2026 PSD Library/Learning Resource Center: Zimal Amir
Zimal Amir was only about 9 years old when she first visited Cypress College. She came for her cousin’s graduation and took a trip to the STEM center after the ceremony. She felt a strong sense of community and knew it was a place she wanted to go. A few short years later, at age 16, Zimal enrolled.
Attending at a young age was intimidating, she says, but she got involved and built her confidence to pursue the STEM classes she was dedicated to. She was involved with the STEM^2 Program; she served as a Supplemental Instruction (SI) Program SI Leader for Cellular and Molecular Biology; and she founded a chapter of the American Medical Student Association (AMSA) on campus, where she organized workshops with doctors and medical student guest speakers.
Soon, she said, “Cypress College quickly became a place where I felt supported and guided every step of the way.”
“The advice I would give to current and future Cypress College students is to enjoy their time here while it lasts. The sense of community and care at Cypress College is something special and not easily found elsewhere.”
Please tell us about yourself. Where did you grow up? What are your interests? What is your story?
I grew up in Cerritos for most of my life. In middle school, I transferred to a private school in Diamond Bar, where I graduated high school two years early through the California High School Proficiency Exam (CHSPE). During my time there, I competed in debate tournaments, coached younger students, and participated in the LA County Science Fair, while ultimately graduating as valedictorian of my class.
Starting Cypress College at just sixteen years old was both exciting and overwhelming. Although I had built a strong academic foundation, I quickly realized that success in a rigorous STEM environment would require discipline and challenge me to grow beyond grades. Over time, I developed a genuine curiosity for understanding complex concepts and applying knowledge to daily life. Outside of school, my interests include spending time with friends and family.
What are you most passionate about? Why?
I am most passionate about helping others, which is what drives my interest in biology and healthcare. I enjoy exploring new concepts and asking questions that spark my curiosity, and I believe that learning is a lifelong process. Being able to study a field that has always fascinated me while working toward a career centered on caring for others is something I am extremely grateful for.
Why did you choose Cypress College?
My earliest memories of Cypress College come from driving past the campus and knowing it was where my cousin attended. I remember going to her graduation in 2019 and visiting the STEM center afterward. The community I saw that day left a lasting impression on me. From that moment, I knew that if I chose to attend a community college, it would be Cypress. Beyond that initial connection, I was drawn to Cypress College because of the strong support system and wide range of resources available to students. Hearing about my cousin’s positive experience and the college’s strong reputation for academic excellence reassured me that it would be an environment where I can grow both academically and personally.
What have you been involved in at Cypress College? How has your path unfolded?
While at Cypress College, I have been involved in the Supplemental Instruction (SI) Program, serving as an SI Leader for Cellular and Molecular Biology for two years. In this role, I led biweekly peer-assisted learning sessions to help students succeed in the course. Through this experience, I strengthened both my leadership and communication skills while building a strong presence on campus. Additionally, I took the initiative to found a chapter of the American Medical Student Association (AMSA) at Cypress College. As president and founder of the AMSA chapter, I organized workshops featuring doctors and medical student guest speakers, while providing resources such as research opportunities to help pre-medical students on campus connect, grow, and navigate their career paths. I have also been involved with the STEM^2 Program, where I attended career-focused workshops and gained access to valuable resources, including internships and scholarships. Together, these experiences have shaped my path by preparing me for a future in medicine.
Share a memorable event or experience while you’ve been a Cypress College student.
A memorable experience I had as a Cypress College student was finishing my Organic Chemistry final with my friends and then going out for tacos afterward. We ended the night at The Source, just relaxing and celebrating the end of a challenging course together.
Who are the faculty and staff (in your major, an academic or other support program, etc.) who have helped you get where you are today?
Dr. Adel Rajab has been a pivotal individual throughout my Cypress College journey. I am deeply grateful for his unwavering support and belief in me. His Cellular and Molecular Biology course ignited my passion for biology and reminded me why I chose this path in the first place. I have learned so much from him, both in and beyond the classroom, and his guidance has had a lasting impact on my growth.
I would also like to sincerely thank Janelle Salina, Veronica Del Campo, Charlene Buggs, my coworkers, and the staff in the Learning Resource Center. Their consistent support, encouragement, and belief in me have played a significant role in my development as both a student and a leader. I would not be where I am today without their presence and guidance throughout my journey, and I am truly grateful to be receiving this award because of them.
How has Cypress College supported you throughout your time at the college?
As someone who had to figure out the ins and outs of college at a young age, I initially felt intimidated. Fortunately, Cypress College quickly became a place where I felt supported and guided every step of the way. Resources like the Tutoring Center, especially with the help of Minh, played a key role in my academic growth in subjects like Chemistry, helping me progress from struggling with moles to understanding complex organic reactions. Beyond academics, programs such as the Transfer Center, Charger Experience, Student Life and Leadership, and the Learning Resource Center provided me with opportunities to grow professionally. What truly sets Cypress apart, though, is the sense of community. The idea that “we take this journey together” felt real in my experience, as I was never alone in my challenges or successes. Through the connections I’ve built with students, faculty, and staff, Cypress has become a space where I feel motivated, supported, and genuinely excited to show up each day.
What are your immediate plans after completing your studies at Cypress College (at your transfer institution, in the workforce, etc.)?
After completing my studies at Cypress College and earning my Associate of Science in Biology, I plan to transfer to a four-year university to complete my undergraduate education and obtain a Bachelor of Science in Biology.
What are your long-term goals? What do you aspire to?
My long-term goal is to attend medical school and pursue a career as a cardiothoracic surgeon. I am particularly interested in surgery because I am motivated by the field’s complexity and intensity as well as its profound impact on people’s lives. I also aspire to travel and serve patients in underserved and resource-limited communities around the world.
What are you most proud of?
I am most proud of my growth, not only as a student, but as a person. Looking back, graduating two years early challenged me to step into demanding courses before I felt fully ready. But through persistence, late-night studying, and seeking support, I built confidence in my abilities. At the same time, I pushed myself out of my comfort zone, allowing me to grow from being reserved to forming meaningful connections with peers, professors, and mentors. This journey has shaped me into a more confident and stronger individual, and this award serves as a reminder that all of my hard work was worth it.
What bit of advice would you give to current and future Cypress College students?
The advice I would give to current and future Cypress College students is to enjoy their time here while it lasts. The sense of community and care at Cypress College is something special and not easily found elsewhere. And remember, growth isn’t always linear; there will be ups and downs, but every step is an essential part of the journey.
Is there anyone in particular you’d like to thank?
I would like to thank my mom, my dad, and my sister for being my constant source of strength throughout everything. Their encouragement, patience, and belief in me carried me through both the highs and the lows. I am also incredibly grateful for my friends and extended family, whose support and encouragement mean more than I can express.