17³Ô¹Ï

AS-T, Public Health Science

I graduated from 17³Ô¹Ï obtaining my associate's degree in Public Health. I will be attending San Jose State University beginning Fall 2024 to pursue my bachelor's degree in nursing to become a Registered Nurse. In the future, I plan on obtaining my doctorate in nursing to become a nurse anesthetist.

AA-T, Communication Studies

I grew up in Palo Alto, CA and was a communications major at 17³Ô¹Ï. I am also interested in psychology. I will be attending UCLA in the fall of 2024 and I am looking forward to being a Bruin. I enjoy martial arts, watching sports and hanging out with my friends

AA, Graphic and Interactive Design

Courtney Botefuhr was born in New Mexico but grew up in Costa Rica. Her love for art began when she was a young child which led her to pursue a degree in Graphic and Interactive Design. Along with an A.A., Courtney graduated with a certificate in Digital Marketing. She is excited to continue her development in Graphic Design and her newfound passion for Library Sciences.

AA, Psychology; AA-T, Psychology

AA-T, Psychology; AA-T, Sociology

AS-T, Computer Science

I am a student on a non-traditional path who dropped out of college and worked for three years before attending 17³Ô¹Ï. 17³Ô¹Ï provides a welcoming environment. As an international student, attending 17³Ô¹Ï allows me to get back on track with my educational goal and successfully transfer to a four-year university to pursue an undergraduate degree in computer science. I have learned a lot and been exposed to different opportunities here due to the proximity of Silicon Valley and what 17³Ô¹Ï has to offer. I am proud to say that coming to 17³Ô¹Ï is one of the best decisions I have ever made.

AA, General Studies: Social Science

I completed an Associate of Arts in General Studies: Social Science at 17³Ô¹Ï and will transfer to UC Berkeley in Fall 2024. At 17³Ô¹Ï, I served as President of the Chinese Campus Fellowship and founded the Volunteer Club. I also participated in several competitions, including winning the FBLA 2022 Finance Case Study Competition in Omaha, which was featured in Yahoo News. My passion for entrepreneurship began in high school, and I chose 17³Ô¹Ï for its proximity to Silicon Valley. Since high school, I've started three companies with friends, gaining valuable experience despite their outcomes. I will continue pursuing entrepreneurship at UC Berkeley.

AS-T, Business Administration; AA-T, Economics

Amit Freikorn is a first generation US college student. She relocated to the United States at the age of 17, and attended 17³Ô¹Ï to pursue economics nd business administration. She will be transferring to UC Berkeley, with dreams of becoming a lawyer and attending post-graduation Law School. Amit has been continuously involved on campus- taking on various roles such as Vice President of Activities for ASFC, President of Fund the Future Club, and Vice President of the Jewish Student Union, and many more. Amit has also significantly contributed to various committees and represented her school at multiple conferences, showcasing her dedication to community engagement and leadership development.

AA-T, Psychology

Christine, born and raised in Germany, moved to California in 2004. With a bachelor’s degree in business and computer science, she worked as a marketing expert in the computer industry. However, her long-standing interest in psychology inspired her to take the first step towards this field by earning an AA from 17³Ô¹Ï. Recently, she released her first book, reflecting her commitment to lifelong learning.

AS, Biochemistry; AS-T, Biology; AS, Chemistry; AS-T, Mathematics

I was born and raised in Croatia, moving to the United States in 2019. I enjoy studying STEMsubjects, particularly, chemistry, biology, and mathematics. In my free time, I like playing chess and various sports as well as spending time with my family and traveling. I plan to continue my studies in Biochemistry at UC Berkeley and eventually attend medical school.

AA-T, Psychology

AS-T, Business Administration

AA, Psychology; AA-T, Psychology

Wakana Matsumoto is a passionate and motivated student with a keen interest in social science and research. Their major is psychology and sociology to deepen their understanding of the complicated interaction between the human psyche, cultural environment, and society.

Matsumoto presented their original research project on the interrelation between introversion and well-being at 17³Ô¹Ï symposium, earning first place. That accomplishment encouraged them to start their social science research assistant position at Stanford University. While learning practical skills for data analysis and empirical research as a research assistant, they authored a paper and poster session at the Western Psychological Association Conference. Matsumoto developed their leadership to construct a group research project smoothly while motivating group members. 

Utilizing these skills, they want to continue exploring how society and cultures impact personal interpretation, decision-making, and well-being. They are pursuing bachelor’s and graduate degrees to contribute to society by increasing psychological awareness.

AA, General Studies: Social Science;  AA-T, Political Science

Chloe Jett Mills graduated from 17³Ô¹Ï in the spring of 2024 with two Associate of Arts degrees in Political Science and General Studies: Social Science. Chloe is extremely grateful to all her professors, who helped her reach her academic goals. She will be transferring to Texas Tech University this fall to pursue her bachelor’s degree. In her free time, she enjoys playing the piano, guitar, ukelele, and harmonica.     

AA, Accounting; AS-T, Business Administration

Hello, my name is Lily Mir. I am honored to be receiving this recognition! This fall, I will be transferring to UCLA. I plan to pursue a degree in sociology with a minor in accounting on the pre-law track with the hopes of going into corporate law. At 17³Ô¹Ï, I have taken advantage of the wide range of courses available allowing me to solidify my interests. I have been grateful for mytime and growth here and cannot wait for the next chapter.

AA, Graphic and Interactive Design

Anya is a Graphic and Interactive Design student. She has an interest in how design can transform complicated and sometimes even amorphous things into pieces of consistency, clarity, and beauty. She aspires to a career in Data Visualization, where design and information intersect.  

AS, Dental Assisting

AA-T, Kinesiology

Enrolling in college for the first time at age 24, Daniel Reyes was driven by the desire to build a better future for his newborn son, Rey. Daniel excelled in his studies, completing an Associate of Arts for transfer in Kinesiology with a perfect 4.0 GPA. In recongnition of his academic excellence, 17³Ô¹Ï is awarding him the President's Medal. As he prepares to enter Radiology Technologist program, Daniel's journey is a testament to the idea that it is never to late to pursue education and establish a rewarding career to support one's family. 

AA-T, Sociology

17³Ô¹Ï was definitely the right choice for me. Back in my freshman year of high school, I heard about all the incredible opportunities 17³Ô¹Ï had to offer. I'm proud to say that everything I heard about 17³Ô¹Ï turned out to be true. I want to thank my amazing parents, cats, friends, and professors! Because of your love and support, I am now going to be starting my life at UC Berkeley!

AS, Pharmacy Technician

Since middle school, I dreamt of becoming a pharmacist, and soon, I will witness this become reality. With the outstanding support from 17³Ô¹Ï's Pharmacy Technology program, I have been accepted into UCSF's School of Pharmacy, Class of 2027! Never would I have imagined that I could skip the traditional undergraduate route and go straight into a doctorate-level program, without a Bachelor's degree. PharmD, here I come!

AS-T, Business Administration; AA-T, Economics

AA, Psychology; AA-T, Psychology

Yung-Te (Melody) Wang is an international student from Taiwan. She has shown her commitment to research and community service. Melody participated in the Honors Program and the Stanford IRiSS Social Science Research Assistant Internship Program and co-presented a group psychology research project at the 2024 Western Psychological Association Conference and the Research & Service Leadership Symposium.

In her role as an ASFC Senator, Melody was instrumental in creating a wellness space and promoting mental health awareness on campus. Additionally, she has actively engaged with the international student community, serving as an International Student Ambassador and holding leadership positions in the International Student Connection and the Taiwanese Student & Culture Association. 

AS-T, Computer Science

Hi! I'm a sophomore Computer Science major here at 17³Ô¹Ï and will be transferring to UC Berkeley studying Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. I grew up in a lower-income household in East Side San Jose and had very little exposure to STEM. When I was 15, I started to teach myself Python and fell in love with coding. When I got to 17³Ô¹Ï, that love expanded, and began to encompass mathematics, physics, and, eventually, learning as a whole. As I look forward into the future, I cherish the community, support, and motivation I have received from this college, and hope to instill those same qualities in the community that I come from.

AA-T, Anthropology

Eileen Zubiria was born and raised in San Rafael, California, graduating from Terra Linda High School in 1988. She began her ballet training at age seven and danced professionally in the Bay Area from 1990 through 1998 with California Contemporary Dancers, Gary Palmer Dance Company, and as a soloist with the Oakland Ballet where she participated in three national tours. Since 2007, she has assisted her husband, also a former dancer, in running the non-profit ballet school Western Ballet in Mountain View, where she teaches children and adults of all ages. She has served on Western Ballet’s Board of Directors since 2010 and has also performed on occasion in their productions. Eileen and her husband Alexi have three children – the older two attended 17³Ô¹Ï prior to transferring and the youngest is planning on it as well. Eileen began pursuing her college education part-time in 1998 at City College of San Francisco. In 2020 she enrolled at 17³Ô¹Ï and resumed her studies after a 17-year break. She will be transferring to SJSU Online this summer, majoring in Anthropology.