Student Success Shaped by Mentorship
A mentor's belief can change the direction of a college journey. In these stories, Citrus College faculty and staff recognized potential, offered practical guidance and helped students and alumni gain confidence, find belonging and make pivotal decisions. Their influence opened doors to leadership, scholarships, university transfer, professional opportunities and a desire to support others in return.
GHADAH "GIGI" ALOBAIDI
Hands-on projects, industry visits and Architecture Club leadership transformed Ghadah "Gigi" Alobaidi's college experience. With instructor Tommy Reyes encouraging her creativity, she now plans to design housing that is both affordable and sustainable.
CELINE AMA
After immigrating from Syria, computer science major Celine Ama found guidance and belonging at Citrus College. The support of Raul Sanchez and Areej Qasqas helped the Cooke Scholarship semifinalist adjust, excel and prepare for a future in technology.
YESENIA BUGARIN
Co-founding the First Generation Club helped Yesenia Bugarin build community at Citrus College. Guidance from Raul Sanchez, Alexa Filatoff and Lilianna Verduzco kept her on track, expanded her confidence and prepared her to transfer to Cal Poly Pomona.
JOR'DENAY COLLIER-BROWN
As Citrus College's first Black Scholars Student Ambassador, Jor'Denay Collier-Brown led with purpose. Guidance from La Quirshia Fennell and Dominic Jacquet helped her grow, advocate for peers, earn five degrees and successfully prepare for Cal Poly Pomona.
CAROL CONTRERAS
Honors became the community Carol Contreras needed as a first-generation college student. Guidance from Eric Samson, Eileen Sin and Olivia Canales helped her overcome obstacles, transfer to USC and continue toward her goal of becoming an immigration attorney.
RUBY KAISO D'BANSOUR
Clear explanations from Robert Kinder and encouragement from counselors, staff and classmates helped Ruby Kaiso D'Bansour thrive in noncredit classes. She strengthened her English, found work, gained independence and began pursuing broader educational goals.
RICCARDO KESSESSHAK
Creating the Future of STEM club gave Riccardo Kessesshak a place to lead, while faculty support helped him grow in and beyond the classroom. Scholarships, service recognition and his transfer to USC now move him closer to his goal of becoming a doctor.
XINYUE "MARGARET" LIANG
Connection became the foundation of Xinyue "Margaret" Liang's Citrus College experience. Faculty mentors and campus organizations helped her adapt to a new culture, meet challenges with resilience and define a path toward Columbia University, AI and finance.
ANTHONY LOGERFO
Featured in Modern Drummer, alumnus Anthony LoGerfo looks back on the Citrus College mentors who helped launch his career and shares lessons on persistence, financial planning, gratitude and enjoying the ride.
RIO NAKAMACHI
Confidence did not come easily for Rio Nakamachi after moving from Japan. By tackling a difficult speech class, serving students in the International Student Center and working closely with counselor Anthony, she found her voice and a clear route to UCLA.
NATHAN PALMER
Blue Note rehearsals, chemistry instruction and faculty advice gave Nathan Palmer more than separate college experiences. Together, they built his confidence, opened research opportunities and prepared the biology and physics graduate for biochemistry at UCLA.
MAJIN PEREZ
Journalism and physics gave Majin Perez a way to unite writing, investigation and discovery. Counselor Maria Rodriguez helped shape a path toward USC, while the Veterans Success Center and basic needs support strengthened his academic fresh start at Citrus.
EMILIO PICHARDO
International stages helped Emilio Pichardo see the classroom differently. The music and history major hopes to carry lessons from the Citrus Singers, mentor Doug Austin and Citrus College into a future devoted to teaching.
PAULINA PIMENTEL-MORA
An instructor's belief changed Paulina Pimentel-Mora's view of her future. Encouraged by Brian Waddington to apply to Yale, she moved from Citrus College to Ivy League study, international experiences and a Cambridge master's program in health and society.
MAKENA PLOURDE
An introduction from Forestry Challenge leader Diane Dealey Neill brought Makena Plourde to Citrus College, where instructor Robert Goodman's passion made forestry engaging. Fire-season fieldwork then strengthened her plans to become a professional forester.
JESSIE SAN
Jessie San began taking Citrus College classes at 13 and grew into a campus leader through student government and Phi Theta Kappa. Faculty member Areej Qasqas offered guidance and friendship that strengthened her goal of expanding mental health access.
SEBASTIAN STJERNBO
Collaboration brought architecture into focus for Sebastian Stjernbo after remote learning. Guided by Tommy Reyes, he joined the Architecture Club, helped build a solar-powered shower and gained experience that reinforced his goal of becoming an architect.
KATIE STOLO
Katie Stolo arrived at Citrus College seeking an esthetician certificate, but Ann Everett saw greater potential. Her instruction and encouragement helped Katie manage work and school, earn licensure and commit to an associate degree in esthetics by 2026.
KIM TOTH
The mother of four who came to Citrus College for one photography course discovered a much larger future. Kim Toth earned three degrees, found enduring mentorship, curated university exhibits and returned to Citrus as an adjunct photography instructor.