Behind the Resume #29 – Kaitlyn Dodge

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

I am the Program Assistant for Outreach and Highschool Programs. I will be scheduling and coordinating on-campus visits, and working closely with student ambassadors. I’ll also be doing a lot of behind-the-scenes planning for OHSP’s various campus events.

Tell us a little about your professional background.

With WSU's mascot, Butch T. Cougar!
With WSU’s mascot, Butch T. Cougar!

I graduated from WSU with a Bachelor’s degree in Human Development & Sociology. I was an orientation counselor, Resident Advisor and I also worked as office staff. I found my passion for working in higher education during my time at WSU.

 

 

What was your most memorable job? Why?

WSU graduation photo with my college sign and with WSU's mascot, Butch T. Cougar!
WSU graduation photo with my college sign

Definitely an orientation counselor for WSU. Being able to welcome new students, help them find their way and make them feel at home was amazing!

What does a typical day look like for you?

I’m still trying to figure out what that will look like at work, but after work, I enjoy spending time outside with my Australian Shepherd and my husband.

Describe yourself at 10 years old.

I had way too much energy, playing lots of soccer and spending quality time with my two younger brothers.
If you had to eat one meal – every day for the rest of your life – what would

Visiting the Ice Caves in Granite Falls with my pup
Visiting the Ice Caves in Granite Falls with my pup

it be?

Oh, definitely tacos. Tacos are life.

What is your favorite movie and book?

Any and every Disney movie, and the Little House on the Prairie series will always have a special place in my heart. Basically, I’m a child at heart.
If your house was burning down, what’s the one non-living thing you would save?

Probably my grandma’s wedding ring that was passed down to me at my own wedding.

Visiting the Grand Canyon
Visiting the Grand Canyon

Favorite travel spot?

I recommend that everyone visits Yellowstone National Park and Lewis & Clark Caverns in Montana. Iv’e been twice and try to go every year with new people.

What is your favorite hobby or pastime?

Spending time with my huge extended family! I love canning and preserving! I

My husband's family at their favorite annual event, Hoopfest.
My husband’s family at their favorite annual event, Hoopfest.

have all sorts of jams, pie fillings, salsas and pizza/ pasta sauces from my garden or local farmers’ produce. I love being able to preserve the bounties of fall/ summer and share with family and friends.

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? 

Honestly, my last book was probably a sociology textbook. Right now, I have a bunch of community college training books checked out from the library, that I am looking forward to.

My mom & brothers at my wedding (my biggest support system!)
My mom & brothers at my wedding (my biggest support system!)

What one food do you wish had zero calories?

All of the chocolate things. Mmm chocolate.

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

I was born and raised in Lake Stevens and Marysville, WA.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

I hope to continue working in Student Services or Student LIFE. I’d love to pack up and move to a random state for a new experience!

Family photo of my own little family! My husband, Jerodan. Australian Shepherd, Mellie, and our cat, Sybbie.

What do you like to do on your days off?

My husband and I are renovating our home, so our weekends aren’t very relaxing. But we love it! We also enjoy visiting new restaurants with amazing or new food.

Do you have a favorite quote/ piece of advice?

My favorite and most meaningful piece of advice came from my dad. “Never care what anyone thinks.” It helped me to enjoy and find my unique style and attitude on life, and always stay true to myself.

Behind the Resume #28 – Arantxa Gallegos

arantxa-gallegosWhat 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.
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.
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.
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 # 27 – Tamami Eggers

Tamami Eggers1) 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?food

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.

friends
My husband, myself, and our friend

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.

Behind the Resume # 26 – Anna Amundson

Anna AmundsonWhat 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?

My Dog, Niya
My Dog, Niya

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.

Philly Cheese Steak
Philly Cheese Steak

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!

Go Hawks!
Go Hawks!

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

Behind the Resume #25 – John Melson


John MelsonWhat 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.