Behind the Resume – Page 2

Behind the Resume #36 – Amee Moon

What is your title at EvCC, and what will you be doing in your day-to-day endeavors at the College?
I am the Associate Director of International Student Engagement. I will be planning events and activities to help international students connect with the campus, participate in the community, and adjust to life in the U.S. We also want them to make friends, explore Washington, and HAVE FUN!

Tell us a little about your professional background.

Three study abroad experiences in Brazil, Argentina and Chile started me on an international career path. My first job out of college was at Intel, where I did marketing and web localization projects for Latin America. Shortly after returning to the U.S., I signed up to teach English in Japan for two years. When that gig was up, I moved to the Seattle area to do marketing and recruiting for international students at Highline College, eventually transitioning into student leadership and development (you know, the fun stuff). I stayed at Highline for 13 years prior to landing at Everett.

What was your most memorable job? Why?
My most memorable job was in the Intel Brazil office in Sao Paulo, mostly because of the crazy cast of characters who worked there. I laughed until I cried every single day.

What does a typical day look like for you?
These days I’m waking up insanely early, dreaming up fun events that students will like, and planning for every bizarre contingency that could possibly arise!

Describe yourself at 10 years old.
At 10 I was a happy, talkative kid who loved soccer and making waterslides in the backyard. But that was also the year I dislocated my kneecap for the first time (skiing), so I spent a lot of time on the sofa watching MTV with my cat and an ice pack.

What is your favorite meal/ snack in summer? Favorite summer beverage?
I love hamburgers. I didn’t eat beef for 12 years and hamburgers were the only thing I truly missed! I don’t have a particular favorite “summer” drink. I pretty much live on Starbucks black tea lemonade all year round.

What is your favorite movie and book?
There is no possible way I could answer this question.

Favorite summer vacation spot?
Somewhere far, far away.

What is your favorite hobby or pastime?

Amee visiting her sister, Allison, in Sweden

I love to eat, watch movies and travel. I’m an avid reader of historical non-fiction, but I throw in other genres sometimes as well. I also love karaoke, but trust me when I say, you do NOT want to be present for that!

What are you reading right now/ what was the last book you read? Are you participating in any reading challenges?
“The Lady and the Peacock,” a biography of Aung San Suu Kyi by Peter Popham. She is one of the people I admire most in the world.

What one food do you wish had zero calories?
Cheese!!! Or chocolate. Definitely mashed potatoes. Oh, and hamburgers. Tater tots would be nice. And anything Italian. Or Mexican. Milkshakes. I think I could do this all day.

Where is your hometown? Were you born and raised in the same place?
I moved around my whole life, so I don’t have a hometown. I was born in Florida, but also lived in California, Texas, Colorado, Oregon, Washington D.C., Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Japan and of course, Washington State. I went to high school in Oregon, though, so I guess that’s the only place where I still know my way around.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Playing badminton with my daughter on the private beach behind my villa in the Caribbean. Or possibly planning events for international students at EvCC. I could go either way.

What do you like to do on your days off?

Relax and enjoy time with my daughter, Chikako, spending money we don’t have.

Do you have a favorite quote/ piece of advice?
“Wrinkles should merely indicate where smiles have been.” Or just about any other sentence Mark Twain ever committed to paper.

Behind the Resume #35 – Michael Bowers

What is your title at EvCC, and what will you be doing in your day-to-day endeavors at the College?
I am the new Director of Housing at EvCC. My responsibilities will be overseeing the operation and planning for our new residence halls (Mountain View and Cedar), managing the budget, and supervising the two Assistant Directors.

Tell us a little about your professional background.

I have been in higher education for close to ten years. I previously spent the last seven years working at Eastern Washington University, most recently as their Director of Student Rights and Responsibilities (student conduct). Prior to that, I worked in housing for approximately seven years between three different institutions.

What was your most memorable job? Why?
Probably my previous job in student conduct. Being the person who gets to read all the reports of what’s happening, I got to see a lot of things I couldn’t make up.

What does a typical day look like for you?
A typical day consists of waking up, going to the gym for about an hour and a half (I’m down about 40 pounds since April!), going to work for the day, and then coming back home to relax, watch TV, and/or play video games. I recently got a pass to the Woodland Park Zoo, so I’m guessing many more days will consist of going there, too!

Seven-year-old Mike asleep on the couch with his Hulk Hogan and Macho Man wrestling buddies.

Describe yourself at 10 years old.
I’d say I was someone who did not look remotely close to 10 years old. As a 10-year-old I was about 5’7″ and had a size 11 shoe. Outside of that, I was into sports, professional wrestling, and Power Rangers!

What is your favorite meal/ snack in summer? Favorite summer beverage?
Being from the South originally, I love sweet tea. Pair that with a biscuit and some fried chicken, and I’m good to go.

What is your favorite movie and book?
My favorite movie would be any of the Fast and the Furious movies, but more specifically the most recent one, Fate of the Furious. Vin Diesel and The Rock give a performance that would put Tom Hanks and Henry Fonda to shame.
Book-wise, I’d have to go with The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein. I’m not a big reader, but I love dogs, so a book about dogs is awesome.

Favorite summer vacation spot?

Dancing with a dolphin in the Cayman Islands: October 2012

I’d have to say going back to North Carolina. While it’s hot and humid during the summer, it’s nice to be able to go back and reconnect with friends and family.
What is your favorite hobby or pastime?
Video games definitely. I’ve been into that dating back to the days of Atari.

What are you reading right now/ what was the last book you read? Are you participating in any reading challenges?
I started on Hillbilly Elegy not too long ago. I’m not a frequent reader, so if there was a reading challenge, I would lose.

With my partner, Amanda, in Costa Rica: November 2014

What one food do you wish had zero calories?
Sesame chicken with white rice. Whoever can come up with a zero-calorie version of that should win a Nobel Prize.

Where is your hometown? Were you born and raised in the same place?
I’m originally from the small-ish town of Kernersville, North Carolina. I was born just east of there in Greensboro, but moved when I was two, and my family still lives there.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Hopefully, married with a kid and two puppies: one named Atticus and one named Truman. I’d also like to be working in a job I enjoy and/or retired with lottery winnings.

What do you like to do on your days off?
Spend time with friends, play games, and/or not do much of anything. I’m an introvert at heart, so it’s always nice to be able to re-charge.

Do you have a favorite quote/ piece of advice?

“Life’s simple. You make choices and you don’t look back.” – The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift

Nine-year-old Mike mean mugging for the camera after a long day of swimming.

Behind the Resume #34 – Garet Studer

What is your title at EvCC, and what will you be doing in your day-to-day endeavors at the College?
I am the Director of Athletics, and my job is to work with coaches to ensure that we are serving, educating, and developing the 160+ student athletes across 11 different men’s and women’s sports here on the EvCC campus.

Top of Hamilton Mountain in the Columbia Gorge-2,400′

Tell us a little about your professional background.
I began coaching and teaching PE classes at Clark College right after grad school. I then transitioned into the role of the fitness center manager and intramural director, which was fantastic because I got to play soccer and flag football for an hour a couple days a week, and it was a part of my job! After nearly 5 years at Clark I had the opportunity to get back into Inter-Collegiate athletics, which is where my passion lies, and I began serving as the Director of Operations for the Northwest Athletic Conference. This is the same conference in which EvCC competes athletically. I learned a tremendous amount about how the league operates, and how to ultimately best serve our student athletes. While in this role, I actually visited EvCC several times for the NWAC championship men’s and women’s basketball tournament, and came to thoroughly enjoy the campus and the people here.

NWAC Exec. Director Marco Azurdia and I with the MLS Cup (though it was after the Sounders won last season)

What was your most memorable job? Why?
I’ve had a lot of great memories in the different jobs I’ve had over the years, but I think my very first real job in high school & college working summers painting houses taught me a lot about work ethic, serving others, and fiscal management. Those early experiences laid the foundation for who I became in my professional career.

What does a typical day look like for you?

Family supporting me at a 2015 Spartan Race

There is no such thing as a typical day, and that is what I love about my job. Each day presents new opportunities and challenges. I might spend the whole day at my desk, or out on the field. I work closely with coaches helping students to accomplish their athletic and educational goals.

Describe yourself at 10 years old.
I was a pretty quiet kid, and absolutely loved sports. However at that time, I think I was more interested in becoming a veterinarian when I grew up. When I learned that I would have to give animals shots, I quickly changed my mind and thought of some other things that would better suit me.

Last winter’s snow storm (Everett and his cousin)

What is your favorite meal/ snack in summer? Favorite summer beverage?
I’m a big fan of iced tea, and really love just getting outside and barbequing.

Favorite summer vacation spot?
As a kid my family took a lot of trips to Bend, Oregon. I love all the outdoors activities there, hiking, white water rafting, biking, golf, the list goes on. Truly a beautiful place, and I love going there still as an adult.

Me golfing at NWAC Hall of Fame Golf Tournament in Dallas, OR.

What is your favorite hobby or pastime?
I am working on my golf game. Still a work in progress…

Where is your hometown? Were you born and raised in the same place?
I was born and raised in Battle Ground, WA and lived there through graduation, and even bought my first house just outside of Battle Ground, in Ridgefield, WA.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
In 5 years I see myself at Everett CC, with one of the most respected athletic programs in the Northwest Athletic Conference.

What do you like to do on your days off?
My days off are always family time. My wife and I have a 2.5 year old son, and he is absolutely the highlight of our lives. We like to get outside and explore new things so in not being from around this area, we will do A LOT of exploring.

Do you have a favorite quote/ piece of advice?

With my wife, Joy, and son, Everett on a hike

I have so many favorite quotes, most coming from the great John Wooden. I would say one of my favorites is to “Make each day your masterpiece.” I think we all have goals and aspirations, but so often we see those goals as so far out there and at times unobtainable. But if we do one thing each day, using each day to move a little closer to where we want to go, then ultimately we will get there.

Joy and I at Timbers Game (yes I am a Timbers fan, sorry Sounders)

Behind the Resume #28 – Arantxa Gallegos

What is your title at EvCC, and what will you be doing in your day-to-day endeavors at the College?

My title at EvCC is Program Manager A (Outreach Specialist) in the Outreach and High School Programs Department. My focus will be on sustaining and strengthening our relationships with K-12 partners and community based organizations, as well as building our social media presence. From prospective student recruitment events to class presentations on college readiness, I’m looking forward to working directly with students, teachers, and families!

Tell us a little about your professional background.

A day on, not off for AmeriCorps members.

I worked two years as an AmeriCorps Volunteer Infrastructure Project (VIP) Fellow – Literacy Coordinator at a children’s literacy non-profit organization in Los Angeles.

What was your most memorable job? Why?

My most memorable job was as a student security guard at Wellesley College’s on-campus art museum. I witnessed the fruition and development of art exhibitions, expanded my knowledge on art movements and artists, watched artists create on-site pieces, and met Madeline Albright. Most importantly, I developed an immense appreciation and respect for security guards at large art institutions.

What does a typical day look like for you?

I just started working, so I’m unsure of how my days will unfold. I will say that every morning will start with an English muffin with avocado and coffee, followed by a 45 minute commute in the fog, and, then, work.

Family picture: Arantxa, her mother, two sisters, and baby niece celebrating Mother's Day. — Family picture: Arantxa, her mother, two sisters, and baby niece celebrating Mother’s Day.

Describe yourself at 10 years old.

At 10 years old, I was extremely observant and melodramatic.

If you had to eat one meal – every day for the rest of your life – what would it be?

This is such a difficult question to answer! If I had to choose, I would want to eat mole every day. And tamales.

What is your favorite movie and book?

My favorite movie is My Family/Mi Familia. My favorite book is Southland by Nina Revoyr followed by the Harry Potter series.

Arantxa and her younger sister at Dodgers Stadium.

If your house was burning down, what’s the one non-living thing you would save?

My LA cap.

Favorite travel spot?

During my junior year, I studied abroad in Santiago, Chile and I fell in love with two cities, Valparaiso and Valdivia. Valparaiso is a vibrant, brightly colored port city outside of Santiago. Valdivia, located in the southern region of Chile, is a quaint city with beautiful German architecture and delicious chocolate.

What is your favorite hobby or pastime?

Exploring cities on foot or on public transportation.

honey — Honey, the lovable family bulldog, wearing her Dodgers gear.

What are you reading right now/ what was the last book you read? Are you participating in any reading challenges, such as the EvCC Library’s Super Heroes Summer Reading?

The last book I read was Jesmyn Ward’s The Fire This Time: A New Generation Speaks about Race and I highly recommend it to everyone. The next book on my list is Our Kids: The American Dream in Crisis by Robert D. Putnam.

What one food do you wish had zero calories?

Pecans! Nuts are healthy, but a healthy portion is only 6 to 8 pieces. That’s too small.

Where is your hometown? Were you born and raised in the same place?

I was born in East Los Angeles, but I was raised in Lynwood, CA, which is a small urban city in Southeast Los Angeles County.

Arantxa learned to dance Latin American folkloric dances in college and annually performed at the Latin Cultural Show.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

I see myself pursuing a PhD in a new city in a new state.

What do you like to do on your days off?

Go for a jog, buy a cup of great coffee, and hang out with friends.

Do you have a favorite quote/ piece of advice?

“Every time someone gives you a formula for what you should be and what you should do, you should know they’re giving you a pair of handcuffs.” – Junot Díaz

Behind the Resume #5 – Becca Garate

What is your title at EvCC, and what will you be doing in your day-to-day endeavors at the College?

I am the new Associate Director of International Education. My days will find me developing and strengthening cross-campus partnerships to ensure the best educational opportunities for our students who come from overseas. My role is to ensure they understand how the U.S. college system works and where they can find the on- and off-campus help they need and guide them through the troubleshooting process. I will assist with international student admissions, coordinate international student orientation, and serve as the international

Hiking in Cajas National Park in Ecuador

office’s liaison for our high school completion program. As part of the recruitment team I will also work with our partners abroad to promote the fantastic academic program options we have available here.

Tell us a little about your professional background.

Trying a really spicy noodles on the beaches of Thailand — Trying really spicy noodles on the beaches of Thailand

I have been working in international education (primarily study abroad) since 2007. In 2007 I began assisting remotely with the development of an immersion program in Ecuador. From 2008-2010 I worked as a Study Abroad Advisor and Faculty-Led Program Coordinator at Central Washington University. In 2010, I was offered a fulltime on-site position with El Nomad Study Abroad Programs and relocated to Ecuador where I worked in curriculum integration, outreach, and relationship development with foreign institutions until March of this year.

What was your first job?

Although my first job was when I was in high school working at Longs Drugs in Kirkland, I have held a variety of interesting jobs during my young adulthood including: selling duty free cigarettes through a Canadian outsourced call center located in Buenos Aires (Argentina) to U.S. clients, marketing manager for a water taxi and jet boat company on the Sydney Harbour, and a university professor in Cuenca, Ecuador.

How do you commute to work? What is your favorite radio station/ program to listen to on your commute (if any)?

In the yellow metal "tarabita" (cable car) is in Mindo, Ecuador (the cloud forest) — In the yellow metal “tarabita” (cable car) in Mindo, Ecuador (the cloud forest)

I drive. It is the first time I have driven to work in 7 years! You can find me shamelessly blasting music and singing along as loudly as possible. I like everything from Latin ballads, to rock, to Indie American folk music, it just depends on the day… but one guarantee is that I’m always singing.

If you could have any super power (flying, time travel, etc.), what would it be?

Some kind of super speed or teleportation so I could spend my weekends exploring far off lands and still make it back for work on Monday morning.

What are your goals/ ambitions in your position at EvCC?

Wow. I have so many. First off, to fill the very big shoes that are being left behind. I hope I do the position justice!

I am looking forward to developing new partnerships in Latin America, using my cross-cultural and Spanish language abilities to reach out to prospective new partners throughout the Spanish-speaking world.

Also, I am excited about working with my co-workers to improve our office’s use of online technology and social media for exposure and recruitment purposes.

Last, but not least, this job is all about the students! I look forward to getting to know our current and future students (local and international alike) and hope I can work to make their EvCC experience all it can be!

What is your favorite hobby or pastime?

I love traveling, being abroad, exploring new countries, and floundering with new languages. That is by far my favorite pastime. My other passion is running. I am an aspiring distance runner and will be attempting to finish the Bellingham Bay Full Marathon at the end of September. My hope is to continue my training and run the 2016 Ragnar Relay and become an ultra-marathoner. Needless to say, you’ll find me at the gym during my lunch hour.

What are you reading right now/ what was the last book you read?

I am currently reading Daughters of Distance by Vanessa Runs. It’s all about being a woman in ultra-running and how feminism can meet athletics head-on allowing women to be themselves while still participating in extreme sporting events.

Who is your hero/ heroine? Why?

My mother. Lord knows how she has survived having me as a daughter!

Trying fried crickets and larva in Bangkok, Thailand

What’s the best piece of advice you ever received? Why?

I tend to have a unique way of seeing the world and choose interesting paths. So I have always taken to heart the following from Alice in Wonderland:

The Mad Hatter: “Have I gone mad?”

Alice: “I’m afraid so. You’re entirely bonkers. But I’ll tell you a secret. All the best people are.”