Your Guided Pathways Peer Mentors

Name: Julia Bustos
Major: Psychology
Tutoring Subjects: Human Behavior
Email:

"My advice to students would be to get involved on campus as much as you can and to not be so hard on yourself. The more involved you are on campus, the more you are able to meet a community of people. These opportunities that you take help you to truly grow as a person and discover more about what you are passionate about."

I was born and raised here in the Bay Area. My native language is English, but I do speak some Spanish, just not fluent. My major is Psychology. I am still selecting what school I am going to transfer to, but I am looking into San Jose State, Texas Christian University, Santa Clara University, and a couple of other schools. I love spending time with friends and family, listening to music, and singing. Something that helped me to be successful at Canada College was that I stayed involved on campus. I joined different clubs, such as Intervarsity and the Canada Latinx club. I was also a part of the Bridge to Opportunities program and the Promise Scholarship program. These programs helped me learn more about resources and they helped guide me through my academic journey.

Name: Christopher Valdez
Major: Computer Science
Tutoring Subjects: Business
Email: christophevaldez@my.smccd.edu

"One thing I would tell incoming students is to take your time, ask for help when you need it, and meet new people. Everyone has unique educational goals, and there is no reason to worry about graduating late or on time, talk to your professors and save yourself the stress of failing classes."

I was born here in the Bay Area and raised in San Francisco, It’s one of my favorite places on earth. I am fluent in both English and Spanish, I’m currently trying to learn French, because its such a lovely language.

I am a computer science major, and I love it. I do plan to transfer but I’m not exactly sure what school I want to go to. I have a few hobbies, but the ones that I love to do include: reading comic books, hiking, Dungeons and Dragons, and painting, they’re a lot of fun and I think it’s important for everyone to have an outlet to relieve stress.

The main thing that has helped me succeed at Cañada has been the STEM center, because of it I was able to meet new people and support for classes I was struggling in. 

Name: Jamon Roberts
Major:  Computer Science
Tutoring Subjects: Business
Email: jamonroberts@my.smccd.edu

"Never feel like you are alone, because there are countless people at this school who are here to help students like you and want nothing more than to see you succeed. Going to college is the first step to creating the future you want for yourself, so study hard, ask for help when you need it, and never stop striving to be your best."

I am originally from Rohnert Park in Sonoma County. I only speak English but I am hoping to pick up some Sinhala from my wife to better communicate with my in-laws. I am planning on transferring either next Spring or Fall 2022 depending on what schools I get into. Some of my hobbies include going out to run, cooking, learning new skills in CIS and going on adventures with my wife. I have had many great mentors and people in my life over my time at Canada and those connections are partially responsible for the student I have become. Hope to meet you all soon!

Name: Mary Hale
Major: UI/UX Design
Tutoring Subjects: Art, Design & Performance
Email: mhale10@my.smccd.edu

"Don't be too hard on yourself. Sometimes paths in life are linear and sometimes they meander, and if you are able to feel proud of your accomplishments and are dedicated to the quality of your work, you're already doing well and are going to be just fine.

I was born and raised in the bay area and am still here. I kind of like it! My native language is English and I've just begun to learn Hindi.

I graduated from Cañada College in 2013 after majoring in 3D Animation and Video Game Art. Since then, I've graduated from Animation Mentor and messed about with a variety of animation, design and UI/UX software.

Currently I don't have plans to transfer anywhere. I have very strong feelings about affordable education and have been faring relatively well with an Associate's, certificates and work experience. I feel everyone has a unique educational path that works for them.

I think one of the most special things about Cañada College is that the majority of the staff I've met really ARE dedicated to doing what's best for students. In many institutions I've worked with, this sentiment is unfortunately only lip service or something that staff doesn't have the capacity to implement. I've felt so supported by the people I've known from Cañada while I've been enrolled as well as existed outside the college. This campus is made up of some phenomenal people.

 GPPM Staff

“I CAN” connect you to a Peer Mentor who will support you, motivate you to reach your goals, and connect you to campus resources"