Seyedeh Yassi Badri
Hello! I am a Neuroscience major in my final year at Santa Monica College, with plans
of continuing to medical school and becoming a brain surgeon. Upon entering SMC I
planned to be a ceramics major, but soon discovered my passion for medicine. I am
currently a part of the UCLA Care Extender Internship Program, the Scholar’s Program,
and now I am a President’s Ambassador I also previously co-founded the American Red
Cross Club at Santa Monica College and served as Vice President for 1 year. When I
am not on campus, I love volunteering, feeding the homeless, making art, hiking, listening
to music, and meeting new people. I am proud to be SMC, because Santa Monica College
provides a wide variety of opportunities for students including UCLA research opportunities
through the STEM program, interaction with a diverse student body, state of the art
athletic facilities, and the chance to interact with representatives in Washington
D.C. through the Dale Ride Internship program. As an SMC student, I want to give back
to the community through my role as a President’s Ambassador where I hope to convey
the message to all students that their presence matters.
Omar Bishr
I was born and raised in Giza, Egypt. In 2015, I came to SMC and am majoring in economics
with the intention to transfer to UC Berkeley next year. While I was in Egypt, I was
passionate about sports from a very young age and I had joined my local sporting club’s
swimming and water polo teams. When I came to the U.S. and started at SMC, I was able
to join both teams. Sports have contributed greatly to the development of my personality,
discipline, and teamwork as well as individual skills. During my high school years,
I was elected President of the Student Life Organization (SLO), and my passion and
dedication to extracurricular work continues until today. I am also a peer mentor
at the International counseling office. This experience enabled me to work efficiently
with students from different backgrounds and cultures as well as professors and the
administration. As a President’s Ambassador, I believe I can inspire, motivate, and
pave the way for all of the SMC community using my experiences as the President of
the SLO and my history in sports and counseling. My time at SMC as well as living
independently and away from my home country and family gave me a new perspective,
provided me with the tools to become a better student and individual, and opened my
mind to new possibilities and priceless opportunities. SMC is truly my home away from
home.
Jennifer Chen
I was born in Los Angeles but raised in a beautiful island in Asia called Taiwan.
As I was growing up, I was always the most outgoing kid that loved to get involved,
meet new friends, and try new things in the community. Therefore it has built up an
adventurous spirit in me. At the age of 15, I decided to move to United States by
myself to get a better education and experience a new adventure. I always wanted to
be part of a big community. Therefore I moved to L.A. after graduating high school
and joined the SMC big family. This is my second year at SMC. I am majoring in business
with the hopes of transferring to USC or UC Berkeley in the fall 2017. I joined the
AGS volunteering club last semester and enjoyed putting myself out into the community.
I am absolutely in love and thankful for everything that SMC offers. It is my honor
to be part of the President's Ambassadors program this year. I am excited to represent
SMC and spend my time supporting individuals to have the best experience at SMC.
Emily Cole
After high school, I spent most of my time working. By 2013, I was lucky enough to
find myself in a secure management position with a well-established company. I soon
realized there was only so much farther I could go in the business world without a
degree. When I decided to leave work in fall 2015, SMC was my first choice. Given
SMC's commitment to providing quality staff and facility, I knew I would be proud
to include SMC on my resume. It was an obvious choice. With such a wide variety of
courses offered, I couldn't limit myself to just one study path. I recently completed
the required courses for my AA's in Public Policy and Business Administration, and
am now focusing on coursework for an AA in Social and Behavioral Science. One day
I hope to serve as a United States Ambassador. I set that goal for myself for many
of the same reasons I sought to become a President's Ambassador at SMC. I enjoy fostering
communication, helping communities become stronger through collaboration, and striving
to achieve new standards of excellence. I am forever grateful to SMC for preparing
me to take on whatever opportunities are ahead.
Aboubacar Conde
I was born in New York and raised in Guinea (Conakry). I am an electrical engineering/computer
science major at Santa Monica College. I am currently a third year student at the
college. My academic goal is to transfer to UC Berkley or Cal Poly Pomona/ San Luis
Obispo. Before joining SMC, I had no idea what I would like to be in the future. However,
with its great programs like STEM and many others, SMC has helped me select a major
that falls into my interests and skills. I am having a great experience at SMC and
I encourage every student to get involved on campus.
Vanina Conkle
I grew up in Bulgaria, where school is nothing but studying and going home afterwards.
I would come home and watch American shows on television where colleges were portrayed
as beautiful placed where you cannot only learn, but initiate change and grow! I knew
I needed to find my way to the U.S. after graduation. However, my family could not
afford to support me, so I had to work very hard for it. About 6 jobs later I found
myself in the city of angels, enrolled in the best college in California, SMC! It
didn’t take long to feel at home on campus. Aside from developing academically and
being in the scholars program, I was active with the Associated Students, SI program
and Phi Theta Kappa honor society. I learned a lot and now I hope to utilize my knowledge
and through my role as a President’s Ambassador to serve and empower my fellow students
and support them achieving their own goals through college and beyond.
Andrea Conte
I am originally from Lakewood, Colorado, which is about 20 minutes from Denver. I
moved to Santa Monica because of my family and am so glad we made that decision. I
am a Political Science major and wish to pursue a career in law. Before pursuing my
career, I am going to take a year off to travel. I am hoping to transfer to UCLA or
USC with the guidance and support of our amazing SMC staff. You can usually find me
in the library because it is one of my favorite places on campus. I never really found
a niche until I came to SMC, more specifically the President’s Ambassadors program.
Being a President’s Ambassador has taught me so many things such as: teamwork, communication,
volunteerism, and most importantly compassion. I have never been a part of a program
that is so supportive, caring, and knowledgeable. I am very lucky to be a part of
this community.
Dario Gentiletti
Growing up in Naples, Italy, I always had a rebellious and undisciplined attitude.
During high school, I usually found myself in the wrong places with the wrong people.
In this environment, I got labeled as "the most superficial person" or someone who
"will never succeed in life". I'm grateful for all the effort that teachers and friends
put into pushing me down. Thanks to them, I developed an intense passion to prove
them wrong, and more importantly, I’ve grown a passion to become an example for all
the people of the my city, who usually, when I explained my dream to come to the USA,
answered, "It's impossible." I would like to use my life in order to let the next
generation answer, "Dario did it, it's possible".
After I traveled in Germany, Egypt, the United Kingdom, the Dominican Republic, Bulgaria, Tunisia, Belgium, Greece, Croatia, the United Arab Emirates, the Czech Republic, and living in London and Thailand, I experienced many adventures. On the first day of June 2015, I made the decision to leave everything and move to USA with the mission to develop a sustainable human species in order to resolve the environmental issue.
I'm currently studying Business Administration in order to transfer to the Haas School of Business at UC Berkeley, while also focusing on the environment and sustainability. I believe a true attitude reflects in all the aspects of your life. If you are a game-changer, you are always that - not only while studying your major. That's why from the first day of the college, I became commissioner for Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) and Associated Student’s President and I found my own club. When I lost both elections of PTK and Associated Student, I applied for the President's Ambassadors Program and I got accepted. I like to believe that nothing is random in life, and in the moment I received the call that I became a President's Ambassador, I knew that I made the right decision on that first day of June 2015.
Maria Lopez Zamudio
I am about to start my second year at SMC, and I hope to transfer to either LMU or
UCLA. I am really happy I came to SMC because although I was admitted to other schools
straight out of high school, SMC was the better financial choice. While being here
I have become involved in various clubs and organizations on campus. For example,
I am part of the Adelante, Scholars, and EOPS programs, am an active member of Phi
Theta Kappa, and one of the Co-Chairs for I.D.E.A.S (Improving Dream Equality and
Success). My involvement on campus is what led me to change my major from Business
Management and Psychology to a double major in both Sociology and Chicano Studies.
I am not sure what my future holds or what my career path will be. However I do know
that I want to continue giving back to my community and advocating for the underrepresented
communities. Being chosen as a President’s Ambassador is a great honor. I look forward
to helping my peers find their own path at SMC. This is because I know that SMC has
so many programs, and resources, and one is bound to be perfect for you.
Stacey Manoharan
I am an international student from Singapore. This is my first year as a Psychology
major in Santa Monica College. I love all things Japanese. One day I hope to spend
a year at the Waseda Business School, Tokyo. I intend to transfer to UCLA next fall
and minor in entrepreneurship as I intend to venture into the field of Industrial
and Organizational Psychology. When I'm not in classes or working on campus, I spend
most of my time getting involved in various clubs on campus like Phi Theta Kappa,
where I am the Vice President of Service, the Psychology Club and Alpha Gamma Sigma.
Also, I spend most of my weekends volunteering and serving the community. I wanted
to join the President's Ambassadors Program, as it is a wonderful opportunity to meet
new and current students and share my experiences with them. SMC is a college with
many opportunities. I'd love to encourage everyone to take advantage of them and make
the most out of their college experience!
Caleb Misener
I am an English Literature major, and am hoping to transfer to either UCLA or UC Santa
Barbara next fall. After university, I plan on teaching high school English. When
I first moved to LA, I wasn’t sure how life in the big city would treat me, and having
to work to put myself through school was definitely a bit overwhelming. After getting
involved in programs such as student government, UNICEF, and the German Club on campus,
I feel like I have found a home within Santa Monica College, and have met so many
great friends and such amazing professors that have helped me get to where I am today.
As a President’s Ambassador, I am hoping that I will be able to give back to the college
that has given me so much these past couple of years.
Zavanna Negron
I moved to Los Angles from San Francisco about a year ago, so I guess you can say
I am a city girl. I am entering my second year and hope to transfer to UCLA as a Communications
major to purse sports broadcasting. However, before I pursue that career, I have dreams
of teaching abroad for a year. Santa Monica has given me the opportunity to make an
abundance of international friends and experience a taste of different cultures. I
plan to teach Basic English or basic Math in South Africa or Spain. Besides being
a President’s Ambassador, I am the Vice President of the Black Collegians Program.
I am also in various programs like the Bong Oversight Committee, Scholars, and FYE.
As a President’s Ambassador I have the privilege to constantly meet new individuals
and gain experiences that I would not anywhere else. I can talk sports and music for
hours, (no joke), and enjoy visiting art museums. I plan to show my peers all of the
lovely things SMC offers and to give them motivation and resources to help them reach
their goals. If this is your first year at SMC, do not be afraid to step out of your
comfort zone and be fabulous!
Carlos Penuelas Lopez
I’m a business major wanting to specialize in finance. This is my third year at Santa
Monica College as an international student from Mexico. I moved to U.S. to pursue
my career and find better opportunities. Santa Monica College gave me the sense of
a multi-cultural environment that I was looking for. I am passionate about new languages
and learning about other cultures. At Santa Monica College I have found that missing
piece that I couldn't find in other universities. Also, as the president of the honor
society Phi Theta Kappa and as a President’s Ambassador, I want to help other students
by giving them advice and showing them the tools they need to excel in their SMC career.
In addition to the Honor Society and the President’s Ambassadors Program, I work as
a business and computer applications tutor at the business department and as a Peer
Mentor at the International Education Counseling Center. I love SMC professors, enjoy
the way they teach and get you involved with the class. When I’m not studying, you
can find me in the movie theaters watching movies or reading a book at a coffee shop.
Now I’m sure I can call Santa Monica College my second home.
Karla Salvador-Fernandez
I am a second year student at Santa Monica College, pursuing Political Science. I
hope to transfer to UCLA next fall semester with an emphasis in immigration, and go
on to law school. Santa Monica College has not only been a significant factor in helping
me understand what it means to be an undocumented/AB-540 student, but it's a place
that has allowed me to continue to grow as a person. There are many resources that
make pursuing higher education more affordable. The people at Santa Monica College
are also very friendly and more than happy to help. In addition to being a full time
student at Santa Monica College, I am on the swim team, the water polo team, the scholars
program, Co-Chair of Improving Dreams, Equality, Access, and Success, and a President's
Ambassador. Although attending Santa Monica College was never my plan, I am thankful
I am attending. I have been presented with many great opportunities and have met amazing,
inspiring individuals. I am honored to be a part of the President's Ambassadors program
and I hope to be able to help students reach their goals and as well as help make
a positive change in the Santa Monica College community.
Stephanie Sanchez
Yo! I was born here in Los Angeles, California. Outside of school I enjoy playing
volleyball, listening to rap music, tanning on the beach, and spending time with my
autistic brother. My major is Anthropology and I aspire to become a future attorney.
I am in my final year at SMC *cries*, and hoping to transfer to UCLA. I am grateful
for all the support and opportunities that SMC has provided me. I have participated
in various programs at school such as: the scholars program, EOPS, the SMC study abroad
program, SMC internship program, and Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. As a President’s
Ambassador, I hope to encourage other students to get involved on campus and help
them realize how far they can go with the opportunities that SMC has to offer students!
Cassandra Santiago-Amzallag
I am beginning my second year at Santa Monica College this fall as an English major.
In my junior year of high school I fell ill and was diagnosed with Celiac Sprue. I
was unable to continue my studies. After living for sixteen years in Arizona, I moved
to Texas for four years and received my GED. The fire was lit again and I desired
to continue my education. I moved to California, waited one year to become a resident,
and immediately applied and enrolled at Santa Monica College—I was ecstatic! Attending
the top classes that SMC offers with such amazing professors really got my gears turning
and the school-obsessed student had returned. Before I became ill my dream was to
become a writer, and that is still true today. However, I’ve added an addition to
my dream—I will go to Japan and teach English. Ever since I was young, I adored watching
Japanese Animation and playing video games. As I got older I started to connect with
Japan on more of a cultural level. I love the respect they have towards each other—especially
at school—the festivals, the arts, and simply the beauty of Northern Japan. This is
what draws me there. By joining the President's Ambassadors Program as well as the
Scholars Program, I have become closer to reaching my goal. The President's Ambassadors
program has motivated me to become more involved in supporting SMC. I will join more
clubs and programs and give back to the College that has given me so much opportunity
and happiness. I am definitely proud to be SMC!
Joash Sigamoney
As an international student from Johannesburg, South Africa, I initially entered SMC
as a very jaded and lonely young man with little to no understanding of the American
education system. I came to SMC. On a desperate whim after reluctantly giving up my
dream of becoming an actor. At first, the campus appeared vast and I struggled to
acclimate to the culture and the variety of classes I had to take as a first-generation
college student. However, the family I found in the SMC student body and faculty led
me to become a Sustainable Works Student Leader, a member of the Scholars program
and a member of the S.T.E.M. program’s third cohort. During my time here I have grown
immensely and learned the value of self-efficacy and the importance of giving back
to the community. By meeting students and faculty along my academic journey, I found
out about the countless opportunities on campus such as one of our campus’ honor societies
Phi Theta Kappa (P.T.K). I later became the Vice President of Scholarship for P.T.K.,
which enabled me to spearhead academic excellence within the chapter. My time at Santa
Monica College stretched and shaped me to confront my childhood fear of Mathematics
and Science, which resulted in pursuing Civil Engineering as my major. With every
calculus, chemistry and physics class, my goal to develop sustainable, green infrastructure
for third world nations becomes more tangible. This year marks my third and final
year at SMC. As a President’s Ambassador, I aim to exude to my fellow students and
future alumni that there is no dream too big, no obstacle too difficult and no journey
too long to prevent you from becoming the person you want to be, so strive to be the
best you can possibly be.
Zhen Ren Teo
I was born and raised in Singapore, a tiny country some 8,000 miles away from LA.
I always had dreams of studying in the states since young and thus I am so thankful
to be living here in this vibrant city of Santa Monica. Currently, I am majoring in
Business and I am planning to transfer to either UC Berkeley or UCLA next fall. Besides
my position as a President’s Ambassador, I have also been representing SMC in the
swimming team. I aim to compete in the NCAA Division I level when I transfer, and
SMC has definitely provided me with a fantastic platform to do so. As a President’s
Ambassador, I aspire to represent SMC with the highest professionalism and character,
while also assisting the school with important public relations. It is a massive privilege
to be serving you all!
Sheri-Anne Vaughans
I am a Business Major who was born and raised in a tropical island called St. Vincent
and the Grenadines located in the Caribbean. This is my second year and I absolutely
love SMC! It’s rich diversity and active on-campus life is molding me into the individual
I am today, and who I will become tomorrow. SMC made it possible for me to develop
my interpersonal relationship skills, while working with an array of individuals through
the various clubs available. From day one I was also able to meet staff and counselors
who were already interested in my path to success. I moved to the USA a year ago to
pursue the dream of returning to the Caribbean equipped with a holistic learning experience
that would bring about a tsunami of change in our economy. Ultimately, my goal is
to help those who are underprivileged to gain access to an elite education and finances
that will charter their academic development and success. Too often I hear stories
of “I wanted to be… but could not afford a higher level education ” These stories
break my heart. I knew I wanted to be an Economic/Financial Analyst since I was in
High School. Although there were no career or guidance counselors present to offer
help, my family and I researched the steps necessary to pursue such a career. Once
I got to SMC, I had innumerable guidance from counselors who took it upon themselves
to make my dream their concern. These counselors went as far as connecting me with
the right people. Now I am on my journey, armed with the tools needed for success,
with the aim to give back in every possible way, so that others can pursue their dreams.
I would like to transfer to USC and major in Economics with a minor in Film/Marketing.
I am Proud to be SMC because here I am discovering me. At SMC I have access to quality
service and I’m able to give back quality service.
Angela Vo
I am an English major hoping to transfer to a four-year University in the fall of
2017. Even though my course load focuses on a variety of humanities courses, I hope
to one day attend medical school and become a physician focused on pediatrics. When
I am not at school, I work at an orthopedic office in Manhattan Beach that provides
free athletic training and sports medicine care to high school athletes around Los
Angeles. In my down time I am an avid hot yoga enthusiast and I’m currently a practicing
vegan because of the environmental impact of a meat-based diet. Growing up, I lost
both my parents to lung cancer so I understand the difficulties that students may
face throughout their life. Without SMC's welcoming campus, I wouldn't have realized
that there are opportunities for everyone and anyone. Because of the amazing and inspiring
professors on campus, this past spring I spent eleven days in Vietnam to give clothes,
food, and educational supplies to children in overcrowded hospitals, as well as temples
and churches that provided shelter to nearby neighborhoods. As a President's Ambassador,
I hope to inspire others to make the changes they want to see in the world!
Junqi Wang
I am an international student from China. When I was a little boy, my dream was to
study in America. Thus, after I finished high school, I moved here and started my
new life. Honestly, my life has changed a lot since I came here. I used to be a shy
guy and afraid to talk to people. I found everyone super nice and friendly so I started
opening my mind and telling others my stories. Santa Monica College gives me great
chances to study and meet people from different cultures. Right now, I am studying
math and hoping that I can transfer to UC Berkeley or UCLA next fall. It’s my pleasure
to be selected as a President’s Ambassador at SMC so that I can help more people,
especially the international students who suffer the culture differences, and try
to make their American Dreams come true.
Kristin Wannemo
I am a second year student majoring in Biology planning to transfer in two years.
As an international student from Sweden, I struggled my first months few at SMC. Thanks
to amazing counselors and professors, I was able to find the right academic path.
Before I moved to LA one year ago, I spent one year in Chicago and one year in Atlanta
working as an Au Pair. Going to college in America is a dream come true and I couldn’t
have ended up in a better place. SMC has not only helped me figure out what area of
study I want to pursue but it is also where I’ve met the most amazing people that
I’m now happy to call my friends. I know this is a great place for me and the many
opportunities presented to me are going to help me succeed after I graduate, such
as the Scholars Program and now the President’s Ambassadors Program. As a President’s
Ambassador I hope to help other students follow their dreams and take advantage of
the many resources that our school has to offers. We’re all in this together and we can all help each other reach our goals. I am
excited to take on this role as a leader and give back to the school and this community.
Bar Yakir
Hello everyone! I am a Business major and this is my second year at Santa Monica College.
I was born in Israel and came to Los Angeles at the age of two and a half. Since then
I attended public schools as a child and pre-teen and recently graduated from Taft
Charter High School in 2015. Throughout high school I always felt that I wanted to
be more involved with my school than just being a student. I decided to become a part
of the Associated Student Body and Class Steering society. As part of my school’s
ASB, I proudly held the position of Leader of School Spirit where I hosted all pep
rallies, fundraisers, and sporting events. As President and Vice President of the
Class Steering society, I worked together with team members to organize all our memorable
senior year events. Coming out of high school I had the ambitions of attending a four
year university in California. Unfortunately, this dream did not come true and eventually
I realized that it was time to move on. Although SMC was not my first choice, I’m
happy that it’s the one I made in the end. In my first year at Santa Monica College,
I became a proud member of various special programs such as FYE, the Scholar’s Program,
and the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. These programs helped me meet a lot of amazing
faculty, staff, and students that made my first year transition into college very
enjoyable and successful. I hope that as a President’s Ambassador at SMC I can inspire
students to also take advantage of these amazing opportunities this school has to
offer. I want to show students that attending a community college can be a different
experience than what most people think and that there is more to do here than just
attend class. I take a lot of pride in representing my school and community in the
best way possible. This is the reason why I am excited to take on the position as
a President’s Ambassador. I am proud to be SMC!