Biographies

Alexa

Hello, I’m Alexa and I am currently a mechanical engineering major here at PCC. I love stories so I most enjoy reading books, watching shows, or having conversations. I like puzzles, my favorite instrument is the piano, and I love good weather. I’m always open to learning about anything and I’m excited to work as a tutor!

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Andrew

Hi everyone my name is Andrew, I am currently majoring in business economics. I plan to transfer to UCLA or UCB for the School of Business. My goal as far as my career is to be an actuary and business developer. Aside from school in my free time, I enjoy many things like watching movies and listening to music. Some of my favorite movies are La Haine and Pulp Fiction.

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Angela

Hi, my name is Angela and I am currently majoring in Nursing. I plan to take the nursing program offered here at PCC to become an RN. In my spare time, I love watercolor painting, calligraphy baking, shopping, and watching any murder mystery or crime drama on Netflix. I also enjoy writing, specifically how words can have a profound effect in our lives, helping us become better communicators. I look forward to working with you!

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Aster

Heyo! My name is Aster (they/them) and I’m currently majoring in Linguistics. I hope to transfer to the University of Hawai’i at Manōa to major in Filipino and eventually teach it as a professor. Even though Filipino is my native and first language, I still have a lot I’d like to learn. In my spare time I like to read, draw, write, play Minecraft, take naps, and daydream about having a cat. Feel free to talk to me about fantasy, mystery, thriller or romance novels!

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Bastian

I’m Bastian, a Humanities and Digital Media Art student with an interest in multimedia. My writing has been published both in PCC’s own Inscape Magazine and through my last occupation at a local non-profit news organization. Feel free to chat with me about interactive storytelling, collage, or the minutiae of cities! As your tutor, I hope to provide tools that will help you analyze your work and communicate more strongly with each piece. Let’s both write something to be proud of!

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Camille

Hi there! I’m Camille, and I’m a Philosophy major here at PCC. I love singing, my 6 cats, breakfast foods, and scary movies. In my free time, I enjoy reading memoirs, short stories, and poetry, which often inspire my own writings and musical compositions. I look forward to working with you this year at the Writing Center.

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Casey

My name is Casey and I’m a tutor at the Writing Success Center for fellow scholars at CORE (Community Overcoming Recidivism through Education). Aside from writing, my many special interests include: cats, creative writing/journalism, learning about and foraging for edible plants and mushrooms, playing the synthesizer, thrift shopping as well as cooking/baking and more! I’m interested in pursuing an interdisciplinary education centered around social justice issues and I am currently undecided on where I would like to transfer.

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Dylan

Hey! I’m Dylan (he/they) I’m at PCC studying studio art with a focus on ceramics. I’d like to specialize in making large scale works. I love ceramics because it’s expressive and enriching. Creating art this way grounds me. When I’m not at school making pots, I love listening to music, reading, and hanging out at the park.

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Emilia

Hi! I’m Emilia and I am currently majoring in Sociology at PCC. Reading has been one of my favorites since I was in elementary school. I often read novels and fiction but my reading list includes different genres. I also love photography and swimming. I am excited to become a tutor in the Writing Center. I look forward to supporting you here.

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Jazel

Hi Everyone! My name is Jazel, and I’m an English major at PCC hoping to transfer to UCLA! A bit about me: I love cooking, baking, and blasting music on any occasion. I have a record collection which is mostly Beatles and Billy Joel but I enjoy other genres such as R&B, soul, and jazz. I’m an avid movie watcher and going to the movies is one of my favorite activities. Speaking of jazz music, my favorite movie is Lala land! Since I’m an English major, it’s a given that I enjoy reading and writing outside of assignments in school. As a tutor, I look forward to helping others find fun in writing by finding their voice!

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Jell

I am Jell, I am an English and Cinema History tutor for the Writing Support Center, PASS, and Puente. I love to write in my free time and read. I am a film major and I absolutely love movies. I am also literate and can write in Aurebesh (Star Wars writing). I have 4 cats and a dog. I love horror, occult, and gothy stuff. Favorite animals are bats. Collects cool t-shirts. Speaks some German. Ask me anything about Star Wars and Marvel.

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Jocelyn

Hello! My name is Jocelyn and I study Computer Engineering here at PCC. I enjoy spending my free time reading, writing, listening to music, and coding miscellaneous projects. Literature is my outlet for creativity and stress relief, with poetry holding a special place in my heart. I look forward to assisting and supporting you in your writing endeavors!

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Linn

Hey, my name’s Linn! I am an international student here, and I come from a Southeast Asian country called Burma. I love working with computers, and thus, I major in computer science. But you know what I love more? SOCCER. I can watch, play and talk about soccer the whole day, and it is something I cannot take out of my blood. In the same way, I also enjoy reading and writing, and that’s why I decided to become a writing tutor. My favorite book series is Sherlock Holmes, and I am into both fiction and non-fiction these days.

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Lucy

Hi, I’m Lucy (she/they)! I am currently a Psychology major here at PCC. I plan to transfer and pursue a double major in Psychology and Sociology. I am an avid creative writer and am often jotting down ideas on napkins or receipts (the Notes app is my safe space). I love to read a variety of genres from speculative fiction to horror graphic novels; I am always looking for more books to add to my reading list. I am excited to meet and assist you all!

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Michelle

Hi everyone! This is Michelle, majoring in biology and an international student from Myanmar. One fun fact about me is, I love adding mozzarella cheese to almost everything I cook! I have a strong interest in astrology and am drawn to photography and drawing. Likewise, I love writing, and I often gravitate to content writing and analyzing poetry. I’m glad to help you all gain confidence in your writing journey, so let’s make a fantastic semester together.

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Penelope

Hi, everyone! I’m Penelope. I am a psychology major, and I am very proud to be a Lancer. I have loved writing and language since I was a kid. Working at the Writing Success Center is exciting, and I hope to help others enjoy writing too. In my free time I like to be in nature, read (novels and news), and go on walks. I also spend lots of time listening to music, specifically Sirius XMU radio. My favorite band right now is the Fontaines D.C.

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Preston

Hi, my name is Preston and I started attending PCC in Fall 2023, and my major is Humanities. I hope to transfer to either UCI, UCLA, UCR, or to a university on the east coast to study dramatic writing. I have an acting background, but I’d love to make a living as a playwright; my dream is to write something and act in it. Additionally, I enjoy writing poems, exercising, reading, and watching movies. I look forward to helping fellow students with their ideas at the Writing Center!

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Rose

Hello! My name is Rose and I am majoring in Cognitive Science. I plan to transfer to UCLA to finish my bachelor’s degree. I find anything that has to do with the brain and human behavior endlessly interesting. Apart from studying, I love cooking, reading, and thrifting with friends. I believe that writing is a multifaceted tool that is used in all areas of life. I look forward to working with you!

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Simon

Hello, my name is Simon. I’m majoring in Computer Information Systems and planning to transfer to CSULA next year. When I am not studying or working, I enjoy reading web serials and playing PC games. My interest in fiction is centered around narrative structure and escapist themes, but I also enjoy new vocabulary and liberally applied puns. I am thrilled to be available at the Writing Support Center for any of your advisory needs!

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Traja

Hi everyone, my name is Traja (she/her), I am currently a fourth year Psychology and Gender Studies double major at UCLA. I started my academic journey at PCC before transferring, but am thrilled to be back at the Writing Success Center. May of 2024, I received the department of Gender Studies research excellence award for my independent research as an Undergraduate Research Fellow for my independent research OnlyFans: Artificial Intelligence in Digital Sex Work. This august I was accepted as a Keck fellow where my independent research continues as I analyze generative artificial intelligent pornography and emerging adults sexual script development. When I’m not studying, I am biking, working out or going out dancing. I love 80s pop, EDM, and dark wave. I look forward to meeting you and I can’t wait to help you gain new tools that empower you through your academic journey!

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Alex

Hi, my name is Alex! I am currently majoring in Business Administration Nonprofit Development, and I am hoping to transfer to UC Berkeley or SJSU. When I’m not at school or working with nonprofits, I’m usually home playing video games or watching movies.

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Daizy

My name is Daizy Elena Rios. I’m currently in my second year and am a Humanities major.  PCC was my first introduction to the city, and I have been with the Writing Center since I first started my education here.  After I graduate, I plan on transferring to Cal State Long Beach and continuing my studies. I hope to learn about many different cultures.  As someone who is bilingual in both English and Spanish, and currently learning Japanese. It’s also a personal goal is to be fluent in about four languages. I hope to graduate with my AA from PCC by the fall of 2024 and plan on taking a big trip to celebrate.

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Matea

Hello! My name’s Matea and I’m currently a game design major with plans to graduate in spring of 2025. After graduating I hope to apprentice as a tattoo artist here in LA. I moved here from Colorado to study at an art school, and fell in love with the art community in Pasadena. I decided to come to PCC to meet new people, learn more about the entertainment industry, and get my AS.

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Anni Kocharyan

I moved to the US at the age of 27 with zero knowledge of English. After raising my two children I decided to follow my dreams and attend PCC at the age of 37. I am incredibly proud of my journey as a first-generation immigrant at Pasadena City College. With the remarkable support and encouragement that I received from my professors and advisors, I was able to overcome the language barrier and complete all the courses needed. Within 3 years I was able to graduate from PCC with an AS degree and four Administrative Certificates. It was not an easy journey, but hard work and determination paid off.  While studying, the campus became a second home for me. PCC gave me a sense of belonging, a place where I felt at home and where I was able to create lasting connections. Throughout the 19 years of my employment at PCC I held various positions, and I am grateful for each opportunity. Each position I held helped me grow professionally and shape me to be the individual I am today. Currently, I hold a Learning Assistance Center Assistant III position at WSC. I am extremely honored and excited to work amongst such amazing tutors, ambassadors, staff, and faculty.

My advice to all our students is to remember that your age, family responsibilities, and background should never limit your dreams but enhance them. “If I could do it, you can do it better!!!”

I love spending time with my loved ones and close friends, taking road trips, listening to classical or country music, going to the beach early in the mornings, taking a stroll with my dog, and gardening.

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Giselle Miralles

Education:
CSU Long Beach, BA in English (Literature & Creative Writing)
CSU Long Beach, MA in English

I began my educational journey at CSULB, where I discovered my interest in social justice, intersectionality, critical race theory, and 20th Century American Ethnic Literature, the latter eventually becoming my emphasis in graduate school. As an undergraduate, I became a Writing Tutor for CSULB’s Educational Opportunity Program, which is when I realized I wanted to work in education after college.

As a grad student, I also worked at the Orange County Juvenile Hall as an English Language Development Assistant, an experience that was transformational for me as an educator. Before landing at PCC, I worked at Fullerton College’s Academic Support Center as an Instructional Assistant. When I’m not busy working, I enjoy traveling, camping, spoiling my dog, playing video games, and gradually making my way through my never-ending list of “good” TV series.

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Genesis Montalvo

Education:
Loyola Marymount University, BA in English and Spanish
San Francisco State University, MA in English (Creative Writing and Education)

The eldest of three—and the only girl—in a traditional Mexican-American family, I learned to take risks to get what I want. One of those risks—and future blessings—was attending Loyola Marymount University. As a first gen college student and graduate, LMU helped foster my love for education through First to Go (a learning community for first generation college students), and the continuous support from faculty mentors.

But the risks don’t stop there: on a whim, I decided to attend graduate school at San Francisco State University for my Master’s in English with a concentration in Creative Writing and Education. It’s here where I discovered my love for writing and learning resource centers as I worked at a literacy non-profit, 826Valencia, as a Program Associate, and City College of San Francisco as an embedded tutor. Unable to take the fog, I moved back to sunny Southern California after graduation where I began working at Santa Ana College as a Learning Facilitator and Long Beach City College as a Faculty Intern. To keep the calm during the storms, I enjoy running, hot yoga, writing poetry (keep an eye out for a published manuscript soon), and watching anime!

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Arkova Scott

I was born and raised in the beautiful city of Pasadena. I attended all of the local schools for elementary and high school and was even a Pasadena City College alumni! After completing my AA degree, I transferred to Cal Poly Pomona as a Computer Information Systems major and eventually completed my Master’s degree at Cal State Los Angeles as an Instructional Designer. I’ve worked at Pasadena City College for over 23 years in a variety of positions, including teaching part-time for the Business Information Technology Division. I currently hold the Center Technician position in the Writing Center where I work very closely each day with our wonderful and dynamic tutors, faculty and staff!

I love to travel, go to concerts in the park, and hang out with my close friends and family. I love to read  art and music books and take long walks on the beach!

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