Volume VII, Issue 1, February 24, 2021
These stories give us reason to hope for a better world: accounting professors creating
a positive balance and going the extra mile to expand opportunities; a Recycling &
Resource Management alum who was driven to help; a Nobel laureate and scientist who’s
helping combat climate change; a counseling administrator whose life story bespeaks
the transformative power of community colleges; a student who wants to preserve fabrics.
. . and cultures. This is Santa Monica College. These are the possibilities.
![Positive Balance](/news/in-focus/2021/vol-vii-issue-1/images/a1-Ming-Enrique_LEAD.jpg)
Positive Balance
A former wrestler, a rock musician, a football lineman—these are a few examples of students who’ve found their calling as accountants at SMC. Meet two professors who are teaching accounting in unconventional, empathetic ways.
![A Green Thumb & a Heart of Gold](/news/in-focus/2021/vol-vii-issue-1/images/a2-Natalie-Flores_LEAD.jpg)
A Green Thumb & a Heart of Gold
Natalie Flores has a green thumb and a heart of gold. This SMC Recycling & Resource Management launched Nourish LA, a pop-up produce pantry. It has attracted (deservedly so) nationwide acclaim.
![Saving the Planet, Quietly](/news/in-focus/2021/vol-vii-issue-1/images/a3-Jeremy_Pal_LEAD.jpg)
Saving the Planet, Quietly
Nobel laureate, professor & scientist Jeremy Pal on how SMC set him on his path, the professors who changed his life, climate change, turning obstacles into opportunities, and more.
![Role Model](/news/in-focus/2021/vol-vii-issue-1/images/a4-Janet-Robinson_lead.jpg)
Role Model
Janet Robinson was a toddler when she had her first inkling of how transformation a community college could be. Today she urges students to “keep going, because that’s what our ancestors would want.”
![Bragging Rights](/news/in-focus/2021/vol-vii-issue-1/images/a5-Angela-Jordan_LEAD.jpg)
Bragging Rights
An Emeritus instructor to guest-star alongside Paul Rudd & Will Ferrell. An Art History instructor reveals the history of the working poor over 3,000 years. A counselor raises funds for scholarships.
![Preserving the Fabric of History](/news/in-focus/2021/vol-vii-issue-1/images/a6-Fernanda-Lorenzini_lead.jpg)
Preserving the Fabric of History
Fernanda Lorenzini, who hails from Puebla, Mexico, has woven quite the tapestry of creative study, earning an invitation to study overseas and a prestigious UCLA internship. Preserving textiles means preserving her culture.
SMC In the News
2020 Highlights of Santa Monica College
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Segment Feat. SMC Begins at 52:26
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