What was your major?
Geography
What year did you graduate?
2014
Tell us a little about yourself.
I am the product of great professors from the Grossmont College Earth Science Department. I went to Grossmont for six years — and though I earned a “D” in my first physical geography class, I fell in love with the subject. Now here I am — from D to Degree — teaching the very course I once failed to college students each semester. I was able to turn my academic trajectory around with the support of Professors like Judd Curran, Scott Therkalsen, Tim Cliffe, and Mark Goodman.
What was your journey after Grossmont College? What do you do now?
Once I transferred from Grossmont to San Diego State University, I majored in geography and minored in geology. I attended graduate school there as well and earned my master of science in geography with an emphasis in watershed science. I am a full-time lecturer at San Diego State University and have taught a few years at Grossmont College. I teach courses in Physical Geography, GIS, Sustainability, Conservation Science, etc. I am not only excited to teach courses in subjects that I am passionate about, I love the mentoring aspect of my job. I was supported by my professors in many ways and I want to pay that forward.
Tell us a little about yourself
The Earth Science Department was influential to my success. They gave me their time, support, and tools to be successful in college. I still have a paper Scott Therkalsen gave the class on how to be successful in college. I now provide it to my students as well!
What are some of your favorite memories?
1) Graduating from Grossmont College after six years and seeing the Earth Science professors there in full support cheering us graduates on!
2) Teaching my first class at Grossmont College in the subject I had once failed, in the same classroom I had sat in as a student.