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Pamela Adams

"I became an advisor almost accidentally. I had returned to school in the 1990s to start a career in the computer field. While I was here, I became a peer advisor, and discovered that I loved helping students."

Raquel Alva, MPA

"I became an academic advisor to help inspire students!"

Marc Corra, M.Ed.

"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. For a career, I decided I wanted to be that person at the beginning and end, as well as the journey in between."

Stella Fong-Chen

Adriana Mares, M.S.

"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. I feel very grateful for the opportunity to get to know students and guide them through their educational path."

Jac Rivera, M.Ed.

"I started my college journey as a Former Foster Youth: lost, confused and no idea what I was suppose to do. Despite this, I succeeded beyond many challenges. How? I had an academic advisor on my side. I knew I wanted to help other students achieve their wildest dreams. It is an honor to be an academic advisor and join you on your journey. No matter what you are facing, we can face it together!"

Oscar Bacio, M.A.

"I became an advisor because I want to make a positive impact in a student's college journey."

Cindy Chavez, MBA

"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."

Francisco Cornejo, M.A.

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

Keila Estrada

"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!"

Monica Kays

"I became an academic advisor to support and guide students to achieving their goals. Getting to be even a small part of a student’s academic journey is a privilege and honor. It is always such a great experience getting to see students through from the start of their journey to walking across the stage at graduation."

Wendy Lopez, M.A.

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

Ruby Ramirez-Murillo, M.Ed.

"I decided to become an academic advisor to guide and empower students in higher education. It is rewarding to witness my former and current students graduate and achieve their goals."

Verenice Sandoval, MBA

"I became an academic advisor so that I can help students achieve their academic goals."

James Yokoyama, M.S.

"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."

Diana Ascencio, M.S.

"I wanted to be in a space where I could directly help students in reaching their goals. As a first generation student, I learned how to navigate through the university on my own before I was connected to key mentors. I hope to be able to connect students to opportunities, resources, and be there for whatever their needs are."

Ian Carlson, M.S.

"Entering a university can be very challenging. It is a whole new way of life. I greatly enjoy assisting students in navigating the university journey. Every student has a story and great ambitions to make contributions to society. It is more than fun to see the lights in their eyes when they excitedly tell me about their recent accomplishments and aspirations."

Diana Curtis, M.S.

"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."

Christian Gomez, M.A.

"I decided to become and academic advisor because of what my advisor did for me at my community college. She helped me through a tough time where I did not know what I wanted to do or if I even wanted to continue with my education. She inspired me with how she pulled me out of that slump. I strive to have that kind of impact of the students I work with."

Sheila Ingram, M.S.

"I decided to become an advisor because I am committed to helping students reach their educational goals and become college graduates."

Lorena Roman, M.S., M.Ed.

"As a first-generation student, I understand the importance of having guidance while navigating educational systems. I have a deep-seated belief that education has the power to transform a person's life. Being able to help others find their way through their educational journey is a way of making an impact in our society."

Mario Tapia

"Reflecting on my own challenges in college drove me to pursue a career as an academic advisor, where I could help students cross the finish line and turn their graduation dreams into reality."