Student Mentors

History at Empire College: Prior to attending Empire College I spent many years in the United States Army. Upon my honorable discharge I found myself without direction, and wanted to find a new career path. I have always had a fascination with computers, but my experience with them had been little to none. After speaking to several friends who have attended Empire College, I made the choice to check it out for myself.

I have experienced the traditional college school system prior to enlisting in the Army, which led me to obtaining a Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice from Sonoma State. After having attended Empire College I have found that this institution has offered me more than I could have ever hoped to achieve. This institution has provided the tools and environment that have allowed me to achieve goals I never thought were possible.

History at Empire College: I have had many jobs, but I came to Empire College looking for a career. I graduated high school with no idea what I wanted to do with my life. I have a passion for helping people, for learning, writing and research, and I wanted to find a career that could combine all of my passions into one job. The legal field has so many opportunities within it to grow, continue learning, and so many different types of law to learn. I thought I would try the Paralegal Program. It combined every one of my passions into one career that I will enjoy doing, and will provide me with financial stability.

I fell in love with my school. My teachers challenge me to be the best, and do my best, in order for me to reach my full potential. I also discovered how much I love learning about the law! The Paralegal Program gave me a new passion to focus on, everything legal.

History at Empire College: After being a stay home mother of four, for eighteen years, I have decided to pursue my interest in medicine. I am enjoying the school experience as an adult and feel confident that my new skills will lead me to success. It has been a good reminder of my capabilities and interests.

My experience at Empire College has been fulfilling in a number of ways. The support, encouragement, and friendships are abundant, and I feel excited and motivated to arrive each day as a result. I am honored and excited to be a student mentor, and I look forward to helping you succeed!

History at Empire College: I was born and raised in Fiji Islands. I completed my GED in February 2018 and I’m currently enrolled in a Specialized Degree in Business. Before I came to California, I worked in several Tourism companies back in Fiji, beginning my career as a Reservations Agent to building my own Online Travel Agency. Going back to school has always been on my mind ever since my husband graduated from Empire in 2015. Currently I work for UPS as a Supervisor, and by attending Empire College I will improve my knowledge in Business and IT which will open more doors and opportunities toward my career. I’m thankful to be given the opportunity to be a Student Mentor, and I will gladly assist you with any questions that you might have or will be able to point you in the right direction.

History at Empire College: For years I was working 60 to 70 hours a week for near minimum wage jobs just to be able to support myself. After becoming engaged, I had to make an extremely important and critical decision to promote a change that would impact my life in a positive and successful direction. I have always had a fascination and interest in computers and technology. I decided that I should work in this technological field because I would not only enjoy such a career, but I would be highly successful. I researched schools offering technology classes and found Empire College had the most diverse and well rounded programs. I met and conquered several roadblocks and walls before being able to become a student at this college. I have worked hard and put major effort into being able to attend Empire College. I am determined and dedicated towards my academic pursuits and goals that I have set for myself, and with hard work and perseverance I will prevail. It is an honor to be asked to be a student mentor and it shows if you put in enough hard work, others will notice. The reward of a great accomplishment is well worth the effort. If you have any questions, issues, or concerns that I can assist you with, I would be more than happy to help.

History at Empire College: I knew I always wanted to go to college and thought I wanted to pursue other fields of study, but I was never set on one thing. When I came to Empire College in August of 2012, they helped me figure out what fits me best. I have always been good with numbers and felt like the accounting program fit me. I enrolled in the Accounting Essentials diploma program. At that time, the program was about a year and a half. I, unfortunately, had a lot of “life” get in my way of finishing strong like I had planned.

I have been enjoying it here and doing very well now that I have a strong support system this time. I came back at the end of October 2018 and planned to just retake some core classes and get my certifications. I now have all but one certification which I am working on now, and I am starting the rest of my classes to finish with my Associates Degree. I am so excited about my time here now and what I can contribute.

History at Empire College: After becoming a single dad of two small children, I decided to enroll here in February 2019 at Empire College in the Medical Assistant program. I wanted to be a good role model and show my kids that it's never too late to follow your passion and dreams.

My background has been in playing sports, personal training, and coaching soccer. I've have always been fascinated about the Medical field. I am enjoying my experience being at Empire. I've met some very knowledgeable and friendly teachers and staff, along with meeting some wonderful new friends. I am very excited and honored to be a student mentor for the Medical program.

History at Empire College: My interest in the law field began in high school, during one of the debate competitions that would be held every year in some of the English classes. I had previously been curious about various law or paralegal programs, and after I graduated I looked into attending Santa Rosa Junior College. I soon came to realize that my options were limited at the JC, and I knew that it wasn’t the place for me.  My mom had started going to school at Empire in the medical program and always spoke about her positive and encouraging experience since she had started. So out of curiosity, I decided to make an appointment with admissions at Empire College, and the second I walked into my appointment, I knew that this is where I belonged.

Since the very first day I began going to Empire, my experience and knowledge that I have gained has been one of the most beneficial and exciting things I have ever done. I am passionate about the law field, and Empire has given me the opportunity to pursue my career and help others around me do the same.

History at Empire College: I enrolled in the Specialized Accounting Degree program with Empire College in July of 2017. I am married with three adult children that range in age from 28 to 20 years of age. I married at a young age and did not complete my college education but I promised myself that I would pursue my dream once my youngest child had graduated from high school. As a teenager, I assisted my father, a farmer, with the bookkeeping for his business. It was then that I found my calling. I am currently employed in the public accounting sector and have been employed with the same firm for almost 30 years.

Life’s many challenges have delayed me from completing my program with Empire, originally scheduled for June of 2019 but this has not discouraged me. During my time away from Empire, I was continuously encouraged to return to school by many wonderful classmates I had befriended as well as several of my former instructors and some of the administrators. The thing that I appreciate about Empire College is their sincere concern for their students, their flexibility, and their willingness to work with the student’s personal life challenges. I consider it both a privilege and honor to serve as a student mentor. Being a strong believer in “giving back” and “paying forward”, I hope to be able to provide encouragement and guidance to any fellow student in need.

History at Empire College: I’m in the Specialized Associate Degree Program for I.T. with my focus and concentration being security. I came to Empire College to find a career, where I can continually develop my organization and myself. Prior to coming to Empire College, I was a cook and a manager, and over time I realized that I wanted to be in an environment with like-minded individuals who are passionate about what they do. If you ever have any questions or just want to talk, do not hesitate to come to me. We are all on this journey together. Whether you are in the medical program, business/accounting program, law program, or I.T program, you can always come to me. My last bit of advice would be to remember what motivated you to come to Empire in the first place, and use that as a constant motivation.

History at Empire College: I came to Empire looking to try and get a solid footing to move forward in life. I spent a few years at the JC before transferring here. I was a math major so I figured accounting would be right up my alley. I’m hoping to have a good career once I finish up here so that I have a good foundation to work from if I want to pursue my dreams.

I am impressed with the school and its staff. They’re all extremely helpful and seem to be trying their best to make sure the students understand the material they are working with. I’m happy to be here and hope that I can contribute in some way to the success of other students as well.

History at Empire College: I started going to Empire College in September of 2018, in pursuit of an Accounting degree. After spending quite a bit of time in the Accounting program, I decided to change my major and get a degree in Business. Joining the business program was the best choice I have ever made. My first few classes I had attended in the business program made me very happy with my decision. My passion for the business world has grown over the years, especially for the marketing/advertising side of the business. With the support of the dedicated teachers here at Empire, I have come out of my shell as a student, and I really look forward to all the experiences and knowledge I will gain throughout my program here at Empire. After I graduate from Empire College, I would like to work in advertising/marketing around the Bay Area. I have confidence that I will continue to progress as a student and a leader. I am honored to have the ability to help others to do the same along their journey here at Empire.

History at Empire College: I have been a student at Empire College for almost a year, and I have enjoyed being in the IT program learning something that will help in the future. I have spent seven years out in the field learning hands-on from my family. I chose to come to Empire to further my knowledge and become a certified technician. I am studying to get my MCSA certification in Microsoft, and I have both my CompTIA A+ and Net+ certifications as well. I am always willing to help people who may not understand as much in the IT field as I do. I strive to be the best student I can be, and I really look forward to being a student mentor. At the end of my program, I want to have my AA degree in Microsoft, and I am thinking about enrolling in the cybersecurity program after I am done with my degree in Microsoft. I learned a lot from all my instructors in the IT department who have been a big influence on why I chose the IT industry as well as keeping me focused on my end goal. I want to have as many certifications as Empire College offers to students. I really look forward to what my future has in store for me and thank everyone I have met along the way at Empire for showing me that anything is possible.

History at Empire College: After becoming a single dad, I came to Empire in February of 2018 looking to make a big change in my life. I have been around medical terminology my entire life (with a mother that works in the medical field) and have always been good with numbers. That is why I chose the Medical Billing and Coding program here at Empire. All of the programs here at Empire offer great pathways to lead you to the career you are looking for, it just depends on where your passion takes you. For me, that was the medical program.

I am very fortunate to have a great support group of family and friends that have helped push me and motivate me, but the people I have met at Empire have been a huge part of my success. I have loved my time here at Empire College, and look forward to finishing strong before I graduate in January of 2019. I have learned a LOT, met some wonderful staff members and teachers, and have made some great friends along the way. My best advice to the new students is to use the teachers, staff, tutors, and mentors as a resource to guide you down your path and to help you along the way. Never be afraid to ask questions and continue to learn. I am very honored to be your student mentor for the medical department and am happy to help you in any way that I can.

UPDATE: Phil is indeed finishing strong, achieving his Certified Professional Coder certification one month prior to graduating.