HigherEd – Admini{sphere}

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 #30 – Jennifer Enger

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

I am the Instructional Classroom and Support Technician for I-CATCH (Innovations in Creating Access to Careers in Health). I will be leading study sessions for students, tutoring students one-on-one, assisting in the classroom, and helping to plan workshops for the students.

Tell us a little about your professional background.

I have an associates degree in Veterinary Technology, a certificate in Medical Transcription, and I am currently finishing my bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies. I worked for over 15 years in the veterinary field. For the past four years, I worked at Seattle Pacific University in their Health Clinic as a medical receptionist.

steve-and-jennifer — My husband, Steve, is my best friend.

What was your most memorable job? Why?

My most memorable job was working as a veterinary technician. Sometimes, the patients were not thrilled to see you. I was often the “cat wrangler” at the clinic. This required donning leather gloves and “making the cat into a burrito” a.k.a. wrapping it up in a towel. This job required a lot of multitasking. One minute you were taking an x-ray, the next minute you were drawing a blood sample, or placing an IV catheter. I was never bored, and it was very rewarding.

What does a typical day look like for you?

I spend time in the mornings either planning study sessions for students or leading study sessions. By mid-day, I am helping in the classrooms. At the end of the day, I am entering attendance and completed workbook points into Canvas.

Describe yourself at 10 years old.

My childhood friends and I would hang out in a nearby church parking lot. Since there were no cars using it on the weekdays or Saturdays, we would ride our bikes around it, roller-skate there, or play lava monster tag.

What is your favorite meal/ snack in autumn? Favorite fall beverage?

My favorite thing to eat in Autumn is pumpkin pie. A close second would be my family’s homemade apple pie with crumble crust. My favorite Autumn beverage is apple cider, but I also love pumpkin spice lattes.

What is your favorite movie and book?

My favorite book is Jane Eyre. My favorite movie is Pride and Prejudice.

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

I would save the hamster cages, so that our hamsters would not be homeless.

fort-casey — Fort Casey is one of our favorite hangouts. (Picture of my son and myself).

Favorite travel spot?

I love to go to Whidbey Island. We enjoy camping at Deception Pass, and my family also likes to visit Camp Casey.

What is your favorite hobby or pastime?

I love to go camping with my family. I also love to crochet and spend time reading.

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 the Social Life of DNA.

What one food do you wish had zero calories? Dark Chocolate

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

I grew up and was raised in Seattle.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

I see myself finished with my Bachelor’s degree and enjoying all of the hobbies that I have put on hold.

long-beach — Having fun with my family at Long Beach, WA. (Windy picture with kids)

What do you like to do on your days off?

Spend time having fun with my two children.

Do you have a favorite quote/ piece of advice?

My favorite quote is from Barbara Johnson: “Never let a problem to be solved become more important than a person to be loved.”

Behind the Resume #29 – Kaitlyn Dodge

What 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

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.

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!)

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

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