatutorathisschoolsince2014andcanhelpstudentsinadiverserangeofsubjects.Healsoservesasamemberofhisschool’sHonorsTransferprogramadvisorycommitteeandisco-presidentofhisPhiThetaKappachapter.Afterhetransfersinthefall,hehopestoearnhisbachelor’sdegreeinhistoryandthenentergraduateschooltogethisdoctorate.HisgoalistobecomeacollegehistoryprofessorandhopefullyreturntoCañadaCollegetoteach.

Jeffrey navarroChaffey CollegeAge: 25GPA: 3.9Major: Electrical Engineering and Minor in Aerospace EngineeringJeffreyNavarroispresidentoftheAdvanceMathandPhysicsClub.In

which,hehostsdiscussionsoftheoreticalandreal-lifeapplicationsofmathematicsandphysicsandtherebyprovideaframeworkwithinwhichtoshapeexemplary,science-orientedleaders.Hehostscommunityoutreachevents—schoolvisits,mathematicsandphysicscompetitions—sotoencourageinyoungpeoplebothcriticalthinkingandcompetitive,inquisitivespirits.Jeffreyvolunteersasamathtutorforthe“UpwardBoundProgram,”andhistutoringexperienceanddesiretohelpotherswhostruggleinscience,inspiredhimtocompeteagainstallPhiThetaKappastudentsintheKhanAcademyTutorChallenge,inwhichIplacedinthetopfive,nationwide.Currently,heisstillpursuingadreamtobecomeanastronaut,butalsoplanningtoattendCaltechnextfallbecauseofadesiretodoresearchandcontinuetheworksofAlbertEinstein’sinhopesofproducingaunifiedtheoremtoestablishalinkbetweentheforcesofgravityandelectromagnetism.

anDrew paStorMt. San Antonio CollegeAge: 20GPA: 4.0 • Major: Public HealthAndrewPastorisanhonorsandpre-medstudentatMt.SanAntonioCollege.HeplansontransferringtoUCIrvineorUCBerkeleyinthefallof2015asapublichealthmajor.Andrewhasbeenactivelyinvolvedathiscollegeinprovidingunderservedstudentswithinformationonhowtoobtainaffordablehealthinsurancethroughhisroleasahealthoutreachspecialist.HehasadditionallyvolunteeredwithGerinetHealthasahospicevolunteerandatUCIrvineMedicalCenterasapatientexperienceintern.Sincegraduatingfromhighschool,AndrewhaspursuedhishobbyasapercussionistthroughperformingwiththeMt.SanAntonioCollegeWindEnsembleandtheindependentworld-classdrumline,PowPercussion.Andrew’slongtermplansincludeearningamaster’sdegreeinpublichealthfollowedbyanMD.Andrewaspiresto,oneday,workontheglobalhealthfronttodevelophealthinfrastructureindevelopingregions.

ruben rafayelyanFresno City CollegeAge: 28GPA: 3.583Major: NeuropsychologyRubenRafayelyanplanstoobtainabachelor’sdegreefromUCLAorUCBerkeleyandthenmoveontoaPh.D.

fromStanfordUniversity.HiscareergoalistoworkasaneuropsychologistatUCLA’sResnickNeuropsychiatrichospital.Hewantstohelppeoplewithmentalillnessleadalesssymptomaticandmorefunctionallife.Rubencaresdeeplyaboutthecause.

oleG SalamatovLos Angeles City CollegeAge: 25GPA: 3.77Major: International RelationsOlegSalamatovwasborninasmallTurkmentown,Chardzhou,toaRussian-speakingfamily.Helived

inamulticulturalsocietysurroundedbymanydifferentnationalitiesandreligions.AsinglemotherwhoisalibrarianraisedOleg.Sherevealedthepowerofreadingtohim.Thebooksignitedaninterestinhumanrightsandculturaldifferences.Henoticedinequalityanddiscriminationineducationinhiscountryandobjectedtothem.Unfortunately,Oleghadtoleavethedictatorialregime.Itwasn’tsafetostaythere.HeclaimedpoliticalasylumintheUSAin2010.Hisinterestinhumanrightsisstillaliveandintendstomajorinpeaceandconflictstudies.HisdreamschoolisUCBerkeley.HewouldliketoworkfortheUNCommissionforRefugeesandbecomeinvolvedineducationalprogramswithintherefugeecampsintheMiddleEast.

alex StepanIukCosumnes River CollegeAge: 37GPA: 3.8 • Major: Social WorkerAlexStepaniukchosetomajorinsocialworkbecausehelikestohelppeople.Helikesthatbeingasocialworkerisauniqueprofessionbecauseasocialworkercanhelppeoplesolveproblemswithbigchallengesinlifesuchaspoverty,stress,addiction,mentalproblems,familyproblems,andabuse.HereceivedhonorscertificationsfromtheEOPSprogramatCosumnesRiverCollege(CRC),especiallyfromtheCRCLibraryandMutualHousingCalifornia.HetransferredtoCSUSacramentotoearnabachelor’sdegreeinsocialwork.HisgoalistoearnaPh.D.insocialwork.

JeSuS torreSSanta Ana CollegeAge: 30GPA: 3.94 • Major: PsychologyAsJesusTorrescontinueshiseducation,hispassiontogetadegreeinpsychologygrows.Theworldofcounselingandtherapyhasbeenamajorpartofhis

life.Beingasurvivorofhardtrialsasachild,Jesuswasintroducedtotherapyafterasuicideattemptattheageof16.Fromthetimehewasayoungteenagertheconceptofunderstandinghumanbehaviorandthequestionsofwhypeopledocertainthingshasalwaysinterestedhim.Withhislifeexperiencesandadedicationtoapplyhiseducationtohelpothersashisstrongestquality,itisJesus’missiontocontinueapathtosuccessandturntrialsintoassets.HestartedclassesatSantaAnaCollege(SAC)inthefallof2012.Atthetimehewasn’treallysurewherehewasheadedwitheducationbutjustknewheneededtogetafootinthedoor.Sincethen,Jesushasworkedwithacounselorandlaidoutaplantogetanassociateofartsdegreeinpsychologyandthentransferintoamaster’sprogram.Hehasworkedhardinhisstudiesandstayedontrackwiththeeducationplan,maintaininga3.94throughouthistimeatSAC.Inthefallof2013hebecameamemberofPhiThetaKappaandattheendofspring2014,hewaselectedpresidentofthechapter.HehasalsohadthegreatpleasureofworkingthefrontdeskattheSAClibrary.Overthelast3years,JesushasvolunteeredattheOrangeCountyHealthDepartmentwithanorganizationcalledR.E.A.C.H.Thereheco-facilitatedworkshopscalledHealthyRelationshipsdesignedtoprovidetoolsforbettercommunicationanddisclosuretopeoplelivingwithHlV.Hehastakenonaleadershiprolebyorganizingandrecruitingfortheseworkshopsanddedicatedtohiseducationinthepursuittogivebackbybecomingadrugandalcoholcounselororatherapisttotroubledkids.



nIkIta tSvetkovLong Beach City CollegeAge: 21GPA: 3.747Major: Computer ScienceAstudentfromLongBeachCityCollege,NikitaTsvetkovwillreceivehisASdegreeincomputerscienceandtransfer

tocomputerscienceandengineeringundergraduateprogramatUCIrvine.Academically,heisinterestedinmath,physicsandprogramming.Heispassionateaboutcomputertechnologiesandinnovationsthatkeepevolvingnotonlytechnicallybutalsoholdinfinitescopeforcreativityandlogic.Duringhisstudiesatcommunitycollege,heacquiredanoverallperspectiveofthisscientificdiscipline.Hisloveforprogramming,combinedwithhisdesiretodigdeeperintotheworkingprocessofvariousapplications,helpedhimtodevelopgoodacademicskills.Inrecognitionofoutstandingscholasticachievement,hewasawardedseveralscholarshipawards.Whilepursuinghisdegree,Nikitaworkspart-timeatJackieRobinsonK-8AcademyintheLongBeachUnifiedSchoolDistrict.Hetrainsstudentsintheuseofcomputersandsoftwareandofferstechnicalassistancetofacultymembers.

DunG voLong Beach City CollegeAge: 25GPA: 3.8 • Major: BioEngineeringDungVoisacurrentstudentatLongBeachCityCollegeand,thisJune,willgraduatewiththedistinctionAssociateDegreeofMath.Then,shewilltransfer

totheUniversityofCalifornia,Irvineinthefallsemester.Hermostfavoritesubjectsaremathandmedicalscience.Thatiswhyshewantstobecomeabioengineerwhocanworkwithothermedicalexpertstocreatethemostadvancedmedicaldevicestoimprovehumanhealth.Ontopofthat,shewantstofurtherhereducationbyachievingamasterdegreeofnanotechnologyapplications,specifyingincardiovasculartreatments.Inadditiontoherclasses,DungjoinedthePhiThetaKappaNationalHonorSocietytowidenhersocialnetworkandimprovehersocialskills.

krIStIn wrIGhtFeather River CollegeAge: 19GPA: 3.8 • Major: KinesiologyComingfromasmalltownhasnevernarrowedKristinWright’sambitions.Shehasalwaysunderstoodthatnothingcanbegainedwithouthardwork,commitment,anddedication.Shelearnedthisasastudent-athleteandworker.Kristinhasworkedexceptionallyhardtoachieveacumulative3.8GPAatFeatherRiverCollege;currentlycarryingafull-academiccourseloadwhilemanagingtoworkintwopart-timejobs.SheisaproudmemberoftheAlphaPsiZetachapterofPhiThetaKappaandisgraduatinginMaywithanAA-Tinkinesiology.Aftercompletingherbachelor’sdegree,Kristinplanstobecomeanathletictrainerandhelpyoungathletesattaintheirdreams.

chrIStopher yamaSMoorpark CollegeAge: 22GPA: 4.0 • Major: Political ScienceAfteravidlyengaginghimselfinstudentgovernmentasafreshmanatUniversityoftheWest,Chriswasselectedasinterimpresidentduringhissecond

semester.Inthiscapacityherealizedhispassionforpublicservice,anddecidedtotransfertoMoorparkCollegetoprepareforadegreeinpoliticaleconomy.AtMoorpark,ChriswonstateandnationalawardsasamemberoftheSpeechandDebateTeam.Hismostaward-winningdebatecasefocusedononeofhisinterests,boostingyouthvoterturnout.Chriswasthereforethrilledtoworkasacampusorganizerduringthe2014elections,registeringthousandsofnewvotersoncollegecampuses.Today,heservesasaninterninthedistrictofficeofCongresswomanJuliaBrownley,andwillinternonCapitolHillthissummer.Currentlyinvolvedinaprojecttoconnectlow-incomefamilieswithaffordableoptionsforcollege,Chrisplansongraduateschoolandacareerinpublicpolicy.

2015 Phi TheTa KaPPa - Mt. San Antonio College · Kappa Tau chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society and serves as one of two honors student coordinators for the

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