Meet the FYE team!
Academic Counselors
Jessica Cerda
College/University/Grad School: Fullerton College, CSU Fullerton, University of La Verne
Major/Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Master of Science in Educational Counseling
Hometown: Whittier, CA
Favorite snack/food: Pappardelle Pasta and CHEESE!!!!
One interesting fact: I use to Hawaiian Dance for 8 years.
Piece of advice for FYE students: Make sure to utilize the resources on campus, ask lots of questions and build relationships with students, professors and staff.
Eric Romero
College/University/Grad School: Cerritos College, UC Santa Cruz, CSU Long Beach
Major/Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, Master of Science in Counseling, option in Student Development in Higher Education
Hometown: South Gate, CA
Favorite food: Egg (any style!)
One interesting fact: I have double vision so I have to wear glasses to see singular images.
Piece of advice for FYE students: Whenever you have a question, make sure to get up and ask for help. Also, don't forget to get involved on campus so you can make amazing memories!
Success Coaches
Sasha Davila (2nd Year Coach)
Click the link to Schedule a Check In: sashalaccfye.youcanbook.me
College/University/Grad School: San Diego Mesa Community College, UCLA, CSU Dominguez Hills
Major/Degree: Associate of Arts in Art & French, Bachelor's of Arts in Art History, minor in Chicana(o) Studies, Master's of Science in Counseling, College Counseling (in progress)
Hometown: San Diego, CA
Favorite snack/food: Sushi, chilaquiles, pad thai, and anything from Trader Joes's
One interesting fact: I have 1 cat and 20 plants in my apartment=plant cat lady
Piece of advice for FYE students: I like the quote "Luck favors the prepared" so the more prepared you are the more successful you will be. If you need help with preparedness find the people that will guide and help you stay on track! Use a planner and always stay on top of deadlines and activities to have a healthy life balance.
Irma Figueroa
Click the link to Schedule a Check In:irma-fyesuccesscoach.youcanbook.me
College/University/Grad School: University of California, Santa Barbara, California State University, Northridge
Major/Degree: Bachelor's of Arts in Sociology and Chicano and Chicana Studies. Minor in Applied Psychology, Master's of Science in College Counseling and Student Services (in progress).
Hometown: San Diego, CA
Favorite snack/food: Pizza, Tacos, Lasagna, Enchiladas, Sushi, Chocolate Shakes, Hot Cheetos, Ice-cream
One interesting fact: I went skydiving without having ever been on a plane before, so the first time I went on a plane, I jumped out of it!
Piece of advice for FYE students: Always ASK QUESTIONS and reach out for help! It's okay to not know everything or anything at all, however what is not okay, is to not ask questions. People are always willing to help, college is not meant to be achieved alone, support systems exist for a reason ....make the most use of the tools available and create your own personalized toolbox to navigate through the system successfully!
Claudia Montalvan
Click the link to Schedule a Check In:claudiagearupfye.youcanbook.me
College/University/Grad School: Los Angeles City College, CSU Dominguez Hills, Mount Saint Mary’s University
Major/Degree: Associate of Arts in Psychology & Human Services, Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Masters of Science in General Counseling (in progress)
Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
Favorite snack/food: Sushi, Ceviche, Pho, and deserts.
One interesting fact: I have a sweet tooth
Piece of advice for FYE students: The secret to getting ahead is getting started. Don’t leave things for the last minute. When things get hard, don’t give up, keep going. Stay close to your professors. Make friends that you can do study groups with. We all view and understand things differently. Learning and working in groups can provide you a better understanding of things. Remember that where there is a will, there is a way! Reach out for help.
Full Name: Brandon Trujilo
College/University/Grad School: University of Southern California
Major/Degree: Masters in Educational Counseling
Hometown: Bell, California
Favorite snack/food: Chocolate
One interesting fact: I’ve had the opportunity in living and working in 3 other countries.
Piece of advice for FYE students: Don’t be afraid to reach out! It makes a huge difference when you connect with those around you. We are here to support
FYE Intern
Full Name: Connie Wu
College/University/Grad School: UCLA, CSU Dominguez Hills
Major/Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Master of Science in Counseling
Hometown: Arcadia, CA
Favorite snack/food: sushi, popcorn, chocolate chip cookies, cheese puffs
One interesting fact: I love stand-up comedy
Piece of advice for FYE students: You are not alone in your educational journey. Don’t be afraid. Ask for help. Get involved. Connect with as many people as you can. It can lead you to amazing opportunities you didn’t think possible.
Student Workers
Full Name: Katherine G Guemes
College: LACC/University: TBA
Major: Communication Studies
Hometown: East Hollywood
Favorite Snack/Food: Cherry Tomatoes, Cucumbers with Hummus, Vegan Burgers!
One Interesting Fact: I am a cat lover! I have three cats at home and also becoming a eco-friendly person!
Piece of advice for FYE students: Use a planner to help track your assignments, work, etc. Also go to office hours with assignments that you need help on, it helps a lot!!! Seek out resources on campus as they help you financially, academically, and personally .
Full Name: Marilyn Martin
College/University/ Grad School: Los Angeles City College
Major/ Degree: Nursing
Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
Favorite snack/food: Seafood, Fruit, Tacos, Sushi, Açaí bowls
One Interesting Fact: I used to have a pet iguana named Spike
Piece of advice for FYE students: One of the most important things I’ve learned is to ask help when you need it, use all of the resources the school offers. Also stay on top of your work because it makes life way easier and you’ll be able to live your life without worrying that your behind with assignments.
Full Name: Jose Ismael Chavez
College: LACC
Major/Degree: Computer Technology
Hometown: Los Angeles
Favorite snack/food: Pizza
One interesting fact: I'm a huge pokémon fan and my favorite pokémon is mudkip!
Piece of advice for FYE students: Take advantage of the resources that are available. Don't be afraid to ask for assistance! We're here to help!