Alumni Team -

our team

arantxa

Arantxa A. Sanchez (She/Her/Hers)
Alumni Network Associate
California State San Marcos, ’18
B.A. in Criminology & Justice
Sociology Minor

Hometown: San Marcos, CA

One interesting fact about you: I recently started up a small business Hecho Con Amor, all your celebration needs made with love, and a Youtube channel! I love connecting with others!

What I wish I had known when I was in college: There is still time to get involved on campus no matter what year or semester it is! People you connect with during college show once it’s time to graduate and are looking for the next step! And to also find your balance, be your best advocate, and keep up your amazing work, you’re here for a reason!

brenda

Brenda Trujillo Sanchez (She/Her/Hers)
Lead Instructor
College Apps Academy & Alumni Support
University of California Irvine, ’17
B.A. Psychology; B.A. Education Sciences

Hometown: Riverside, CA

One interesting fact about you: I was born in a small pueblo in Morelos, Mexico and immigrated to the US when I was nine.

What I wish I had known when I was in college: I wish I had known that it was okay to ask for help. As a first-generation student, I was a little lost and tried figuring things out on my own. As a result, I didn’t take advantage of the resources UCI had until my 3rd year in college. While I’m grateful for the learning experience, I wish I could’ve learned to advocate for myself much earlier on. Look for the different resources your campus offers and if you need help doing this, know that it’s okay to fall back on your support system as well.

Gerardo

Gerardo Ameriel Jaimes Garcia (He/Him/His)
Manager, Logistics & Partnerships
College Apps Academy
University of California, San Diego, ’13
B.A. Ethnic Studies

Hometown: San Diego, CA

One interesting fact about you: I enjoy playing soccer on weekends.

What I wish I had known when I was in college: That creating and maintaining networks is pretty much essential for personal and professional growth after college. I was fortunate to figure it out by accident in my last two years of college.

Patty

Patty D. Mendoza (She/Her/Hers)
Director, Alumni Network
Long Beach City College, ’05
East Los Angeles Community College, ’05
A.A. Liberal Arts
University of California, Berkeley, ’07
B.A Sociology and Chicanx Studies
California State University, Northridge, ’09
M.A Chicanx Studies

Hometown: East Los Angeles, CA and Paramount, CA

One interesting fact about you: I really enjoy traveling and my goal is to see all the seven wonders of the world. So far I’ve only visited Chichen Itza.

What I wish I had known when I was in college: I wish I had known that I didn’t have to have it all figured out and that obtaining a balance with my academic and social life was possible. As a community college transfer student, I was very regimented with my academic plan, I felt like I had to prioritize my academics and part-time job so I could transfer as quickly as possible because I felt like I was behind. I imposed deadlines on myself that limited my opportunity to get involved on campus as much as I would have liked to and I also missed out on the opportunity to study abroad. I wish I had known that it was ok to take my time and enjoy being a student and that it wouldn’t come at the expense of my academic success.

Thesis: The Role of Consejos in the Succes of Latinx Community College Transfer Students