Our Student Success Stories
Geqigula Dlamini, (GQ): Major: Gen Education Transfer (IGETC), CSU
GQ is a dedicated student with many goals. He would like to start by working at an accounting or finance firm, next establishing a consulting firm or working for a firm that is in the forefront of the renewable resources innovation. Specifically, he would like to focus on finding and providing financing services to “green-tech’ industries. After receiving his Associates in Arts at American River College, he will continue on to a four-year University. From there he would like to pursue his Masters at one of the top ten graduate schools in the country such as Stanford or Harvard.
Kathleen Houston: Major: Science, General, Associate in Science
Kathleen is both a second year student and member of Phi Theta Kappa National Honors Society at American River College. She is dedicated to helping children and their families understand and face the challenges associated with autism. Kathleen has a solid foundation due to her volunteer activities as an intern at Sacramento State in their Autism Center for Excellence program. After graduating with honors from American River, she will transfer to a four-year college with her final academic goal being her Masters Degree in Behavior Analysis.
Parisa Lotfi: Major: Engineering Technology, Associate in Science
Parisa is reaching for the stars, while boasting a 4.0 GPA at American River College. Her ultimate academic goal is to earn her Ph.D. degree in Aerospace Engineering which she plans to accomplish after graduating from Cal Poly. Since Parisa, was a high school student, she has been dreaming of working for NASA as an Aerospace Engineer where she will design and build aircraft shuttles, while specializing in becoming a Payload Specialist which will lead to an opportunity to go on a voyage as an astronaut.
David Karustis: Major: Nursing, Associate in Science
David is working towards earning his Associate’s Degree of Nursing. He received his Master’s degree in Medical Science and planned to go to medical school. But, when he and his wife started a family, his son was born with autism and caring for him became David’s priority. Since it demanded a great deal of his time, David put his career goals on hold. Today, his son is doing very well and David is excited that he has returned to school. He hopes to work as a Registered Nurse in either Pediatric Oncology or Cardiology.
Annalisa Mayer: Major: Funeral Service Education, Associate in Science
Annalisa is excited to be in her last year of studies for her Associate’s Degree in Funeral Science. After completing her degree in Funeral Science, she hopes to gain an apprenticeship for embalming. In addition to her academic goals, she has joined the Beta Theta Pi chapter where she looks forward to helping those in need.
Adrienne Goodwin: Major: Art New Media, Associate in Arts
Adrienne has been in love with art since her early pre-school years, she has constructed numerous comics and drawings that have brought smiles and praise from everyone who sees them. Instead of being discouraged when others told her she was too old to watch cartoons, she held on to her dream of producing her own creations on a network channel. Through her many volunteer activities she is asked to read her poetry or show her drawings.
Joshua Marker: Major: Mathematics, Associate in Science
Joshua Marker is excited to recapture and pursue his childhood dream of becoming a scientist. After joining the Marine Corps he matured and gained the discipline he needed. He has tutored in an array of courses including Chemistry and Biology. Helping students grasp problem solving strategies, study skills and test-taking strategies has both been gratifying for him and the students he helps. Joshua loves Mathematics and Science and will take that love to UC Berkeley in the fall of 2011 upon transferring from American River College.
Alyssa Piombo: Major: Science, General, Associate in Science
Alyssa Piombo is excited about becoming a Clinical Nutritionist. She is especially interested in this field because it is something that affects every person directly. She has successfully taken many classes related to her major such as Biology and Physics. She wants to pursue a career in the medical profession where she can work with people in order to improve their health. She will be transferring to UC Davis in the fall.
Ryan Shuart: Major: Automotive Alternative Fuels Technologies and Computer Engineering/Design
Ever since Ryan was a little boy he loved taking his toys apart to understand how they worked and it drove his mom nuts. So now he takes apart big toys and learns how to make them better in ARC’s Automotive Technology program. He spent most of his life in construction and feels he found his true passion in working on automobile hybrids and electric vehicles with greener technologies. His goal is to continue his education and obtain his Bachelor’s degree with an automotive focus.
April Fenall: Major: Communications, Transferred to CSUS Sacramento
April is excited to be a graduate of American River College. She has transferred to CSUS Sacramento to pursue her Communications degree. She chose Marketing and Communication in as her career choice because she hopes to educate the public and change the public’s behavior towards topics like renewable energy, tobacco, education and health to name a few. April just started work as the student assistant for the Foundation/Community Relations Office.
Ashley Stewart: Major: General Ed, Transfer to CSU
Ashley Stewart is excited to become a Certified Nurse Midwife. After becoming a mother, there was no question of what career path she wanted to take. She believes that she can provide exceptional Midwife care; she aims to be one of the best Midwife’s in California. After finishing her degree at American River College next semester, she will transfer to a four-year University to pursue her Nursing degree-ending with graduate school where she will become a Certified Nurse/Midwife
