My name is Saruta Bualop and I am an international student from Thailand. I enjoy studying at CSM very much. When I first applied for admission, I met the nicest woman at the international office, Maggie Skaff, who helped me to become familiar with the college. I have made a lot of new friends who come from many countries around the world and I have been taught by very good professors who have shown me how to increase my knowledge. I believe that College of San Mateo has helped me to reach my goal because I have not only gained knowledge through books and classes, but I have also made lasting friendships at CSM.

Growing up in Russia, as a competitive ballroom dancer, Maria Gershenovich never dreamed she would someday attend law school in the U.S. At age 14, Maria had the opportunity to join a dance studio in Seattle which meant leaving her family and embarking on a new life half a world away. She and her dance partner achieved great success and became national champions. However, her education in the U.S. did not start out on such good footing. She attended three different high schools and a community college while in Washington. Then at 18, Maria relocated to the Bay Area, checked out local community colleges and decided to attend CSM.

"CSM became my first "real school" experience where I really got to know people - students and my professors. I took challenging classes but it was worth it. For example, in my philosophy class, I was learning how to think critically for the first time and it actually made me feel like my brain was growing from all that I was learning." Her experience was so positive that she has recruited some of her friends to enroll at CSM. "I tell people that there is a lot going on in the way of student life, the student body is very diverse, and now that construction is almost completed, the campus is beautiful!"

Upon completing her transfer requirements, Maria enrolled at San Francisco State University where she majored in criminal justice and international relations and, in spring 2011, earned her bachelor's degree. Following internships with a superior court judge, criminal defense attorney and the District Attorney's Office, Maria made the decision to pursue a career in law. She has been accepted to and offered a generous scholarship to Boalt Law School where she begins her graduate studies in fall 2011.

My name is Keyxa Henriquez and I am an international student from Venezuela. College of San Mateo has everything a student needs to succeed in classes. CSM offers students the opportunity to improve and continue their education and has a great staff to help in setting goals. I am only one semester away from receiving my AA degree in accounting and also completing all of my transfer units. With the help I received from CSM staff and my own hard work, I was able to make the Dean's List last semester. I also enjoy the swimming practices with the master team and meetings with the international students. Our fantastic staff organizes meetings frequently so we get to meet all the other international students on campus. It is definitely a lot of fun!

College of San Mateo is like a family to me. I was introduced to CSM by my sister as a place to start my education in the U.S. The college's international student services have really helped me feel comfortable and adapt to my new life in the U.S. and to understand the American educational system. The counselors have been very helpful in building my student learning plan and providing information about transferring to a four-year university as a business major.

Alex Quintana arrived in the United States from his native Peru when he was nine years old. Upon graduation from Hillsdale High School, Alex was eligible to attend a university, but for economic reasons, decided to enroll at CSM and followed a transfer path to a university.

At CSM, he hit the ground running. Alex was a full time student, worked 25 hours a week in a local bakery to support his education and he quickly was immersed in college life.

Alex became an integral part of student government where he was able to bridge his passion and dedication to issues of social justice with the desire to stand up for the students he represented. He honed his leadership skills, serving as senator, finance director and vice president of the Associated Students and president of the Latinos Unidos Club. Through his hard work, he was one of the first students to raise political issues regarding underrepresented AB-540 students. Alex worked to increase the awareness of the Latino culture on campus through a variety of student-sponsored events. For his service to CSM, Alex received a number of scholarships and awards including the prestigious Allan R. Brown Student Service Award.

As a student representative on several college committees Alex proved to be an articulate and effective voice of the students. When CSM celebrated the grand opening of its flagship building, College Center, Alex was selected as the student speaker for the event.  “Through leadership activities, CSM has helped me develop my principles and values, and advocate for the rights of the lost voices of underrepresented students,” says Alex.

As a student in the EOPS program, Alex had access to support services to ensure his success in college.  Members of the EOPS staff, especially Sylvia Aguirre and Lorena del Mundo, were supportive and provided guidance in recommending classes and resources that helped Alex work toward his educational goals. Through EOPS, Alex was inspired to assume an active role as a student of color and became a part of the “movimeiento” (movement) stand up for the rights of students of color and challenging injustice. “The program’s extended window of opportunities and friendly “corazon” (heart) provided me with a supportive family at CSM.”

Student Activities Assistant Fauzi Hamadeh describes Alex as “a true success story.”  “When Alex joined student government, he was quiet and reserved. As he grew into a leader and discovered his own potential, Alex became an outspoken voice for students. He has worked extensively on behalf of CSM’s students, especially those who face challenges that would prevent them from succeeding in college. Working with faculty, staff, administrators, and other students, Alex has tackled the tough issues facing our students and our college. He has earned the respect of his peers and the campus community for his leadership, his integrity, and his dedication” says Hamadeh.

During the time he spent at CSM, Alex had the opportunity to “sample” various subjects as possible majors. While he originally planned to study law, he found inspiration in his philosophy professor, Dave Danielson, and the subject matter. “Philosophy opened up my eyes to a new understanding of the past and present, and possibilities for the future.”  In fall 2011, Alex transferred to UC Santa Cruz as a philosophy major with the goal of teaching at the college level.

I came to California in 2007 as an au pair. When I finished my work, I decided to stay in the U.S. and get a college degree, after all, this was a once in a lifetime opportunity. I decided to apply to College of San Mateo because it was close to where I lived. I loved the small classes and the attention I received from my professors. I met Maggie Skaff, who helped me get everything set up for my visa. The great thing about CSM's International Student Program is that Maggie makes me feel like I'm the most important student on campus and she has done so much to help me succeed. My first semester was rather lonely, so Maggie assisted me in getting a job at the campus bookstore. I also got involved in student life and now I'm part of both honor societies on campus. College of San Mateo has provided me with many great skills and has prepared me for my future.

As an international student from Canada, choosing a community college was not easy. However, I am very happy with my choice of College of San Mateo. I was very impressed with the resources that CSM provided me to fully achieve my goals and dreams. Not only does CSM provide great academic support, but also gives students the opportunity to develop leadership skills to become the future leaders of tomorrow. CSM has a very diverse student body, which makes this college great and unique, providing interaction with people from all over the world.

I left my home, my family and my country, China, in order to become an international student. I came alone in fall 2010, however, I was not lonely because I joined the International Student Program which became more like a family to me. I'm so pleased to be a part of the international student group while studying and growing at College of San Mateo. Additionally, I joined an honor society, Alpha Gamma Sigma, which has helped me to make many great friends and improve my teamwork skills. Right now, I'm preparing to transfer to the University of California system. Hopefully, my efforts pay off and my dreams come true.