Orientation Staff Profiles
Audrey Cook
Class Standing: Senior
Major and/or Minor: Business Administration and Management
Hometown: Tracy, CA
Other Campus Involvements: Panhellenic Council Vice President, Alpha Phi Sorority
Favorite memory at SJSU: Being an orientation leader. I have never experienced a more amazing opportunity to help others and better myself as a person.
My best advice for a first time freshman is… to get involved. More often than not, once you get involved with one thing you want to get involved more. Building close relationships with your peers and making connections starts as soon as you get here so take advantage of the time you have.
My legacy is… always making others laugh and smile. Through the past 3 years in college I have realized that maintaining a positive attitude can get you far in most situations.
Arton Falahati
Class Standing: Junior
Major and/or Minor: Communications, Minor in Sociology
Hometown: Campbell, CA
Other Campus Involvements: Resident Advisor in CVC, Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity
Favorite memory at SJSU: Being an orientation leader summer of 2012
My best advice for a first time freshman is… use your resources! People are always willing to help and there is always assistance available. You are not alone.
My legacy is… A friendly smile and a familiar face someone can go to for anything. I want to leave a lasting impression on those around me and see me as a friend and role model.
Rigoberto Flores
Class Standing: Junior
Major and/or Minor: Communications
Hometown: Porterville, CA
Other Campus Involvements: Resident Advisor, Vice President of National Residence Hall Honorary
Favorite memory at SJSU: Summer of 2012 as an orientation leader
My best advice for a first time freshman is… Please don’t PROCRASTINATE!!
My legacy is… That it is possible to do what ever you want. Make sure to set your mind to do it. Being able to have a great time even when there might not be something to do.
Serena Garcia
Class Standing: Junior
Major and/or Minor: Child Development
Hometown: Hollister, CA
Other Campus Involvements: Panhellenic Council, Alpha Phi Sorority, Just Below
Favorite memory at SJSU: Going to the Fraternity and Sorority Life Retreat in Spring 2012.
My best advice for a first time freshman is… Always think positive and never miss out on an opportunity to meet a new friendly face and get involved. Use all of the resources that SJSU provides, they will come to good use! Don’t be afraid to make connections with your teachers they are there to help you!
My legacy is… to start a ripple effect of positivity, support, and compassion for
others. I want my smile and positive attitude to make others smile and feel comfortable
coming to me when they need support. I want to be seen as a positive role model around
my peers and my environment. Rachel Joy Scott once said, “I have this theory that if one person can go out of their way to show compassion then
it will start a chain reaction of the same”, and it all starts with ourselves.
Brandon Johnston
Class Standing: Junior
Major and/or Minor: International Business
Hometown: San Jose, CA
Other Campus Involvements: Kappa Sigma Fraternity
Favorite memory at SJSU: Living in the bricks, playing pool late at night and meeting all of the new people.
My best advice for a first time freshman is… get involved!
My legacy is… Making the university a better place then when I got here.
Simi Mann
Class Standing: Senior
Major and/or Minor: Psychology and Minor in biology
Hometown: San Jose, CA
Other Campus Involvements: Associated Students university affairs committee
Favorite memory at SJSU: My favorite memory at SJSU was my first summer in college.
My best advice for a first time freshman is… have an open mind and be friendly! SJSU is what you make it so don’t be afraid to push your limits.
My legacy is… to be able to make an impact on any one’s life.
Brian Robles
Class Standing: Senior
Major and/or Minor: Business with a concentration in Management Information Systems
Hometown: San Jose, CA
Other Campus Involvements: AS Programming Board, Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity
Favorite memory at SJSU: Working as an orientation leader.
My best advice for a first time freshman is… Be open minded to new experiences and get involved.
My legacy is… to have each of my freshman students remember their orientation session!
Annie Blaylock
Class Standing: Sophomore
Major and/or Minor: English
Hometown: San Jose, CA
Other Campus Involvements: Strive For College
Favorite memory at SJSU: Going to my first homecoming game and tailgate.
My best advice for a first time freshman is… get involved and keep up with your school work!
My legacy is… still in the making!!
Lauren Cairns
Class Standing: Junior
Major and/or Minor: Environmental Studies
Hometown: Saratoga, CA
Other Campus Involvements: SJSU Women’s DI Club Volleyball
Favorite memory at SJSU: everyday I have a favorite memory. My absolute favorite would be when my friends surprised me and bought my Drake ticket. I cried in class I was so happy.
My best advice for a first time freshman is… Get involved! Try new things, be open to new ideas, new friends, and new opportunities!
My legacy is… I want people to be just as happy and excited to be a Spartan as I am. I love this school! I hope this experience is eye-opening for everyone. That being said, I cant wait to meet you newly admitted Spartans!
Joshua Cruz
Class Standing: Senior
Major and/or Minor: Computer Engineering with a Minor in music
Hometown: Daly City, CA
Other Campus Involvements: Resident Advisor for the Bricks, Spartan Marching Band, Akbayan
Favorite memory at SJSU: Moving into Joe West Hall.
My best advice for a first time freshman is… take advantage of opportunities to get involved on campus. You never know where it might take you.
My legacy is… to give newer generations of SJSU students the amazing experience I had.
Jasmine Darden
Class Standing: Sophomore
Major and/or Minor: Undeclared with interest in nursing
Hometown: San Diego, CA
Other Campus Involvements: BSU my first year and work in the food court on campus.
Favorite memory at SJSU: I have so many but I would say meeting all my close friends and going to Christmas in the Park.
My best advice for a first time freshman is… Be resourceful and get to know all of your teachers and advisors.
My legacy is… more than anything make yourself proud first. Lead the way by example!
Aujonique Dismukes
Class Standing: Senior
Major and/or Minor: Justice studies
Hometown: Sacramento, CA
Other Campus Involvements: STRIVE, EOP mentor
Favorite memory at SJSU: Summer bridge 2012, coming up with a chant and performing it with my cluster group.
My best advice for a first time freshman is… enjoy these years, they’ll go by fast. Make connections through networking. Utilize all your campus resources and get involved by volunteering and joining clubs.
My legacy is… my past struggles that have contributed to my present education and future success.
Adam Eisen
Class Standing: Junior
Major and/or Minor: Athletic training with a minor in Nutrition
Hometown: Valencia, CA
Other Campus Involvements: Delta Upsilon fraternity
Favorite memory at SJSU: There are way too many to choose from, the friends, experiences, and memories are too great to choose just one.
My best advice for a first time freshman is… learn about and use the different resources available around campus.
My legacy is… I hope to leave SJSU better than when I came to school, both personally and through the University. I hope that I can leave with a positive mark on as many people as I can and help as many students as possible. I want to be viewed as a leader when I leave SJSU by doing my part.
Brandon Hunt
Class Standing: Frosh
Major and/or Minor: Kinesiology with a minor in business
Hometown: Stockton, CA
Other Campus Involvements: Sigma Nu
Favorite memory at SJSU: Pledging Sigma Nu.
My best advice for a first time freshman is… Manage your time, do not overload yourself.
My legacy is… to be the first successful person in my family to complete college. I want to help people who are struggling. Also, to have a positive impact on students.
RJ Jovellanos
Class Standing: Junior
Major and/or Minor: Public relations with a minor in Communications
Hometown: San Jose, CA
Other Campus Involvements: Public Relations Students Society of America and Akbayan
Favorite memory at SJSU: The first time I attended Fire on the Fountain event. It was my first school wide event that I attended with some friends and the school pride was amazing! There was so many fellow Spartans mingling around with a ton of booths giving out free prizes and cool raffles.
My best advice for a first time freshman is… to be friendly and talkative to those in your classes. Make a friend in each of your classes to get homework or a study buddy that you can rely on.
My legacy is… my outgoing and friendly personality that will leave an impact on the people I meet. I always make sure my first impression is memorable in some way. I don’t plan on being easily forgotten.
Michael Kelley
Class Standing: Junior
Major and/or Minor: Psychology
Hometown: Richmond, CA
Other Campus Involvements: SJSU Rugby Team, Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity, Associated Students Programming Board Student-At-Large
Favorite memory at SJSU: The first night of orientation where I was talking with my roommates until four in the morning, and made some of the best friends that I still have to this day.
My best advice for a first time freshman is… to get involved as much as they can without causing a burden on themselves. Join clubs, play sports, and go Greek, but only if you know you can still handle the workload.
My legacy is… I want my legacy to be known as the big guy who has the nicest personality. I want to be able to be remembered as the one who anyone could count on for a favor. I want to have impacted all of the peers around me in a positive way that they will never forget, creating lifelong bonds and friendships.
Allie Lamb
Class Standing: Sophomore
Major and/or Minor: Sociology with a concentration in Criminology and minor in Dance
Hometown: Travis AFB, CA
Other Campus Involvements: Air Force ROTC, Delta Gamma, Dance program
Favorite memory at SJSU: My first SJSU tailgate and football game! It’s amazing to see everyone get pumped for the game. Just to see all the Spartan pride makes me so happy. Seeing everyone get decked out in the blue and gold, cheering on their team no matter what!
My best advice for a first time freshman is… to get involved as much as possible, make the most out of your time at SJSU because there are so many opportunities to get involved. There are countless Greek organizations, clubs, sports, and service projects on campus. Just get involved and meet as many people as possible.
My legacy is…trying any and everything! I want to be remembered as the person who got involved and always tried something new. Whether it’s a new program, club, or sport; I want to get involved and give it my 150%. My goal is to meet new as many new people as possible and be adventurous at the same time.
Peter Lee
Class Standing: Sophomore
Major and/or Minor: International Business
Hometown: San Francisco, CA
Other Campus Involvements: President of Men Creating Change, Secretary of Delta Sigma Phi Fraternity, Director of University Advising Affairs for Associated Students
Favorite memory at SJSU: Hookah in the quad for the first time as a freshman.
My best advice for a first time freshman is… It’s extremely important to stay open minded! When I came to SJSU just wanted to keep my head down, complete my studies, and get out as fast as possible. I am extremely blessed to have had my eyes opened to Greek life and other campus involvement. I really found myself through networking and keeping an open mind.
My legacy is…I want to leave behind a legacy that inspires others to be accepting of each other and to be open-minded; a lot of the organizations that I am currently involved in have the mission of bringing people together and making SJSU more a of community. I want to leave this school, knowing I brought people together and a sense of community to this campus.
Philip Leu
Class Standing: Junior
Major and/or Minor: Health Science with concentration in Service Administration
Hometown: Almaden, CA
Other Campus Involvements: College Republicans, Sigma Chi Fraternity, John XXIII
Favorite memory at SJSU: Walking around downtown wearing only a towel my freshman year when the Joe West fire alarm went off during my shower.
My best advice for a first time freshman is… Use every single resource our campus offers, they are far more valuable than we initially think.
My legacy is…to support others to achieve great heights.
David Lyday
Class Standing: Frosh 0-29
Major and/or Minor: Biology minor in chemistry
Hometown: Lakewood, CA
Other Campus Involvements: community mentor in Joe West
Favorite memory at SJSU: Target Night
My best advice for a first time freshman is… use your resources.
My legacy is…to be determined.
Alex Matthews
Class Standing: Sophomore
Major and/or Minor: Industrial Design
Hometown: Ramona, CA
Other Campus Involvements: Residence Hall Association, IDSA, Associated Students
Favorite memory at SJSU: Working in housing with all of the residents and getting a chance to meet so many Spartans!
My best advice for a first time freshman is… keep an open mind and have fun, don’t be afraid to take responsible risks because this is the time of your life when you learn the most!
My legacy is…I want to be remembered for being a positive and optimistic individual. I strive to help others achieve their personal best. Everyone is capable of greatness!
Aaron Miller
Class Standing: Sophomore
Major and/or Minor: Political Science
Hometown: Tracy, CA
Other Campus Involvements: Associated Students
Favorite memory at SJSU: A really memorable one was my first semester, where I met at least 10 awesome people in one night and we all talked and became close, simply because they wanted to talk to me about my hair.
My best advice for a first time freshman is… To explore as much as you can. Make sure your introduction to SJSU is as holistic as possible. Of course the educational aspect of college is paramount. No one wants to start off on a bad foot academically.
My legacy is…to live an incomparable, colorful life. One of overwhelming awe, joy, and advancements that the world has never seen before.
Felix Navarro
Class Standing: Junior
Major and/or Minor: Nursing
Hometown: Brentwood, CA
Other Campus Involvements: Delta Sigma Phi President, Men Creating Change, Public Health Nursing Club, Peer Advisor for CASA
Favorite memory at SJSU: Receiving the President’s Scholar Award in Spring 2012.
My best advice for a first time freshman is… to get involved from the very start because you only go to college once.
My legacy is…to leave SJSU a better place than when I was in it. I want people to feel inspired by me to do good in all things they come across and meet.
Folasade Ogunbanwo
Class Standing: Frosh
Major and/or Minor: Public Relations
Hometown: Tracy, CA
Other Campus Involvements: BSU, Lead at On Fourth Café, RHA, CVC Hall Government
Favorite memory at SJSU: Parties in the Quad
My best advice for a first time freshman is… Take it easy, we all struggle but we also all get a chance to succeed.
My legacy is…to build a foundation for the minorities, make the unknown known , and never settle for less but always strive to success.
Arturo Osorio
Class Standing: Sophomore
Major and/or Minor: International Business, minor in Spanish
Hometown: Bucaramanga, Columbia
Other Campus Involvements: SJSU Men’s club soccer team, Academic Scholars Association, ASPIRE Program, EXCEED Program.
Favorite memory at SJSU: My favorite memory at SJSU was Freshman Orientation. I had the opportunity to meet a lot of great people, had a lot of fun, and I felt very happy and ready to start my college career.
My best advice for a first time freshman is… use all resources and never give up.
My legacy is…to encourage individuals to achieve the best they can.
Alyssa Piwowrski
Class Standing: Senior
Major and/or Minor: Business Administration Concentration in management
Hometown: Tracy,CA
Other Campus Involvements: Spot lite stage company
Favorite memory at SJSU: Fire on the fountain
My best advice for a first time freshman is… stay true to yourself. This is the beginning of your adulthood, so do things that make you happy and know that your choices will affect you.
My legacy is…staying focused and determined in achieving personal happiness and accomplishing goals no matter what obstacles and challenges were faced with.
Christine Raco
Class Standing: Junior
Major and/or Minor: Psychology
Hometown: Ripon, CA
Other Campus Involvements: Alpha Phi Sorority
Favorite memory at SJSU: Every crazy moment I have had with my best friend Shelby Ye, Who I met freshman year which is almost every day.
My best advice for a first time freshman is… Don’t be shy and try new things. Talk to new people and be yourself, you will gain great friends and learn new things.
My legacy is…being a friendly person who is always kind and helpful.
Celina Ramos
Class Standing: Sophomore
Major and/or Minor: Nursing
Hometown: San Jose, CA
Other Campus Involvements: Lambda Theta Nu Sorority
Favorite memory at SJSU: My Comm 20 class my freshman year.
My best advice for a first time freshman is… go to office hours and have fun.
My legacy is…to inspire others to not give up in life and to travel.
Max Rubio
Class Standing: Junior
Major and/or Minor: Hospitality
Hometown: Gilroy, CA
Other Campus Involvements: Delta Sigma Phi Fraternity, Student Advocates for Higher Education
Favorite memory at SJSU: First week in the dorms and meeting everyone.
My best advice for a first time freshman is… Do not let the new freedom get to your head and stay focused.
My legacy is.. I want to be able to influence more students to become leaders.
Danielle Saguil
Class Standing: Junior
Major and/or Minor: Hospitality tourism and event management Minor in business
Hometown: Bonney Lake, WA
Other Campus Involvements: Residence Hall Association, VP Student Affairs
Favorite memory at SJSU: going to my first fire on the fountain event!
My best advice for a first time freshman is… explore! College offers so many opportunities and resources to students. ALSO, be yourself!
My legacy is…taking initiative.
Tyler Seal
Class Standing: Sophomore
Major and/or Minor: Public Relations
Hometown: Sterling, CO & Pleasanton, CA
Other Campus Involvements: Joe West Hall Government, Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity
Favorite memory at SJSU: Homecoming game and Great America Fright Fest Night!
My best advice for a first time freshman is… to be open to meeting new and diverse people.
My legacy is…a helping hand and lifelong friend!
Shelby Soladar
Class Standing: Junior
Major and/or Minor: Recreational Therapy
Hometown: Calabasas, CA
Other Campus Involvements: Alpha Phi Sorority, SJSU NCAA Cross Country
Favorite memory at SJSU: A random night with some seriously awkward friends.
My best advice for a first time freshman is… get involved and stay organized. Whoever you are, you will find your niche here and grow!
My legacy is…A young woman who got extremely involved on and off campus, and exceeded her expectations every time.
Stephen Suh
Class Standing: Sophomore
Major and/or Minor: Mechanical Engineering
Hometown: Sacramento, CA
Other Campus Involvements: CVC Hall Government, RHA
Favorite memory at SJSU: Meeting all my friends, roommates, and coworkers at SJSU!
My best advice for a first time freshman is… Get involved in as many organizations as possible and be proactive!
My legacy is…to make the workload easier for the next generation!
Phillip Torres
Class Standing: Sophomore
Major and/or Minor: Journalism
Hometown: San Leandro, CA
Other Campus Involvements: Delta Sigma Phi Fraternity
Favorite memory at SJSU: Meeting all the great people that came into my life since I have been here.
My best advice for a first time freshman is… to be open minded about everything on campus. It will make your college experience so much better!
My legacy is… to influence people to get the most out of their life and make them feel they can accomplish anything they want to!
Raven Williams
Class Standing: Junior
Major and/or Minor: Undeclared but declaring in Health Science
Hometown: Inglewood, CA
Other Campus Involvements: Alpha Omicron Pi Sorority
Favorite memory at SJSU: move in day was so much fun because I met so many amazing people that day!
My best advice for a first time freshman is… do not over work yourself.
My legacy is… the contributions that I will one day make towards the medical field.
Nicole Wilson
Class Standing: Sophomore
Major and/or Minor: Criminal Justice
Hometown: Sacramento, CA
Other Campus Involvements: Working at the Dining commons, BSU
Favorite memory at SJSU: Homecoming football game freshman year when my friends and I ran onto the field!
My best advice for a first time freshman is… go to all campus activities!
My legacy is…to be social and make time to have fun while getting an education!
Shelby Ye
Class Standing: Sophomore
Major and/or Minor: Business Administration and Marketing
Hometown: Livermore, CA
Other Campus Involvements: Resident Advisor, SJSU Dance Sport Team
Favorite memory at SJSU: Residence Life and living in the residence halls!
My best advice for a first time freshman is… you’re going to learn a lot about yourself, so remember to not only stay focused but have fun too!
My legacy is…my optimism and pride as a SJSU Spartan!