Tiffany Le
Undergraduate Education:
University of California, Irvine
B.A. Sociology, Minor in International Studies
Hi everyone! My name is Tiffany Le and I'm from Fountain Valley, California, where I went to school from elementary to high school. I graduated from UC Irvine in 2015 with a degree in Sociology and a minor in International Studies. Early on, I had a passion for youth empowerment, working with middle and high school youth as a camp counselor for various youth leadership programs. This passion continued into my involvement at UCI in Student Housing and New Student Orientation, working to create more welcoming and inclusive spaces for first year college students. After graduating, I continued to work professionally in Student Affairs at UCI, specifically with coordinating programs for freshman students. After 2.5 years in my current role within higher education, I realized that I wanted to work with and support younger students, who might not have access to the resources and support systems established at the college level - school counseling felt like a much better fit for my passions of empowerment and advocacy! I also have a love for travel - I was lucky to have the opportunity to study abroad twice during my undergrad experience (to Greece/Cyprus during the summer of 2012 and the Netherlands during fall semester of 2014). I am excited to embark on this school counseling journey with everyone!
University of California, Irvine
B.A. Sociology, Minor in International Studies
Hi everyone! My name is Tiffany Le and I'm from Fountain Valley, California, where I went to school from elementary to high school. I graduated from UC Irvine in 2015 with a degree in Sociology and a minor in International Studies. Early on, I had a passion for youth empowerment, working with middle and high school youth as a camp counselor for various youth leadership programs. This passion continued into my involvement at UCI in Student Housing and New Student Orientation, working to create more welcoming and inclusive spaces for first year college students. After graduating, I continued to work professionally in Student Affairs at UCI, specifically with coordinating programs for freshman students. After 2.5 years in my current role within higher education, I realized that I wanted to work with and support younger students, who might not have access to the resources and support systems established at the college level - school counseling felt like a much better fit for my passions of empowerment and advocacy! I also have a love for travel - I was lucky to have the opportunity to study abroad twice during my undergrad experience (to Greece/Cyprus during the summer of 2012 and the Netherlands during fall semester of 2014). I am excited to embark on this school counseling journey with everyone!
Ana Rangel
Undergraduate Education:
University of California, Berkeley
Major: Social Welfare
Hello! I am Ana Rangel and a proud Bay Area native. I have relocated to Long Beach to pursue my goal of becoming a school counselor. As a first generation college graduate my academic journey was full confusion, uncertainty and doubt. The impact that school counselors and college access programs had on me were life changing and served as my motivation to pursue a career in education. My passion for working with students and families was solidified during my time with UC Berkeley’s Destination College Advising Corps where I worked with historically marginalized youth to plan for their post secondary options. During my free time I enjoy traveling, going to festivals and spending time at the beach.
University of California, Berkeley
Major: Social Welfare
Hello! I am Ana Rangel and a proud Bay Area native. I have relocated to Long Beach to pursue my goal of becoming a school counselor. As a first generation college graduate my academic journey was full confusion, uncertainty and doubt. The impact that school counselors and college access programs had on me were life changing and served as my motivation to pursue a career in education. My passion for working with students and families was solidified during my time with UC Berkeley’s Destination College Advising Corps where I worked with historically marginalized youth to plan for their post secondary options. During my free time I enjoy traveling, going to festivals and spending time at the beach.
Derek Chan
Undergraduate Education:
San Francisco State University
B.A. Psychology, Minor in Counseling
Hello everyone! My name is Derek Chan and I am originally from the Bay Area, where I was raised in a small town called Castro Valley. Through my blessed upbringing, I was inspired by numerous systems of support from my family, friends, and surrounding community which fostered my desire to serve others and my passion to make an everlasting impact in this world. I graduated from San Francisco State University in 2017, where I received my degree in Psychology and minor in Counseling and where my vision to pursue the School Counseling profession ultimately began. Alongside my undergraduate education, I worked as a Teacher/Teacher Assistant and Office Manager in an after-school learning center for K-8th grade students, and through those experiences created the foundation which built my determination for a professional career in education. My calling to become a professional School Counsellor has been driven by my willingness to go above and beyond to effectively promote student academic and life success while providing enriching mental, social, and emotional guidance. During my time outside of the classroom, I enjoy adventuring with my family and Shiba puppy Kona, traveling, photography, attending music events and festivals, craft beer tasting, and watching and playing all variety of sports. #DubNation Finally, shoutout to the best cohort in the world, may we continue to be the change we wish to see in the world! Go Beach!!!
San Francisco State University
B.A. Psychology, Minor in Counseling
Hello everyone! My name is Derek Chan and I am originally from the Bay Area, where I was raised in a small town called Castro Valley. Through my blessed upbringing, I was inspired by numerous systems of support from my family, friends, and surrounding community which fostered my desire to serve others and my passion to make an everlasting impact in this world. I graduated from San Francisco State University in 2017, where I received my degree in Psychology and minor in Counseling and where my vision to pursue the School Counseling profession ultimately began. Alongside my undergraduate education, I worked as a Teacher/Teacher Assistant and Office Manager in an after-school learning center for K-8th grade students, and through those experiences created the foundation which built my determination for a professional career in education. My calling to become a professional School Counsellor has been driven by my willingness to go above and beyond to effectively promote student academic and life success while providing enriching mental, social, and emotional guidance. During my time outside of the classroom, I enjoy adventuring with my family and Shiba puppy Kona, traveling, photography, attending music events and festivals, craft beer tasting, and watching and playing all variety of sports. #DubNation Finally, shoutout to the best cohort in the world, may we continue to be the change we wish to see in the world! Go Beach!!!
Miriam Green
Undergraduate Education:
California State University, San Marcos
B.A. History
Hello, my name is Miriam Green. I have lived in Murrieta, CA for most of my life. My undergrad was at CSU San Marcos, and I received a B.A. in History. I chose school counseling because education and helping adolescents is something I have always been passionate about. Both of my parents are educators, and as a result I grew up valuing education, and understanding the power it has. As long as I can remember, I have been volunteering at schools and helping students reach their potential. I want to be a school counselor so I can advocate for all students, and support them in achieving their goals. Some of my hobbies include going to concerts, reading, watching It’s Always Sunny, and talking/spending time with family and friends.
“I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
- Maya Angelou
California State University, San Marcos
B.A. History
Hello, my name is Miriam Green. I have lived in Murrieta, CA for most of my life. My undergrad was at CSU San Marcos, and I received a B.A. in History. I chose school counseling because education and helping adolescents is something I have always been passionate about. Both of my parents are educators, and as a result I grew up valuing education, and understanding the power it has. As long as I can remember, I have been volunteering at schools and helping students reach their potential. I want to be a school counselor so I can advocate for all students, and support them in achieving their goals. Some of my hobbies include going to concerts, reading, watching It’s Always Sunny, and talking/spending time with family and friends.
“I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
- Maya Angelou
Janira Colmenares
Undergraduate Education:
California State University, Long Beach
B.A. Sociology
I want to be a school counselor to help students and communities succeed through education. Part of why I majored in Sociology was to learn about different cultures and backgrounds to be better equipped to serve students.
“Of course I want to be successful. But I don’t crave success for me. I need to be successful to gain enough milk and honey to help those around me succeed.” - Rupi Kaur
California State University, Long Beach
B.A. Sociology
I want to be a school counselor to help students and communities succeed through education. Part of why I majored in Sociology was to learn about different cultures and backgrounds to be better equipped to serve students.
“Of course I want to be successful. But I don’t crave success for me. I need to be successful to gain enough milk and honey to help those around me succeed.” - Rupi Kaur
Kami Kurisu
Undergraduate Education:
Point Loma Nazarene University
B.A. in Child and Adolescent Development, Minor in Psychology
Hi I’m Kami Kurisu! I grew up in Orange County, California and have had a passion for helping children all my life. I volunteered as a child caregiver/teacher at various camps and schools when I was a teenager, leading me to want a career that served students. I was offered a job as a preschool teacher after I graduated college, and even though I loved it, I felt I was not making the impact I wanted to on my students and their families. I visited my school counselor I had in high school, and after seeing the amazing work she did in a day, I knew that was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. The idea of teaching new skills to students and helping them to become the best version of themselves sets my soul on fire, and brings me immense fulfillment. I am BEYOND excited to be pursuing my Masters in School Counseling from CSULB! My other passions include: dancing, musical theater, going to the beach, writing calligraphy, and eating my weight in sushi.
Words to live by: “Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass. It’s about learning to dance in the rain.” –Vivian Greene
Point Loma Nazarene University
B.A. in Child and Adolescent Development, Minor in Psychology
Hi I’m Kami Kurisu! I grew up in Orange County, California and have had a passion for helping children all my life. I volunteered as a child caregiver/teacher at various camps and schools when I was a teenager, leading me to want a career that served students. I was offered a job as a preschool teacher after I graduated college, and even though I loved it, I felt I was not making the impact I wanted to on my students and their families. I visited my school counselor I had in high school, and after seeing the amazing work she did in a day, I knew that was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. The idea of teaching new skills to students and helping them to become the best version of themselves sets my soul on fire, and brings me immense fulfillment. I am BEYOND excited to be pursuing my Masters in School Counseling from CSULB! My other passions include: dancing, musical theater, going to the beach, writing calligraphy, and eating my weight in sushi.
Words to live by: “Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass. It’s about learning to dance in the rain.” –Vivian Greene
Jade Campbell
Undergraduate Education:
University of California, Riverside
Major: Psychology
Board Member for Caribbean student union
Aspiring Academic Advisor
My name is Jade Campbell, I’m from Oxnard, Ca and received my Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from the University of California, Riverside. I decided to pursue a masters degree in school counseling at Cal State Long Beach because I want to help students fulfill their true purpose in life. Apart from helping our youth, I enjoy making music, watching and playing sports, hanging out with friends and spending time with my family. If you’d like to know anything else feel free to say what’s up when you see me on campus!
University of California, Riverside
Major: Psychology
Board Member for Caribbean student union
Aspiring Academic Advisor
My name is Jade Campbell, I’m from Oxnard, Ca and received my Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from the University of California, Riverside. I decided to pursue a masters degree in school counseling at Cal State Long Beach because I want to help students fulfill their true purpose in life. Apart from helping our youth, I enjoy making music, watching and playing sports, hanging out with friends and spending time with my family. If you’d like to know anything else feel free to say what’s up when you see me on campus!
Joana Perez
Undergraduate Education:
California State University, Fullerton
Bachelor Degree in Psychology with a minor in Child and Adolescent Studies
Hello everyone, my name is Joana Perez! I earned my degree in Psychology from Cal State Fullerton with a minor in Child and Adolescent Studies after transferring from Santiago Community College with an Associate's degree in Psychology.
My passion for working in Education began my freshman year in college when I began working as a tutor for at-risk students who participated in an after school program, Upward Bound. There, I had the opportunity to serve various students from various grade levels. Eventually, I worked as a teacher aide and resident assistant at Cal State Fullerton, where I worked with a different population of students. However, it was then that I realized that I wanted to continue serving at-risk students. For the past 3 1/2 years, I have been working at a charter high school with many students with a similar background as mine-growing up in poverty. The different capacities in which I have served students, most recently teaching, have inspired me to continue the fight for social change and continue changing lives, one student at a time.
I am excited to embark on this new opportunity and look forward to continue serving students from all walks of life!
California State University, Fullerton
Bachelor Degree in Psychology with a minor in Child and Adolescent Studies
Hello everyone, my name is Joana Perez! I earned my degree in Psychology from Cal State Fullerton with a minor in Child and Adolescent Studies after transferring from Santiago Community College with an Associate's degree in Psychology.
My passion for working in Education began my freshman year in college when I began working as a tutor for at-risk students who participated in an after school program, Upward Bound. There, I had the opportunity to serve various students from various grade levels. Eventually, I worked as a teacher aide and resident assistant at Cal State Fullerton, where I worked with a different population of students. However, it was then that I realized that I wanted to continue serving at-risk students. For the past 3 1/2 years, I have been working at a charter high school with many students with a similar background as mine-growing up in poverty. The different capacities in which I have served students, most recently teaching, have inspired me to continue the fight for social change and continue changing lives, one student at a time.
I am excited to embark on this new opportunity and look forward to continue serving students from all walks of life!
Marvin Ramirez
Undergraduate Education:
Humboldt State University
B.A. Mathematics, emphasis Education and Adolescent Psychology
Minor in Psychology
Hi everyone! My name is Marvin Ramirez and I was born and raised in South Central Los Angeles where I completed my K-12 studies. I have always wanted to teach math and serve as a positive role model to students. During and after my undergraduate studies is where my interest in school counseling began. As an undergrad I was an SI Instructor, Math Tutor, and EOP Mentor. After graduating, I applied what I learned by working with USC Upward Bound and Heart of Los Angeles (HOLA) as an Academic Advisor working with high school students. Being an active member of the School Counseling Program at CSULB, I know this is the right field for me. As a future School Counselor, I want to serve as an advocate and help students realize that they CAN become better versions of themselves. Outside of my role as a student and professional, you can find me playing my guitar, attending festivals, hiking, bicycle riding, powerlifting, swimming in the ocean, training for my next triathlon, and looking for aloe vera to apply on my sunburned skin.
Humboldt State University
B.A. Mathematics, emphasis Education and Adolescent Psychology
Minor in Psychology
Hi everyone! My name is Marvin Ramirez and I was born and raised in South Central Los Angeles where I completed my K-12 studies. I have always wanted to teach math and serve as a positive role model to students. During and after my undergraduate studies is where my interest in school counseling began. As an undergrad I was an SI Instructor, Math Tutor, and EOP Mentor. After graduating, I applied what I learned by working with USC Upward Bound and Heart of Los Angeles (HOLA) as an Academic Advisor working with high school students. Being an active member of the School Counseling Program at CSULB, I know this is the right field for me. As a future School Counselor, I want to serve as an advocate and help students realize that they CAN become better versions of themselves. Outside of my role as a student and professional, you can find me playing my guitar, attending festivals, hiking, bicycle riding, powerlifting, swimming in the ocean, training for my next triathlon, and looking for aloe vera to apply on my sunburned skin.
Ana Sofia Yepiz
Undergrad Education:
California State University, Los Angeles
Major: Communication with an emphasis in Public Relations and Organizational Communications
Hi everyone, my name is Ana Sofia Yepiz. I am a Sonora, Mexico native and grew up in Los Angeles. I graduated from Cal State LA in 2018 with a Bachelor's degree in Communication with an emphasis Organizational Communication and Public Relations. My LA roots run deep, but it was time to grow my passion for student advocacy here at Cal State Long Beach. My goal as a future school counselor is to create a positive, safe learning environment that is equitable and nurtures growth for all students. I am obsessed with taking BuzzFeed quizzes, hanging out with my dog, road trips and baking!
"My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style." -Maya Angelou
California State University, Los Angeles
Major: Communication with an emphasis in Public Relations and Organizational Communications
Hi everyone, my name is Ana Sofia Yepiz. I am a Sonora, Mexico native and grew up in Los Angeles. I graduated from Cal State LA in 2018 with a Bachelor's degree in Communication with an emphasis Organizational Communication and Public Relations. My LA roots run deep, but it was time to grow my passion for student advocacy here at Cal State Long Beach. My goal as a future school counselor is to create a positive, safe learning environment that is equitable and nurtures growth for all students. I am obsessed with taking BuzzFeed quizzes, hanging out with my dog, road trips and baking!
"My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style." -Maya Angelou
Shannon McCormak
Undergraduate Education:
San Francisco State University
B.A. International Relations
Hi everyone, I’m Shannon! I was born and raised in Huntington Beach, CA. I moved to San Francisco after high school to pursue a B.A. in International Relations. During my time at SFSU, I was given the opportunity to study abroad in Amsterdam, NL, where I eventually moved back to after graduation and became a certified TEFL English teacher. I furthered my adventures in education working in high school special education. I have always had a fascination in learning about other cultures and an enthusiasm for serving the community. I believe that school counseling allows me to make a difference in the lives of others through integrating these passions. I truly feel as though I have found my calling and am very excited to see where this journey takes me! In my free time you can find me doing yoga on the beach, playing in the ocean, petting dogs, or feeding the travel bug as often as I can!
“Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Be kind. Always.” -Ian MacLaren
San Francisco State University
B.A. International Relations
Hi everyone, I’m Shannon! I was born and raised in Huntington Beach, CA. I moved to San Francisco after high school to pursue a B.A. in International Relations. During my time at SFSU, I was given the opportunity to study abroad in Amsterdam, NL, where I eventually moved back to after graduation and became a certified TEFL English teacher. I furthered my adventures in education working in high school special education. I have always had a fascination in learning about other cultures and an enthusiasm for serving the community. I believe that school counseling allows me to make a difference in the lives of others through integrating these passions. I truly feel as though I have found my calling and am very excited to see where this journey takes me! In my free time you can find me doing yoga on the beach, playing in the ocean, petting dogs, or feeding the travel bug as often as I can!
“Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Be kind. Always.” -Ian MacLaren
Yadira Hernandez
Undergraduate Education:
California State University, San Marcos
B.A. Liberal Studies
Hi everyone! My name is Yadira Hernandez. I was born in Long Beach, then my family and I relocated to Perris, CA when I was 6 years old. I went to Mt. San Jacinto Community College and transferred to CSU San Marcos where I received a B.A. in Liberal Studies in 2017. Growing up, I knew that I wanted to job that involved helping others. Initially, I wanted to be an elementary school teacher. The idea of being a teacher suddenly changed. I realized that I wanted to work with students individually rather than in a classroom setting. School Counseling was always a career that I had always considered, so I did some research and talked to my career counselor. I was positive that school counseling was the correct career for me. I am so fortunate and excited to be in the School Counseling Program at CSULB and eager to help students reach their goals and succeed emotionally and academically. My other interests include: traveling, attending live sports and concerts, spending quality time with family and friends, and watching movies.
California State University, San Marcos
B.A. Liberal Studies
Hi everyone! My name is Yadira Hernandez. I was born in Long Beach, then my family and I relocated to Perris, CA when I was 6 years old. I went to Mt. San Jacinto Community College and transferred to CSU San Marcos where I received a B.A. in Liberal Studies in 2017. Growing up, I knew that I wanted to job that involved helping others. Initially, I wanted to be an elementary school teacher. The idea of being a teacher suddenly changed. I realized that I wanted to work with students individually rather than in a classroom setting. School Counseling was always a career that I had always considered, so I did some research and talked to my career counselor. I was positive that school counseling was the correct career for me. I am so fortunate and excited to be in the School Counseling Program at CSULB and eager to help students reach their goals and succeed emotionally and academically. My other interests include: traveling, attending live sports and concerts, spending quality time with family and friends, and watching movies.
Jessica Lozano Fernandez
Undergraduate Education:
Cumberland University
B.S. in Health and Human Performance, Sports Management . Minor in Business
Hello I'm Jessica. I've always had a passion working with children from preK to high school whether it was in the classroom or by coaching them through sports. My interest in pursuing to be a School Counselor immensely grew while working as a Teacher's Aide for Special Ed at the Bellflower Unified School District as I was able to witness and learn about placing students into possible classes or routes that would lead them to transition into successful adults. Growing up, I was very blessed to extend my education with the love and support of my family and with many mentors. I want to be able to advocate for all students in the way that my mentors did for me and to help guide and assist them in making the best choices for their future. I want all my students to know that they are important and can accomplish anything they put their little minds to. I also have a loving husband and three sons, Jayden, Daniel, and Joshua who I love spending time with. In my free time, I enjoy exploring to different places and playing sports with loved ones.
"When a flower doesn’t bloom, you fix the . environment in which it grows, not the flower." -Alexander Den Heijer
Cumberland University
B.S. in Health and Human Performance, Sports Management . Minor in Business
Hello I'm Jessica. I've always had a passion working with children from preK to high school whether it was in the classroom or by coaching them through sports. My interest in pursuing to be a School Counselor immensely grew while working as a Teacher's Aide for Special Ed at the Bellflower Unified School District as I was able to witness and learn about placing students into possible classes or routes that would lead them to transition into successful adults. Growing up, I was very blessed to extend my education with the love and support of my family and with many mentors. I want to be able to advocate for all students in the way that my mentors did for me and to help guide and assist them in making the best choices for their future. I want all my students to know that they are important and can accomplish anything they put their little minds to. I also have a loving husband and three sons, Jayden, Daniel, and Joshua who I love spending time with. In my free time, I enjoy exploring to different places and playing sports with loved ones.
"When a flower doesn’t bloom, you fix the . environment in which it grows, not the flower." -Alexander Den Heijer
Ceinna Bush
Undergraduate Education:
San Diego State University
Major: Communication
Minor: Leadership
Hey!
My name is Ceinna Bush, also known as CB, your favorite counselor! I majored in Communication & minored in Leadership at San Diego State University and graduated as one of SDSU’s top student leaders in 2018. I grew up in Carson, CA for the most part, but I consider Los Angeles as my hometown. My hobbies include shopping, eating, looking on Yelp for trendy restaurants, spending time with my family and friends, going to brunch and traveling.
I am currently studying at CSULB, in the School Counseling Program, to serve as an advocate and change agent for students who don’t have the support that I did have growing up. While serving as a College Advisor for four years, I have witnessed school staff disappoint students, parents give up on their child’s dreams, and students lower their expectations in regards to how far they can succeed after high school. Fortunately, I had parents who were understanding, teachers who believed in me and a strong faith-based foundation to keep me going, which is the same type of support that I plan on providing for my future students. I want them to know that if they don’t have anyone else, Ms. Bush (or CB) will always be there for them and will support them as much as she can. I plan on implementing equity and inclusiveness while living out my purpose as a passionate school counselor.
San Diego State University
Major: Communication
Minor: Leadership
Hey!
My name is Ceinna Bush, also known as CB, your favorite counselor! I majored in Communication & minored in Leadership at San Diego State University and graduated as one of SDSU’s top student leaders in 2018. I grew up in Carson, CA for the most part, but I consider Los Angeles as my hometown. My hobbies include shopping, eating, looking on Yelp for trendy restaurants, spending time with my family and friends, going to brunch and traveling.
I am currently studying at CSULB, in the School Counseling Program, to serve as an advocate and change agent for students who don’t have the support that I did have growing up. While serving as a College Advisor for four years, I have witnessed school staff disappoint students, parents give up on their child’s dreams, and students lower their expectations in regards to how far they can succeed after high school. Fortunately, I had parents who were understanding, teachers who believed in me and a strong faith-based foundation to keep me going, which is the same type of support that I plan on providing for my future students. I want them to know that if they don’t have anyone else, Ms. Bush (or CB) will always be there for them and will support them as much as she can. I plan on implementing equity and inclusiveness while living out my purpose as a passionate school counselor.
Olivia Ruiz
Undergraduate Education:
University of California, Berkeley
Major: Sociology
Hi yal! My name is Olivia and here is a little bit about me. I went to UC Berkeley for my undergraduate degree (GO BEARS!!!) and received my degree in Sociology. Born and raised in Los Angeles, I have become super passionate about the arts as this is a central place for it. I enjoy photography, singing, dancing and really anything music. When I am not studying or at work, you will most likely find me going to art walks, doing karaoke literally anywhere and everywhere, traveling somewhere new, attending a music festival or show!
I started my journey to becoming a school counselor based off my passion to want to help students in under deserved communities. Growing up as a first generation student, I did not have anyone guiding me through the education system besides my educators. My high school counselors helped me so much, in high school and beyond, that I wanted to do the same thing they did for me, for others. I want to be able to provide resources to students that can close the achievement gap in the U.S as well as encourage them to follow their passion. As an advocate for the arts and the importance of its availability to students, I want to become a school counselor to incorporate art oriented programs that allow students to express themselves outside the standard curriculum. Glad to be part of this journey with such a resilient and fun cohort. GO BEACH!
University of California, Berkeley
Major: Sociology
Hi yal! My name is Olivia and here is a little bit about me. I went to UC Berkeley for my undergraduate degree (GO BEARS!!!) and received my degree in Sociology. Born and raised in Los Angeles, I have become super passionate about the arts as this is a central place for it. I enjoy photography, singing, dancing and really anything music. When I am not studying or at work, you will most likely find me going to art walks, doing karaoke literally anywhere and everywhere, traveling somewhere new, attending a music festival or show!
I started my journey to becoming a school counselor based off my passion to want to help students in under deserved communities. Growing up as a first generation student, I did not have anyone guiding me through the education system besides my educators. My high school counselors helped me so much, in high school and beyond, that I wanted to do the same thing they did for me, for others. I want to be able to provide resources to students that can close the achievement gap in the U.S as well as encourage them to follow their passion. As an advocate for the arts and the importance of its availability to students, I want to become a school counselor to incorporate art oriented programs that allow students to express themselves outside the standard curriculum. Glad to be part of this journey with such a resilient and fun cohort. GO BEACH!
Helen Nguyen
Undergraduate Education:
University of California, Davis
Major: Psychology
Minor: Education
Hi, my name is Helen! I am a Sacramento native who graduated from UC Davis with a degree in Psychology and minor in Education. My passion in school counseling stems from my desire to help others and to be an agent of positive change for students. I didn’t realize my true calling for school counseling until I experienced my own personal and academic challenges as a first-generation student. Fortunately, I had the support of my mentor/college advisor, who understood my adversity and taught me about services that I never knew were available to me. The positive experiences I had with my advisor inspires me to continue advocating for students in their own educational journeys. As a future School Counselor, my mission is to promote social-emotional development and empower students to accomplish their goals in school and beyond. During my free time, I enjoy crafting, bingeing tv shows, food crawling, and spending time with family and friends!
University of California, Davis
Major: Psychology
Minor: Education
Hi, my name is Helen! I am a Sacramento native who graduated from UC Davis with a degree in Psychology and minor in Education. My passion in school counseling stems from my desire to help others and to be an agent of positive change for students. I didn’t realize my true calling for school counseling until I experienced my own personal and academic challenges as a first-generation student. Fortunately, I had the support of my mentor/college advisor, who understood my adversity and taught me about services that I never knew were available to me. The positive experiences I had with my advisor inspires me to continue advocating for students in their own educational journeys. As a future School Counselor, my mission is to promote social-emotional development and empower students to accomplish their goals in school and beyond. During my free time, I enjoy crafting, bingeing tv shows, food crawling, and spending time with family and friends!
Leica Rain
Undergraduate Education
San Diego State University
Major: Child and Family Development
Why SC: to create a safe space for all students and close the gaps
Hobbies: being with family, church family, exploring what the world has to offer and #1 spending all the time with my new precious pug Beefy️
“Be the change you wish to see in the world”
San Diego State University
Major: Child and Family Development
Why SC: to create a safe space for all students and close the gaps
Hobbies: being with family, church family, exploring what the world has to offer and #1 spending all the time with my new precious pug Beefy️
“Be the change you wish to see in the world”
Jonathan Blanco
Army Veteran: Combat Engineer
Undergraduate Education: California State University, Fullerton
Major: Sociology, with a concentration in Deviance and Crime
Hello, my name is Jonathan and I am from Santa Fe Springs, CA. After high school I enlisted into the Army and served for four years as a combat engineer. During my time at various duty stations and joint training's I was fortunate enough to travel to Germany, Romania, London and fifteen states. Following my enlistment I attended Fullerton College then transferred to CSUF to receive my B.A. in Sociology.
As a first generation college student I was unaware of the resources that were out there for me to go to college which is part of the reason why I decided to join the military. As an aspiring school counselor I aim to promote access of resources to all students to guide their academic success, social emotional well being, and college/career aspirations. In my free time I like to hang out with family and friends. I enjoy going to the beach, hitting the gym, watching sports and playing basketball.
I am grateful for my time in the military from those I served by and the lessons I have learned from my mentors I will always live by our motto “Adapt and Overcome”.
Undergraduate Education: California State University, Fullerton
Major: Sociology, with a concentration in Deviance and Crime
Hello, my name is Jonathan and I am from Santa Fe Springs, CA. After high school I enlisted into the Army and served for four years as a combat engineer. During my time at various duty stations and joint training's I was fortunate enough to travel to Germany, Romania, London and fifteen states. Following my enlistment I attended Fullerton College then transferred to CSUF to receive my B.A. in Sociology.
As a first generation college student I was unaware of the resources that were out there for me to go to college which is part of the reason why I decided to join the military. As an aspiring school counselor I aim to promote access of resources to all students to guide their academic success, social emotional well being, and college/career aspirations. In my free time I like to hang out with family and friends. I enjoy going to the beach, hitting the gym, watching sports and playing basketball.
I am grateful for my time in the military from those I served by and the lessons I have learned from my mentors I will always live by our motto “Adapt and Overcome”.