Student Ambassadors are CSM students who represent the college at local high schools, in the community, and on campus. They are a vital component of the college's outreach, recruitment, and retention efforts.
CSM Student Ambassadors
For fall 2009, CSM has mobilized a team of seven talented students to participate in the college’s Student Ambassador Program. The program, currently in its third year, has become a vital component of college’s outreach efforts.
Student ambassadors serve as liaisons between the college and local high schools, give campus tours and assist with on campus activities such as Operation Welcome Mat and Connect to College; they also represent the college at community events.
This semester’s student ambassadors are Eric Thurston, Jacqui Guilbault, Melissa Vizcarra, Arianna Avendano, Shawn McGriff, Anna Keilo, and Alexis Madayag. The program is conducted by Alex Guiriba, program services coordinator in the Community Relations and Marketing Office.
Ambassadors
After graduating from CSM in 2006, Eric Thurston transferred to UC Berkeley and earned a bachelor's degree. He has returned to CSM to take Fire Technology courses while also interning as a student professor for the Philosophy Department. As a student ambassador at CSM, Eric feels that he is able to make a meaningful contribution to others. He plans to pursue graduate studies in the field of philosophy and hopes to become a reserve firefighter. Eric's other interests include yoga, rock climbing, archery, painting, and cooking. You can contact him at csmoutreach7@smccd.edu.
Following the footsteps of her brother and cousins, San Mateo High School graduate, Anna Keilo, decided to attend College of San Mateo. Now in her second year at the college, Anna is a Psychology major planning to transfer to UCLA or UC Davis in the Fall of 2010. When asked why she chose to become a Student Ambassador, Anna said, “I was confused as a senior, not knowing what college to go to and how to go about it. I would love to help students out so they don't have to feel the way I felt.” In her spare time, Anna enjoys reading, watching movies, exercise, shopping and playing softball. You can contact her at csmoutreach1@smccd.edu.
After graduating from San Mateo High School, Arianna Vega Avendaño was drawn to CSM because of the wide array of programs and support services such as EOPS and the Transfer Center. “The knowledge I am gaining at the college, I hope to pass on to a future student as a Student Ambassador,” Arianna said. Now in her second year at the college, she has her sights set on transferring to Cal State East Bay to earn a degree in Psychology. One day she hopes to work as a therapist with a focus on life coaching and anger management. When she’s not working or going to school, Arianna enjoys scrapbooking, watching movies and spending time with family. You can contact her at csmoutreach2@smccd.edu.
Alexis Madayag is a Carlmont and San Francisco State University graduate studying Human Services and Multimedia at College of San Mateo. Now in his third year at College of San Mateo, Alexis is currently taking advantage of his time at CSM to prepare for graduate studies in counseling and teaching. “I was able to work with the best professors and instructors in the Human Services department who taught me real world case scenarios in the industry and I learned professional counseling skills to help serve others in need,” he says. Along with his work as a Student Ambassador, Alexis has interned for KCSM-TV and performed at Electronic Music concerts. When he’s not helping students or studying, Alexis wears many hats. He enjoys being a DJ, volunteering at local non-profits, and shooting and editing video pieces. You can contact him at csmoutreach3@smccd.edu.
Shawn McGriff Jr. is completing his third year at College of San Mateo. A graduate of Hogan High School in Vallejo, CA, Shawn came to CSM upon the influence of friends on the football team. On his experience at CSM, Shawn said, “I have loved every moment at CSM since I have been here.” Shawn will graduate with an A.A. in Social Science this May and plans to Transfer to Morehouse College. His goal is to eventually attend law school, teach history and work in politics. When he’s not studying or working as an Ambassador, Shawn enjoys spending time with family and playing sports. You can contact him at csmoutreach4@smccd.edu.Thanks to advice from a friend and her sister, Hillsdale High School graduate, Sandie Bello, decided to return to school to pursue higher education at College of San Mateo. “It has a great reputation for academic excellence and is a beautiful campus. The instructors at CSM are top notch, very helpful, wise and enouraging ,” Bello said. In her time at CSM, Sandie has taken advantage of support programs like EOPS, counseling and the career center. Sandie plans to transfer to San Francisco State as an Anthropology major in the Fall of 2010. You can contact her at csmoutreach5@smccd.edu.
Alumni
Jacqueline Guilbault is a Mills High School graduate and plans on pursuing a career in marketing and public relations. Her previous experience includes volunteering for Congresswoman Jackie Speier, writing for The San Matean and interning for the marketing department at AAA. Jacqueline recently transferred to the University of Nevada, Reno after completing her studies at CSM in 2009. 
Melissa Vizcarra graduated from San Mateo High School and is studying criminal justice at CSM. She hopes to one day be a social worker. Presently, Melissa works for a mental health agency called Edgewood Center, facilitating two groups: Women's Group and Anger Replacement Therapy. She's also involved in California Youth Connection, a group that discusses governmental policies and is run by foster youth. Aside from this, Melissa enjoys watching movies and "cooking up a storm in the kitchen." 
CSM student Yesenia M. Aviles hopes to someday become a professor of Latin American studies. She already possesses two human service certificates: one in community health and the other in family development. "I hope to contribute and give back to the community, especially to low-income single parents and high risk youth," she says. Yesenia is a single mother herself, raising three children. She enjoyed her work as a Student Ambassador where she educated high school students who, Yesenia says, "are our future leaders." The next step on Yesenia's educational journey has begun at UC Davis. 
Lina Li enrolled in summer courses at CSM while she was attending San Mateo High School and, upon graduating, decided to continue taking courses at CSM because she loves the diverse environment and professional, caring faculty. She has completed her second year at CSM and is now a student at UC Berkeley pursuing a bachelor's degree in English. As a student `ambassador, Lina felt that she can gave something back to CSM because she "gained priceless knowledge that better prepares (her) for future challenges." She enjoys spending time with friends, swimming, photography, and karaoke. 
Upon graduating from high school in Hong Kong, Sunny Shek wanted to enroll in college courses at a school in the United States. Based upon a recommendation from his high school teacher, along with encouragement from a friend, Sunny decided to attend CSM and major in economics. Sunny settled into the CSM environment by taking advantage of services offered by the International Students office as well as the Writing Center. As an ambassador, Sunny enhanced his communication skills, especially public speaking. Sunny enjoys watching movies and traveling. In the fall of 2009, Sunny will traveled south to Los Angeles to pursue a bachelor's degree in Economics at the University of Southern California. 
A native of Brazil, Heliane Marlowe chose to attend CSM after relocating to the Bay Area and earned an associate's degree in Business Administration in 2006. "CSM offered all of the support I needed to take classes," she says. Heliane is completing additional courses at CSM and plans to transfer to San Francisco State University. She hopes to become an ESL instructor. In her spare time, Heliane enjoys participating in outdoor activities such as rock climbing and hiking, as well as spending time with her children. She hopes that they will attend CSM after graduating from high school. 