B.A. in Social Science, 1994; Student Affairs Counselor
School of Education
August 1, 2009
Students and DoE Benefit from Admissions Counselor’s Familiarity with California K-12, Community College, CSU, and UC Systems
I consider myself an accidental alum from UC Irvine. The only reason I transferred to Irvine rather than UCLA or UC Riverside was because the air was cleaner here (I’m an asthmatic who grew up in Carson, California). Since that fateful day in September 1990 when I began classes, I have become a lifer…someone who comes to UCI as a student and then transitions to employee. UC Irvine has helped shape who I am today, and I am grateful for the opportunity to continue my employment at this institution.
From the first time we set foot in California in 1976 from Puerto Rico, my mother instilled in her four children the importance of education. I took her words to heart and worked to have the most meaningful and well-rounded educational experiences possible. I am a product of the California K-12, Community College, CSU, and UC systems. With this varied experience I now believe that education is a process, not a commodity, and an invaluable part of one’s personal journey towards self-discovery. Education is an essential concept of any democratic society, and is seen by many as a human right. This philosophy and my personal experiences inform my every interaction and guide my career and educational decisions.
One of the best choices I ever made professionally was to join the ranks of the Department of Education. I feel truly blessed to be working in this department. This place is a home to both my heart and my mind. As I transition to the position of admissions counselor, I hope to do justice to the stellar work that was done by my predecessor. I hope to bring to the position the benefits of my academic preparation in counseling, and my extensive and varied experience in education administration. It is important for students to understand that their success also depends on their connection to the administrative structure of any institution. As such, I hope to be that part of that connection and help students successfully matriculate to graduation. I look forward to the work each and every day, and to help students become the teaching professionals they are seeking to be.
In order to truthfully promote the benefits of education, I try to improve my self professionally and personally by taking courses in counseling, art history, writing, research methods, grant writing, wine-tasting, and notary public. My personal academic achievements include a bachelor’s degree in psychology, a master’s of science degree in counseling, a certificate in grant writing, and a certification as a notary public for the state of California. I consider myself a “foodie” and love to experiment with breads and quiches…to the benefit of my family and co-workers. Like many in this department, I balance work with motherhood, and have a spouse and two lovely toddler-age children that are my reason for living.