Meet Your Academic Advisor

Why did you decide to become an academic advisor? 

I was the first in my family to attend college and it was difficult navigating the higher education system. I want to be a resource and support system for those that have questions or concerns. I also want to assist our students in their path towards graduation and empower them to become the leaders they strive to be.

If you could go back in time to when you were an undergrad, what’s one piece of advice you’d give to yourself? 

I was a commuter student and would only be on campus for my classes. Once classes ended, I would leave school. My advice would be to get involved and take advantage of all the resources the campus has. Meet other students and join one of the many clubs that are offered or create your own.

What do you like to do in your free time? 

As a Ravenclaw (Harry Potter reference), I enjoy visiting the Harry Potter section at Universal Studios. Nothing beats having a Butterbeer in front of the castle!

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He/Him/His

Why did you decide to become an academic advisor? 

My passion is helping students be successful and achieve their college dream!

What’s one place on your travel bucket list and why do you want to go there? 

Machu Picchu, Peru. I love hiking and exploring - especially challenging hikes and this looks challenging!

What do you like to do in your free time? 

I enjoy exercising, taking walks, hiking and watching my kids sports games.

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She/Her/Ella

Why did you decide to become an academic advisor? 

I enjoy assisting and supporting college students. Being a college student can be difficult and stressful. As an academic advisor, I want to be there as a guide and support system for my students.

What’s one thing you’re looking forward to about the academic year? 

Working with the Huntley College Peer Advisors and hosting group advising sessions for my incoming students to help them get better acquainted with advising/academic tools and resources.

What’s your favorite food and why? 

Pasta! It is easy and can be made in so many different ways.

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She/Her

What’s your favorite thing about CPP and why?

I love that the campus is full of nature. I love walking through the rose and Japanese garden and enjoying the scenery. The fact that we have horses on campus is so cool.

If you could go back in time to when you were an undergrad, what’s one piece of advice you’d give to yourself? 

GET INVOLVED! It was very hard for me to get out of my comfort zone when I was an undergrad.

What’s one place on your travel bucket list and why do you want to go there? 

I have so many places on my travel bucket list. My next domestic trip will be to Glacier National Park for the hiking and beautiful scenery.

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She/Her/Hers

Why did you decide to become an academic advisor? 

I didn't utilize advising enough in college. With little guidance, I made a lot of mistakes and took far longer to graduate than necessary. But after graduating, I looked back fondly at some of the best experiences I did have with supportive folks in college. This included my first and last (which were my only) advising sessions. At the beginning I found someone to listen to me and lay out a plan as an incoming, unsure freshman. And at the end, my faculty advisor helped me correct a lot of the mistakes I had made, enabling me to graduate despite them. If only I had sought out support between these two times! As a career, I decided I wanted to be that person at the beginning and end, as well as the journey in between.

If you could go back in time to when you were an undergrad, what’s one piece of advice you’d give to yourself? 

Make the tough choices. Don't take the easy way out. Work hard and power through. Believe in yourself, your abilities and your strength. You can succeed at a higher level than you ever imagined.

What’s one place on your travel bucket list and why do you want to go there? 

I have to visit Italy. My family is Italian, and I have yet to make it to the home country. There is so much to see. I am afraid it will take so long so I never take the first step. (Life lesson there!) I need to just plan the first trip. I will probably go first to the ruins of Pompeii, and then go step by step until I have all my dreams fulfilled.

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What's your favorite thing about CPP and why? 

The animals on campus.

What's your favorite food and why? 

I like chocolate chip cookies -- I'm a cookie monster!

What do you like to do in your free time? 

I like to watch food shows.

Preferred Pronouns 

She/Her/Hers

Why did you decide to become an academic advisor?

I became an Academic Advisor because I enjoy bringing holistic support to students as they navigate their journey in higher education. I want to help students succeed both inside and outside the classroom.

If you could go back in time to when you were an undergrad, what’s one piece of advice you’d give to yourself?

I would tell my younger self that it's okay to not have everything together. Life happens in multiple ways, but find your support system. Failure can also be success if you learn from it and apply it towards your new outcomes.

What do you like to do in your free time?

In my free time I love amusement parks, traveling, and food. 

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He/Him/His

Why did you decide to become an academic advisor?

At a very young age, I knew I wanted to have a career in education. I was not sure what area I wanted to go in, but I knew I wanted to work in the field of education. As a community college student, I had a chance to work for an early start program that inspired me to pursue a career in higher education. Ever since then, I have had the opportunity to work for different higher education institutions and get to know students from all walks of life. I feel very grateful for the opportunity to get to know students and guide them through their educational path.

If you could go back in time to when you were an undergrad, what’s one piece of advice you’d give to yourself?

My first semester as a college student was stressful because I was the first person in my family to go to college, and I was an English as a second language student. I made mistakes because I was too shy to ask questions. If I could go back in time, I would tell myself to be brave and ask questions. The path gets easier when you have available resources and the correct information.

What’s your favorite food and why?

My favorite food is Mexican, and my favorite dish is red/green enchiladas. Aside from loving the flavors in this dish, I enjoy it because it takes me back to my childhood memories of having dinner as a family in Mexico. I lived in Mexico for 12 years, and I have beautiful memories of my town.

What’s one place on your travel bucket list and why do you want to go there?

Traveling is something that I really enjoy! One place that is on my travel bucket list is New Zealand. I had a professor that would take students there to study abroad and students had great experiences. My professor shared videos and photos of the beautiful scenery there and I would want to experience that in the future.

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She/Her/Hers

Why did you decide to become an academic advisor? 

I became an advisor to help students navigate through the craziness of college.

If you could go back in time to when you were an undergrad, what’s one piece of advice you’d give to yourself? 

You're not alone and you're not expected to get through college alone. It's not only OK to ask for help, it's expected! No one is going to question your presence in college if you don't know everything.

What do you like to do in your free time? 

Read! I love getting lost in a good book and seeing life through the character's eyes.

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She/Her/Hers

Why did you decide to become an academic advisor? 

I became an advisor for a few reasons. One, I had wished I had an advisor as an undergrad to navigate through my college experiences. Two, I enjoy guiding and helping students meet or exceed their educational goals to maximize their college experience. Three, it is very rewarding to see my students evolve into amazing and successful lifelong learners. They reach their goals and continue on to their professionals careers or pave their way through their higher education journey. I believe our students are amazing individuals who are dynamic, innovative, passionate, skilled, versatile, and will advance as socially responsible leaders that will positively impact our future.

What’s one thing you’re looking forward to about the academic year? 

I hope the academic year brings new beginnings, awareness, and a strong community experience.

What’s your favorite food and why? 

I enjoy all cuisines, from Japanese sushi and ramen to ethiopian dishes like Keye Siga Wot and other tasty foods from around the world. I love a variety of foods, the cultures, the yummy flavors...the whole experience!

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She/Her/Hers

Why did you decide to become an academic advisor? 

I decided to become an academic advisor because I value education. When I was an undergraduate student, I didn't know what an academic advisor was and never went to see them. Now, I understand the importance of meeting with an academic advisor to help you plan out your courses and discuss any doubts or issues you may be having with your academics.

If you could go back in time to when you were an undergrad, what’s one piece of advice you’d give to yourself? 

Choose a major you are most interested in or subject you are really good at. Your major will not have an impact on the career you choose in your future.

What do you like to do in your free time? 

I like to spend time with my son, I like to go out for walks in the park, and try new restaurants and bars.

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She/Her

Why did you decide to become an academic advisor? 

I wanted to help as many students as possible to graduate and help them become successful.

If you could go back in time to when you were an undergrad, what’s one piece of advice you’d give to yourself? 

Save your money! Don't spend your extra financial aid money on random stuff.

What do you like to do in your free time? 

I am a huge sports fan and I enjoy exercising. I am also a big movie buff, and I enjoy hanging out with my dog Harrison. 

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He/Him/His

Why did you decide to become an an advisor?

I decided to become an academic advisor to assist students the same way my advisors helped me. I am a first generation, transfer student and always felt on my own, until I got help from an academic advisor who helped me outline my plan and reach my goals!

If you could go back in time to when you were an undergrad, what’s one piece of advice you’d give to yourself?

One piece of advice I’d give myself is not to give up! I feel that I gave up on myself very early on in my college career, and because of that, I struggled for more time than I anticipated.

What do you like to do in your free time?

I like to watch anime, watch reruns of Friends, and learn how to make my own coffee.

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She/Her

What’s your favorite thing about CPP and why? 

The beauty of the campus and the number of staff who have devoted many years of service to our campus. It is a real testament to CPP to have so many individuals that have committed the number of years they have.

What’s one thing you’re looking forward to about the academic year? 

A new group of excited students, and continuing to build on the foundation already established with our continuing students.

What’s your favorite animal and why? 

My two pups- Hopps and Barlee. They provide me comfort when I need it most and always keep our family laughing!

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She/Her

Why did you decide to become an academic advisor? 

I became an academic advisor because I enjoy guiding students to success. In the process, helping them see their strengths and growth.

If you could go back in time to when you were an undergrad, what’s one piece of advice you’d give to yourself? 

Always believe in yourself even if things are not according to plan.

What’s one place on your travel bucket list and why do you want to go there? 

Costa Rica because I want to experience the beauty of some of it's forest and waterfalls.

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She/Her/Hers

What’s your favorite thing about CPP and why? 

I love the diversity and inclusiveness throughout the campus, and love seeing others who look like me.

If you could go back in time to when you were an undergrad, what’s one piece of advice you’d give to yourself? 

Create & build your community throughout your academic journey. College is not meant to be done alone.

What do you like to do in your free time? 

Watch Netflix or Hulu with my family.

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She/Her/Hers

Why did you decide to become an academic advisor? 

I decided to become an academic advisor because I had such a great experience with my advisor in undergraduate. I also fell in love with working in higher education after having such a positive college experience.

What’s your favorite thing about CPP and why? 

It is such a beautiful campus! I also love the people that work here! They are great colleagues! 

What’s your favorite food and why? 

Sushi and french fries- obviously not together! :)

Pronouns

She/Her/Hers

Why did you decide to become an academic advisor? 

I became an advisor to assist students of all backgrounds! There are so many barriers that students face, and my hope is to help alleviate those. I hope to create relationships with students, so they know they always have help.

What’s your favorite thing about CPP and why? 

The staff/faculty are amazing! They are so welcoming and caring, and they really care about each and every student. The campus is beautiful and I love seeing the animals.

What’s one place on your travel bucket list and why do you want to go there? 

Greece or Barbados! Greece is beautiful and I've always wanted to go. Barbados is special to me because my family is from there. Everyone in my family has visited except me, so I hope to make the trip soon (I was supposed to go as a graduation gift, then the pandemic hit).

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She/Her/Hers

Why did you decide to become an academic advisor? 

Two reasons. The first is that I personally enjoyed my undergraduate experience. It is a special period in life when a person is growing in various ways, mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Another reason was due to my internship at CSULA Career Center. I discovered that working with the college population was a great fit.

What’s your favorite thing about CPP and why? 

I enjoy my coworkers and the students who attend CPP. The Collins College students are so resilient and hardworking. I admire how they are so dedicated to their academics while working and/or taking care of their family. They are truly inspirational.

What’s your favorite food and why? 

Anything my mom makes. Nothing beats that!

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He/Him/His

Why did you decide to become an advisor? 

I decided to become an advisor because of my own experience as a first generation college student. I didn't want other students to miss out on opportunities and experience that would benefit them in the future. Today, I strive to offer my students guidance to understand how their degree will help them reach their goals.

What’s your favorite thing about CPP and why? 

Cal Poly Pomona is a beautiful campus, and I feel blessed to work for such a fantastic university that encourages students to “learn by doing.” I believe in this same philosophy and incorporate this concept and practice in my daily work with students.

If you could go back in time to when you were an undergrad, what’s one piece of advice you’d give to yourself?

I would have communicated with my professors regularly. At the time, I didn't understand what office hours were. I would have made more time to visit my professors to ask questions about the lectures and assignments.

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She/Her

Why did you decide to become an academic advisor? 

I was a lecturer at CPP and I really enjoyed the 1:1 mentoring that I was doing with my students during offices hours. Sometimes students would ask me help to finding resources or advice on classes to consider and I really enjoyed doing this so I decided to change careers and move towards academic advising.

What’s your favorite thing about CPP and why? 

I love the faculty and staff. Since I was a student here, the faculty and staff have always been very kind, helpful, and encouraging.

If you could go back in time to when you were an undergrad, what’s one piece of advice you’d give to yourself?

It is okay to change your mind and decide to do something different. Life is nonlinear.

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She/Her/Hers

Why did you decide to become an academic advisor? 

If you could go back in time to when you were an undergrad, what's one piece of advice you'd give to yourself? 

If I could go back in time I would tell my undergrad self that having grace for yourself is acceptable. You do not need to have it all figured by the time you graduate. As a first-generation college student I was always shy, but stepping out of my comfort zone allowed me to seek for help and ask all the questions I needed to be successful in college. Never be afraid and step into the unknown because that unknown can take you to places you've never imagined.

What's your favorite animal and why? 

My favorite animal is a llama. There are super fluffy and cute! I hope to  visit the Llama Farm in Santa Barbara one day. I also love dogs. Dogs are very smart and it sure is true that they are 'man's best friend!'

Pronouns

She/Her/Ella

Why did you decide to become an academic advisor? 

I decided to become an academic advisor because I am passionate about helping others: what better way than guiding and contributing to student success and supporting their development to meet their goals? 

What’s one place on your travel bucket list and why do you want to go there? 

Hawaii, because the beaches there are so beautiful, and I want to eventually run a half marathon or full marathon on one of the islands.

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She/Her/Hers