Student Ambassadors, 2015-16
Introducing our Student Ambassadors for 2016! Turn to this crew for help getting oriented in your first few weeks on-campus. They’ll guide you to your classes and direct you to the departments and faculty/staff you need to start the semester strongly. They are also a wonderful resource for info on how to get involved in student life, programs that will help you succeed, and general tips on the many perks that Cypress has to offer.
In addition to their on-campus presence, our Student Ambassadors also serve as representatives of the College in the wider community – at high school fairs, outreach events and in other public relations functions.
Have a question? You can find them at their home-base in the Student Center or out-and-about around campus.
So here’s your “go-to” group for this upcoming year:
Angel Garcia (A.S. President)
Quick bio:
Q: Hometown: Stanton / Communications Major – hopes to transfer to Cal State Long Beach and become a television personality.
Q. Why did you choose Cypress?
It was a backup after not being able to attend a Cal State like I had planned. It is one of the closest community colleges to where I live. It turns out to have been one of the best decisions I have ever made. You can save a lot of money and the caliber of the professors is amazing.
Q: Why did you want to become a student ambassador?
I wanted to guide students to a successful and fun educational journey and
lead by example.
Q: Best resource on campus?
The Associated Students (I may be slightly biased 😉 Angel’s the A.S. President
Q: Best place to eat on or around campus?
Kush Bowl and Albertacos!
Steven Tataje
Quick bio:
Hometown: Cypress
Q: Why did you want to become a student ambassador?
I wanted to inspire students through my own story and help them be aware of resources available that will help them be successful. As a first-year I didn’t take advantage of them and was disqualified from Cypress College because of that and other bad decisions made. Now, I’ve come back with a purpose – returning as an honors student and ready to get back on track and finish.
Q: Best Resource on campus?
The Learning Resource Center
Q: Best pace to eat on or around campus?
The Bagel Shop down the street, across the bookstore, by the liquor store.
Priscilla Ferreira
Quick bio:
Q: Hometown: Anaheim / Returning Student studying Travel & Tourism; customer-service orientation for global airline companies.
Q. Why did you choose Cypress?
I chose Cypress College for its conviction to convey knowledge to anyone.
Q: Why did you want to become a student ambassador?
I wanted to become a Student Ambassador to help and assist fellow students.
Q: Best resource on campus?
The Student Ambassador Welcome Center!
Tu Tran
Quick bio:
Q: Hometown: Born in Vietnam / Nursing Student
Q. Why did you choose Cypress?
The Nursing Program is the best around.
Q: Why did you want to become a student ambassador?
I become an Ambassador because I had hard experience when I first came here. Now I have knowledge and information of the school as I’m almost done. I would like to convey all that I’ve learned to everyone who wants to go to school – especially Cypress. Moreover, I would like to help and lead Vietnamese students who first come to the U.S or who choose to return to school. I want them to choose Cypress College. The College has many educational programs in which students can get certificates for working in many kind of fields or transfer to a four-year university. We also have our neighbor, SCE, where new immigrants can get free ESL classes. This is a very nice place to start the education.
Q: Best place to eat on or around campus?
Across the street, on Valley View, there are a few restaurants where many students hang out and enjoy the food.
Karina Campos
Quick bio:
Q: Hometown: Anaheim / Returning Biology Student; aims to transfer to UCI or CSUF.
Q. Why did you choose Cypress?
I came to Cypress because I loved the campus and the help I received from day one.
Q: Why did you want to become a student ambassador?
I became an Ambassador because I love working with people as well as helping them.
Q: Best resource on campus?
The Student Learning Center is the best resource on campus.
Q: Best place to eat on or around campus?
Eating by the pond is very relaxing for me.
Hien Nguyen
Quick bio:
Q: Hometown: I was born in Saigon, Vietnam and came here five years ago for a family reunion. I’m a Chemistry student with an aim to transfer to a four-year. I currently live in Garden Grove.
Q. Why did you choose Cypress?
I came to Cypress College with the initial assistance of my aunt who studied at Cypress over 20 years ago. She shared her great learning experience with me. I decided to come here in order to pursue a higher education since I realized that it is a pathway out of poverty. Cypress College is a beautiful campus. I have had great opportunities to make friends with many students coming from many backgrounds different than my own. This is one of the reasons I chose Cypress as my first college to start in the United States.
Q: Why did you want to become a student ambassador?
I wanted to be a Student Ambassador in order to share my own college experiences to new students who need guidance. I know how frustrating new students feel when they first enroll in college. They may hesitate to ask questions, or they don’t know where to ask. Now, as a student ambassador, it is my pleasure to assist fellow students to succeed in college life. Also, being a part of the Ambassador Team helps me improve essential skills of teamwork and gain interpersonal communication skills.
Q: Best resource on campus?
The LRC building (Library & Learning Resource Center)! I usually go to the Learning Resource Center during breaks to do my homework assignments. There are a variety of computers student can use as well as tutors available to all students if they need help for their courses.
Q: Best place to eat on or around campus?
I often pack my lunch. However, I really enjoy eating in the SEM building! Besides that, there is a studying area on the second floor if students want to study there while waiting for the next class. If you need a quite place to study, go to the library! This is a wonderful place on earth, and it’s here on our campus.
Phung Ly
Quick bio:
Q: Where did you grow-up / hometown?
I was born in Sai Gon (Ho Chi Minh City), Vietnam and lived there for more than 20 years.
Q: Why did you come to Cypress?
I came here because my uncle is an alum.
Q: What is your major?
BioChemistry. I hope to transfer to UC Irvine after Cypress.
Q: Favorite local spot?
I’m always looking for good Vietnamese, Korean and Chinese restaurants.
Q: Hobbies?
Eating and traveling.
Bobby Glover
Quick bio:
Q: Hometown: born in LA, raised in Anaheim – not too far from Knott’s and Disneyland / Physics and Mathematics major; hopes to transfer to CSUF.
Q. Why did you choose Cypress?
I came to Cypress College because of the dance department. I attended one of the concerts and wanted to take some dance classes here. Once here, I fell in love with the staff, professors, and administrators.
Q: Why did you want to become a student ambassador?
I’m a people-person. I love to help! There are so many resources here.
Q: Best resource on campus?
I believe the greatest resource on campus is the EOPS program.
Q: Best place to eat on or around campus?
The best place to chow down has to be Albertacos. AMAZING!
Vanna Tran
Quick bio:
Q: Hometown: Orange County
Q. Why did you choose Cypress?
I decided to come to Cypress College because of the good vibes it gave off when I wandered around the campus one weekend during swap meet hours. I like that despite the rather large crowds sometimes, Cypress College is never too hectic that it feels overwhelming.
Q: Best place to eat on or around campus?
Francos Italian Restaurant
Ben Tadesse
Quick bio:
Q: Where did you grow-up / hometown?
I grew up in Springfield, Virginia, but I was born in Los Angeles.
Q: Why did you come to Cypress?
I chose Cypress after visiting the campus for the first time in July 2015. I felt a good vibe, so it was a no-brainer for me.
Q: What is your major?
Finance & Computer Science.
Q: Favorite sport in SoCal?
Redlands.
Q: Hobbies?
I enjoy going to the gym and going on hikes.
Anissa Angelic Garcia
Quick bio:
Q: Hometown: Norwalk
Q. Why did you choose Cypress?
Cypress was super accessible and I knew I would get a great education and preparation to transfer in an affordable way, while learning about the college experience.
Q: Why did you want to become a student ambassador?
I believe that there are so many opportunities that are attainable with just a little help, and the programs and experience that Cypress College offers is great for any student, any nationality, any age. Education is important to me and I want to share the knowledge and student experience that I have, with other students to help make their transition into higher education easier. Anyone can do this!
Q: Best resource on campus?
Puente Program is one of the great programs that we offer on this campus to students that meet the requirements.
Q: Best place to eat on or around campus?
Albertaco’s across the street from Campus offers awesome Mexican food at great prices, and 7 leaves has great tea options for that afternoon pick me up!
Moriah Pleasant
Quick bio:
Q: Hometown: Cerritos / Digital Arts Media – Film Student / Hopes to transfer to UC Santa Cruz.
Q. Why did you choose Cypress?
It has a strong transfer program and great student support services.
Q: Why did you want to become a student ambassador?
To let others know of our quality programs and to meet people.
Annie Trinh
Quick bio:
Q: Hometown: Saigon, Vietnam / Buena Park / Studying Health Care Administration.
Q. Why did you choose Cypress?
It’s a beautiful campus with a very friendly atmosphere.
Q: Why did you want to become a student ambassador?
I had a very difficult start and know that I know what I do I want to give back. I don’t want other students to feel alone.
Claudia Villasenor
Quick bio:
Q. Hometown: Anaheim
Q. Why did you choose Cypress?
My older sister is a fellow Cypress College Student. She encouraged me to attend this beautiful campus. I am also aware of the great programs that it offers, and the great environment Cypress offers to its students. That is why we are the #3 community college in California!
Q: Why did you want to become a student ambassador?
I decided to become a Student Ambassador because I want to help students, both current and prospective, to make wise decisions that will help them in their academic journey. Everyone needs a little guidance to build the confidence needed for a bright future, and that is what being a Student Ambassador is supposed to do.
Q: Best resource on campus?
The Welcome Center is the best resource on campus. The reason being that the Welcome Center is the first door a student encounters for the future ahead. I love the fact that the smiles of the Student Ambassadors get to be the first to greet all the Cypress College students, faculty, staff and visitors.
Q: Best place to eat on or around campus?
I think the best place to eat on campus is the Charger Café because they sell great Sandwiches and a variety of food affordable to the needs of every student. The Charger Café also has a great ambiance that makes all students feel at home.
Ian Perez
Quick bio:
Q. Hometown: Los Alamitos
Q. Why did you choose Cypress?
The location and recommendations from previous students.
Q: Why did you want to become a student ambassador?
To work with younger students who may not know exactly what they want to do in life.
Q: Best resource on campus?
The Cypress College Student Ambassadors.
Q: Best place to eat on or around campus?
The food outside of the mathematics (SEM) building
Tuan Nguyen
Quick bio:
Q: Where did you grow-up / hometown?
I grew up in Vietnam.
Q: Why did you come to Cypress?
I chose Cypress mostly because I had a good feeling about the school.
Q: What is your major?
Computer Science. I hope to transfer to UC Berkeley.
Q: Hobbies?
I enjoy watching movies and hanging out.
Vi Ly
Quick bio:
Q: Where did you grow-up / hometown?
Ho Chi Minh City (Sai Gon), Vietnam
Q: Why did you come to Cypress?
I came to Cypress to follow in the footsteps of my family. Both my uncle and aunt graduated from Cypress College a long time ago. I also heard that Cypress is one of the top three community colleges in California, which opens a lot of opportunities for me.
Q: What is your major?
Electrical Engineering. I hope to transfer to UC Berkeley.
Q: Hobbies?
I enjoy gaming, practicing martial arts, trying foods from other cultures and hanging out with friends.
Thank you, Ambassadors, for helping everyone with #GettingOriented!
#CypressCollege: a Top Three California Community College.
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– #1 in the U.S. | Top Toyota T-TEN Auto-Tech Program in the Nation.
– #2 in C.A. | Top Two ESL & Basic Skills English Programs in California.
– #3 in C.A. | Ranked as a Top Three California Community College (Schools.com)
– #3 in the Region | Ranked Top Three in Greater Los Angeles & Orange County for Student Transfer and Graduation Rates (EdSmart.org)
– 15 of 113 | California Community Colleges piloting a Bachelor’s Degree (Mortuary Science)
– #17 in the U.S. | National Ranking on MTV-U’s website “Rate-My-Professor”
– Top National Licensure Exam Pass Rates | Perfect state licensure pass rates for students in the following programs: Dental Hygiene, Diagnostic Medical Sonography: Abdomen; Diagnostic Medical Sonography (OB/Gyn); Diagnostic Medical Sonography: Physics; and Mortuary Science: Sciences. 90+% state licensure exam pass rates for students in the following programs: Dental Assisting; Mortuary Science (Arts); Radiology Technology. And85%+ state licensure rates for students in: Health Information Technology; Nursing; and Psychiatric Technology.
– 2/3ds of the Class of 2015 qualified for transfer to a UC or CSU institution.
– 75 Orange Empire Athletics Conference Titles
– 25 California Community College Athletic Association State Championship Titles