Category: News

1) 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 Training Delivery Manager at Corporate and Continuing Education Center. My day-to-day job will be managing the certificate programs which involves scheduling, working with instructors, securing materials, spaces, enrollment turnovers pre and post-programs. I just started yesterday, so I really don’t know much yet, but I’m very excited!

2) Tell us a little about your professional background.

I have worked for a travel company based in Tokyo, Japan for 25 years as the Seattle office representative and manager. I was in charge of logistics for students and professional groups visiting Seattle and elsewhere in the US, mainly the Pacific Northwest. Also, I’ve done guiding and interpretation of educational visits and lectures for students and professionals.

3) What was your most memorable job? Why?

The only other job I have done prior was the one at the travel company. Dealing with the students ranging from 14 to 20 years old was challenging, but also rewarding. I could offer them life-changing experiences, and at the end of tours when I heard how happy they were, a great satisfaction came over me!

4) What does a typical day look like for you?

I just started, so I really don’t know yet how it will be, but I assume I’d work from morning until the end of the day, occasional traveling within town. But I really don’t know yet.

5) Describe yourself at 10 years old.

I was in Japan, living in Yokohama-city. I was kind of a tomboy, since I was small. I played some sports most of the time-port ball (almost like basketball), softball, volleyball, soccer, swimming. I always loved animals, and I had a pet rabbit, parakeet, dog, etc.

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

I have to have salad, with bunch of toppings!

7) What is your favorite movie and book?

Many favorite movies – My Fair Lady, Aliens, Lawrence of Arabia. The most recent favorite book is H is for Hawk by Helen MacDonald.

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

My family picture.

9) Favorite travel spot?

I’ve never been, but would love to go Yellowstone National Park.

10) What is your favorite hobby or pastime?

I love to dance – currently in the Brazillian Zouk dance team.

11) 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?

Currently reading The Flood Girls by Richard Fifield. The last book I read was Losing the Light by Andrea Dunlop. I’m not participating in any reading challenges.

12) What one food do you wish had zero calories?

French fries!!

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

My hometown is Tokyo, Japan. I was born in Shimizu, Shizuoka; but raised in Saitama and Yokohama until junior high, and then I moved to Tokyo for junior high & high school.

14) Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Living in Seattle, working and enjoying my life!

15) What do you like to do on your days off?

Relaxing by cooking, visiting friends, maybe shopping?!

16) Do you have a favorite quote/ piece of advice?

Always try first, and not fear, and be considerate to others.

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

I am a Program Specialist for the Corporate and Continuing Education Center. In general, I will help students register for CCEC, maintain materials for classes, and give amazing customer service!

Tell us a little about your professional background.

I previously worked for Nordstrom Rack as an Assistant Women’s Department Manager.

What was your first job?

My first job was lifeguarding at a swim and tennis club.

What does a typical day look like for you?

I wake up, walk the dog, eat a good breakfast and make a cappuccino (breakfast is my favorite meal). I go to work and on weekends, I do chores and eat lunch (which, may also be my favorite meal). After work, I catch up with friends, spend time with my family and then eat dinner (my day revolves around food).

Describe yourself at 10 years old.

At 10, I only wore converse (still my favorite shoes), and I wanted to be a vet. I pretended I was a dog and sometimes even ate milk bones.

What’s the one thing you can’t live without?

The smell of spring and cappuccinos.

Are you messy or organized?

Organized in a messy fashion (I know what’s going on, others may not).

What is the most important/valuable thing you have learned in the last five years?

That “money is just something you throw off the back of a train”. It’s a line from a Tom Waits song; it reminds us that money is not everything.

What’s on your bucket list?

I would like to go to India and Japan, see all 50 states and bungee jump

What is your favorite hobby or pastime?

I like drawing, reading, and cooking!

What are you reading right now/ what was the last book you read? Are you participating in any reading challenges?

I just finished reading Beautiful Ruins by Jess Walter. Up next is The Alchemaster’s Apprentice by Walter Moers.

If you could witness any historical event, what would you want to see? Why?

I would like to have seen dinosaurs roaming the earth, before human civilization and when huge animals ruled!

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

I’m from the 206!! Seattle, born and raised!

How many homes have you lived in since you were born?

8

If your life were a book, what would it be titled?

The Life of Anna: As Told From the Perspective of Niya the Dog In-between Mealtimes With Short Excerpts About Traveling, Food, and Other Fun Stuff

Do you have a favorite quote/ piece of advice?

“I don’t count my sit-ups: I only start counting when it starts hurting because they’re the only ones that count.” – Muhammad Ali

“Some people talk to animals. Not many listen though. That’s the problem” – A.A Milne

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

I’m the Director of Educational Technology (previously the title was Director of eLearning). Broadly speaking, I’m responsible for helping faculty and students make effective use of educational technologies. That includes our campus learning management system, Canvas, but also extends to all sorts of other digital tools and technologies that can enhance teaching and learning at EvCC.

Tell us a little about your professional background.

I have worked in several different but closely related fields over the years. I began my career working in the electronic publishing division of a university press, where I got to work on some of the technical aspects of publishing medical, biological sciences, and astrophysics journals online. I later worked for a small digital humanities research project and non-profit publisher before moving on to a university teaching and learning center.

What was your first job?

My first full-time professional job was at a university press, but I paid for college partly by working as a delivery driver for a local pizza company and in the campus greenhouse.

What does a typical day look like for you?

I’ve only been on the job for a couple days, so it’s hard to say exactly what things will look like once I’ve fully settled in. I expect I’ll spend plenty of time every day meeting with faculty and administrators, discussing how technology is being used to support learning and to help students be successful, researching and adapting new technologies to the specific needs and circumstances of EvCC, and working with my colleagues here in eLearning and the Center for Transformative Teaching.

Describe yourself at 10 years old.

Bookish – I was always reading something.

What’s the one thing you can’t live without?

Oxygen

Are you messy or organized?

Probably somewhere in the middle.

What is the most important/valuable thing you have learned in the last five years?

There is no such thing as a quick fix for a complex problem. It’s always better to take the time to understand something before rushing in without thinking.

What’s on your bucket list?

I enjoy traveling, so I’m always thinking about visiting countries I haven’t been to before. I hear Australia and New Zealand are both worth the trip.

What is your favorite hobby or pastime?

Almost anything that involves spending time outdoors: hiking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, etc.

What are you reading right now/ what was the last book you read? Are you participating in any reading challenges?

I’m currently reading Undermajordomo Minor, a novel by Patrick DeWitt.

If you could witness any historical event, what would you want to see? Why?

The Apollo 11 moon landing in 1969. It was the result of tremendous technical innovation, and it was an important cultural and social event as well.

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

I grew up in South Carolina; I was born in North Carolina.

How many homes have you lived in since you were born?

Fourteen, I think – but I may have lost track of one or two.

If your life were a book, what would it be titled?

My Life: A Novel

Do you have a favorite quote/ piece of advice?

From a college professor : “When you’re calmer, you’re smarter.” He was talking about writing, but it’s good advice for anything you encounter in life.

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

My title is the East County Campus Director. I work with the community –  including the high school and the diverse community – to ensure we meet their short-term and long-term academic goals.

Tell us a little about your professional background.

One of my first jobs was working at a community college. Ever since then, I loved working in higher education. I worked as an assistant with many different college programs. Afterwards, I was promoted as an Academic Coordinator and Assistant Director for the University of California Santa Cruz. Later, I was promoted as the director of the Math Engineering Science Achievements program, Student Development and Student Health Center for Solano Community College. While there, I worked as a Residential Director for the University of California Merced and served as a research assistant for International Center for Social and Emotional Competence at the University of Pacific, Stockton. At the same time, I started my Educational Services Company and worked with international and out-of- state students by providing counseling services and engagement activities. I was again promoted as the first-ever Director of Campus Life and Student Activities for Berkeley City College.

What was your first job?

I was the student assistant for the Educational Opportunities Programs and Services (EOPS) at Modesto Junior College. EOPS is a service program for economically and educationally disadvantaged students.

What does a typical day look like for you?

I start off my day reading my e-mails before I get to the campus, often replying to them as needed. I review my schedule for the day. When I arrive at the office, I speak to my staff about upcoming activities, events, and issues. I have meetings with community leaders, students, faculty, etc. throughout the day. During free times in between my meetings, I work on projects.

Describe yourself at 10 years old.

I was just beginning to learn English. My life revolved around cartoons (Bugs Bunny and The Roadrunner), school, friends, and my cool bike.

What’s the one thing you can’t live without?

I can’t live without my phone because it is connected to everything else.

Are you messy or organized?

Both. Rest assured, I have a method to the chaos.

What is the most important/valuable thing you have learned in the last five years?

It is important to work toward your goals, regardless of what obstacles you face.

What’s on your bucket list?

Traveling to as many countries as possible. Learning a third language fluently.

What is your favorite hobby or pastime?

Hiking, Kayaking, and getting better at a sport

What are you reading right now/ what was the last book you read? Are you participating in any reading challenges?

The last book I read was Emotional Intelligence by Travis Bradbury.

If you could witness any historical event, what would you want to see? Why?

The creation of the Apple Computers. I am in awe of Steve Jobs.

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

My hometown is San Francisco Bay Area, California. No; I was born in Kabul, Afghanistan and was raised in Los Angeles, California.

How many homes have you lived in since you were born?

20+, I have lost count.

If your life were a book, what would it be titled?

Sunrise!

Do you have a favorite quote/ piece of advice?

“Every accomplishment starts with a decision to try it.”

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

Program Assistant in Enrollment Services. I will be helping students, staff and faculty in any way I can. As one of the faces for Enrollment Services, I want to transform the interactions to be memorable and create a strong level of trust. When it is time to enroll  or register for classes, I want students to enjoy their time in college. We get to help students achieve their dreams and goals!

Tell us a little about your professional background.

I have been working in customer service roles since 2005. I have been in positions of management since 2008. I love working with teams of people that work as a unified group. I also have a Master’s Degree in Art History from the University of Washington. I have a passion for Higher Education and customer service. My last job was at Chihuly Garden and Glass. It was always a treat for the eyes!

What was your first job?

I was a Tour Guide for the University of Washington Undergraduate Admissions Department. I gave 90 minute tours of the campus to prospective students, families, and visiting schools. When I applied, I thought it was a volunteer position. They had me do a presentation on why I chose UW and I made this big poster. I was very surprised when I found out it was paid. Best first job ever!

What does a typical day look like for you?

Weekdays: I wake up early in the morning and get my gear for my bike commute ready. I commute 7 miles along the Interurban Trail. I have a pretty neat bike that uses a battery motor, so I do not have to arrive sweaty to work. My current days are filled with a lot of training and getting to know my new work family, In evening, I ride home and spend time with my husband and 7 month old Miniature Schnauzer.

Weekends: I enjoy spending time at the dog park with my puppy. We LOVE Loganberry Park.

Describe yourself at 10 years old.

I was ambitious and a bit of a know-it-all.

What’s the one thing you can’t live without?

Nutella and Disney. ( I could not choose.)

 

Are you messy or organized?

Organized at work and messy at home.

 

 

 

 

What is the most important/valuable thing you have learned in the last five years?

The most important thing I have learned is to try not to stress or become anxious. At the end of the day, most issues can be resolved and tomorrow comes just the same.  

What’s on your bucket list?

I do not have a bucket list. I have a to-do list. We only live once… if you have the chance to do it… do it.

On my current to-do list, I would like to go backpacking for a few days and get technologically disconnected. I am pretty much a city dweller and learning to “let it go” will be good for me.

What is your favorite hobby or pastime?

I like to play board games with my family. (Pandemic, Catan, Dominion, Zombiecide, etc.)

What are you reading right now/ what was the last book you read? Are you participating in any reading challenges?

I am currently re-reading a series by Sherrilyn Kenyon.

If you could witness any historical event, what would you want to see? Why?

Western Australia October 1932. Why? Emus and machine guns…. The Emu’s won.

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

I consider Wenatchee, WA to be my hometown. My family and in-laws live there. I was raised throughout the San Fernando Valley near Los Angeles, CA. I was born in Miraflores, Lima, Peru.

How many homes have you lived in since you were born?   

20

If your life were a book, what would it be titled?

How many times can I visit Disneyland and not make my husband crazy?

Do you have a favorite quote/ piece of advice?

“Sometimes doing your best is not good enough. Sometimes you must do what is required.” – Winston Churchill