Highlighting the amazing Administration, Faculty, Classified Professionals, and Students that make up our pirate family.
This month's highlights include:
Julissa and Jasmine Perez (ASVC officers), Noelle Neal-Crane (Administrative Assistant for ATH/HED/KIN/PAC) , Jenna Garcia (English Professor), and Amanda Picard (Child Development Center, Supervisor)
This month we are featuring twins, Julissa (left) and Jasmine (right) Perez. Read on for their stories
Name : Julissa Perez
Role at VC: Student / ASVC Director of Clubs and Student Organizations / Student Worker at admissions and records/ Mesa, SACNAS, and SHPE member.
Major: Engineering
Years at VC: 2nd year
Family life: I am a first-generation student pursuing a stem career, hoping to double major eventually and attain multiple degrees in my many fields of interest. I grew up in Ventura, and Oxnard, and love visiting the many small businesses with my family, and or new experiences within the community. I have a twin sister, Jasmine, who is also a VC student and also serves on the ASVC board!
Hobbies: I enjoy having spontaneous plans with friends, and family, and getting more involved with our campus, and knowing its resources!
Favorite Food: My favorite food is my dad's homemade Italian food.
Favorite Movie: She's all that
Favorite Song: Heartless - Kanye West
Something Fun, interesting, and/ or unique about you: If you did not already know - I have a twin and have traveled to the Bermuda triangle.
Name : Jasmine Perez
Role at VC: Student / ASVC Vice President/ Outreach Student Worker/ MESA,SACNAS, and SHPE member!
Major: Mechanical Engineer
Years at VC: 2nd year
Family life: I am a first-generation student and I am finding my way through these new endeavors by getting the support of those around me! I have a twin sister, Julissa, who is also a VC student and also serves on the ASVC board!
Hobbies: I love to get involved on campus in my free time to better my networking skills as well as work with the community around me to bring a welcoming environment to our campus!
Favorite Food: My favorite food is Thai Food.
Favorite Movie: Twitches
Favorite Song: Unthinkable by Alicia Keys
Something Fun, interesting, and/ or unique about you: I am a twin!
Name: Sandra Chavez
Primary role at the College: Evening & Weekend Activities Attendant at East Campus. This role welcomes students to the East Campus and helps connect them with appropriate resources and student services. Being a student myself at Ventura College, I am passionate about making meaningful connections that can make the difference with student enrollment and inequities.
Years of Service: This is my first year of service.
Family: I am grateful to have a supporting mother who welcomed me back after the pandemic hit. I am appreciative because it allows me to continue working on my educational goals towards a bachelor's degree in Recreational Therapy. I also have brother, who has 3 wonderful kids, all who I just adore.
Hobbies: Nothing brings me more joy then spending time out with my niece and nephews! Spending as much time with them as possible keeps me active and having lots of fun. Together, we enjoy swimming, beach days, Chuckie Cheese, Golf ‘n Stuff, and park activities most.
Favorite Food: A variety of Italian foods.
Favorite Book/ Book series: Marvel comic and DC movies. Superhero action all the way!
Favorite Song: Dreams by Stevie Nicks
Something fun, interesting, and/or unique about you: I am a certified Lifeguard and Fitness Instructor. I’m also a certified in personal trainer and for the past 12 years, I’ve really enjoyed teaching my senior fitness and aqua fit classes. Active seniors are simply a joy and inspiration, and I’m honored to help them keep living their healthy lifestyles.
Name: Jenna Garcia
Primary role at the college: English Professor
Years of Service: This is my 17th year
Family: My husband, Tino, and my son, Nikos
Hobbies: Reading, Traveling, Playing the piano
Favorite Food: Enchiladas Verdes
Favorite Song: It changes, but right now it’s “Come to Your Senses” from Tick, Tick…Boom
Something fun, interesting, and/or unique about you: My son is named after the author Nikos Kazantzakis who is probably best known for writing Zorba the Greek. My husband and I fell in love with his writing (and each other) while we were studying abroad in Greece.
Name: Amanda Picard
Primary role at the college: Child Development Center, Supervisor
Years at VC: 1.2
Family: I have a husband, two boys (6 months and 2 ½), a live-in Granny Nanny (My mom <3), and our 3 dogs.
Hobbies: I love live sports, DIY projects, party planning, custom treat making!
Favorite food: This is hard! I love sushi and many authentic dishes (Thai, Chinese, Japanese, Pilipino, Peruvian, Cuban, Mexican, Caribbean, and of course Soul Food)
Favorite Movie: Lion King
Favorite Song: Super Woman by Alicia Keys
Something unique or interesting about you: I am an Identical twin and former basketball player.