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: 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’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 started Empire College June of 2017 in the Business program. After taking the first two accounting classes and hearing all the job opportunities in the accounting field, I decided to major in accounting. I could not have made a better decision. I am now in the Accounting Essentials program and look forward to upgrading my program to the associate degree.

I worked retail for several years and knew that was not what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. I also worked a couple of office positions and knew that I needed a better educational background to better my skills. When I had the opportunity to come back to school, I jumped right on it! Since coming to Empire College, I have come a long way and could not be any happier. I am excited to be a mentor for my classmates and continue to strive for greatness.

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.

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.