Behind the Resume #24 – Mostafa Ghous

MostafaGhousWhat 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.”

Behind the Resume #23 – Maria Larsen

Maria LarsenWhat 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!

Me at California Adventure
Me at California Adventure

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!

Visiting Pachacamac, Lima, Peru (with my husband.)
Visiting Pachacamac, Lima, Peru (with my husband.)

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.

Leia, our dog
Leia, our dog

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.)

My husband playing Dominion with our cat, Kato
My husband playing Dominion with our cat, Kato

 

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?

Riding at la Playa Villa, Chorrilos, Peru
Riding at la Playa Villa, Chorrilos, Peru

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?

Me with my cat, Leia
Me with my dog, Leia

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?

Me at Disneyland
Me at Disneyland

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

Chihuly Garden and Glass
Chihuly Garden and Glass

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

Behind the Resume #22 – Chan Beattie

Beattie Hoi Tsen (Chan)What is your title at EvCC, and what will you be doing in your day-to-day endeavors at the College?

Volunteer Literacy Specialist 2 I will divide my time between recruiting and tutoring. I will recruit and train quality volunteers and match them with students. I will tutor ESL or international English learners.

Tell us a little about your professional background.

Graduation
Graduation last May in Spokane, WA

 

I have been working for Starbucks Coffee Company for 17 years. I was part of the management teams of various locations. Four years ago, I returned to school

and received my MA/TESL from Gonzaga University in May, 2015. Since 2010, I have volunteered at Spokane Community College at the Adult Basic Education Program.

What was your first job?

McDonald’s in Hong Kong.

What does a typical day look like for you?

Making phone, calls recruiting volunteers and tutoring students at the BRIDGES center.

In Nice, France, with my son, John
In Nice, France, with my son, John

Describe yourself at 10 years old.

I was sporty and brave. I flew alone from Madagascar to Hong Kong so I could learn Chinese (Cantonese).

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

Shopping.

Are you messy or organized?

Organized.

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

Be patient, tolerant, authentic and follow your passion.

In front of my brother's bakery in Nice, France
In front of my brother’s bakery in Nice, France

What’s on your bucket list?

A ’round-the-world trip with my family, husband and son.

What is your favorite hobby or pastime?

Golfing, shopping and traveling.

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

“I am Malala”

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

Tiananmen Square incident in April 5th, 1976. The bravery of citizens who went against the communist government.

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

Visiting my family in Nice with friends from Spokane
Visiting my family in Nice with friends from Spokane

My home town is Hong Kong. I was born in Madagascar and raised in Hong Kong.

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

Ten.

 

Do you have a favorite quote/ piece of advice?

Be smart and follow your passion, and good things will happen.

Behind the Resume #21 – Flora Salto Vazquez

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

Program Coordinator, Enrollment Services at Parks Student Union: Assist students and college personnel with student record updates/changes, interpret and implement state and federal policies regarding residency community and college personnel, and more!

Tell us a little about your professional background.
Greg & myself, celebrating when I became a US Citizen
Greg & myself, celebrating when I became a US Citizen

10 years of experience working for Holiday Inn and Fiesta Americana hotels at the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. 9 years as a Groups and Conventions Director for Anfitriones Nacionales in Mexico City where I planned, coordinated and executed over 2500 banquets, meetings, groups and conventions. Planned international meetings in such countries as: Argentina, Bahamas, Brazil, Costa Rica, Cuba, Czech Republic, Dominican Republic, Finland, France, Hong Kong, México, Netherlands, Panama, Singapore, Thailand, and United States

What was your first job?

Room service cashier at Holiday Merida, Yucatan, Mexico

What does a typical day look like for you?

My puppy, Canela
My puppy, Canela

Get up at 6:00 AM, 30 minutes of Yoga, Take dogs to the back yard, provided food and fresh water for them. Take a shower, have a light breakfast, go to work from 8 to 5, come back from work, fix family dinner, clean and organized our home, go for a walk with my family and dogs, water my plants, work a little bit in the garden, take a nice shower and relaxing reading, playing music, doing yoga, meditation or chat in the computer with my family and friends.

Describe yourself at 10 years old.

I was a very active girl, participating in Rhythm Gymnastics, drama club, church choir and taking care of my 5 siblings.

Our cat, Rayitas
Our cat, Rayitas

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

My pets 3 dogs and 2 cats now

Are you messy or organized?

Super clean and organized

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

The importance of reduce my carbon food print and be a vegan person

What’s on your bucket list?

Visit Greece and Italy

What is your favorite hobby or pastime?

Hiking in the forest with my husband Greg and our 3 Cocker Spaniel dogs.

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

Our daughters, Flora & Paulina
My daughters, Flora & Paulina

No Mud, No Lotus

From: Thich Nhat Hanh

I am not participating right now in any reading challenge.

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

The Discovery of America by Christopher Columbus. I will advise the natives about the real intentions of the visitors…

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

I was borne in Veracruz in the Gulf of Mexico, 40 days after we moved to Mexico City where I was raised.

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

13

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

“Flora and her fauna”

Do you have a favorite quote/ piece of advice?

In a world where you can be anything, be kind!

Behind the Resume #20 – Stephanie Coxon

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

Administrative Assistant 4 – Student Services (Dean’s Administrative Assistant) to Laurie Franklin.

 

Tell us a little about your professional background.

I worked in Retail for 7 years in order to put myself through college.  After college, I went into Banking for 2 years, worked for 3 years in Social Work, held Administrative Assistant roles for 13 years, and most recently was a Human Resources Generalist for 3 years.

What was your first job?Picture courtesy of: http://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/canoe

I was 13 and had an all-summer babysitting/mother’s helper job watching a 2 year-old boy while his parents were landscaping and remodeling their summer cabin at the lake. I canoed to work every day!

Riley - our Chocolate Lab
Riley – our Chocolate Lab

 

What does a typical day look like for you?

Work, make dinner, spend time with my husband, play with our dog.

Describe yourself at 10 years old.

I was a kid that was outside as much as I could be.  I’d be playing Little League softball, basketball, swimming, fishing, climbing trees, making forts, traveling with my family during summer vacation (I think that year it was a road trip to down Highway 101 to Oregon’s Sea Lion Caves, The Wharf in San Francisco, Disneyland, Universal Studios, Sea World and Tijuana, Mexico).

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

Caffeine!

Are you messy or organized?

I am organized at work – I have the 5S Lean Principles ingrained in me from past manufacturing and aerospace companies I have worked for.  However, at home, not as much…I try but life gets in the way.

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

Don’t sweat the small stuff.  – You won’t remember it 5 years from now.

Mariner's Game
Mariner’s Game

What’s on your bucket list?

Go to the Grand Canyon and to see a Mariner’s Spring Training game in Peoria, AZ

What is your favorite hobby or pastime?

Reading, fishing, cooking.

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

Last book I re-read was Saving Cascadia by John J. Nance.  The story takes place on the Washington Coast.  I also love True Crime.  Ann Rule is my favorite author; I had the opportunity to meet her at a book signing.

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

Maybe not a specific event, but I would love to visit the Age of Enlightenment.  So many extraordinary thinkers and doers!

Haleakala in Maui
Haleakala in Maui, 2011

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

Arlington, WA – Born and raised in the same place.

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

4 homes and 1 college dormitory

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

Not sure.  I am still writing the chapters in my “book”.  When writing, I have always had the inspiration for a title to come to me when I finished.

Do you have a favorite quote/ piece of advice?

The Golden Rule: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”

Pearl Harbor, Oahu, 2011
Pearl Harbor, Oahu, 2011