My name is Briana Bonilla and I am a criminal justice major currently in my third semester here at RACC. I like to meet new people, and I like to help others. I am outgoing, a hard worker and I love to learn. By being an Ambassador, I have made many new friends and have gained a more personal understanding of what RACC stands for.
I am involved in the Student Activities Board (SAB) and I am also in the leadership program. Through self-demonstration I show other students that it is possible to achieve greatness and that first step starts here at RACC. I am glad that through the Ravens Ambassador program, I can help encourage more students to attend Reading Area community College.
Hello, my name is Jewell Brown and I am a 2010 graduate of Governor Mifflin Senior High. Currently, I am a second year Liberal Arts major in preparation to transfer into a Music Education/Performance program at a 4-year college. I am excited to begin my second year at RACC and my first year as an Ambassador. I have an enthusiastic, friendly, outgoing and funny personality which I use to help and encourage others.
In high school, I was an active participant in concert band, choir, orchestra, indoor percussion, and other countless clubs and activities. I held numerous leadership positions such as the president of orchestra, and section leader in marching band. I also participate in the Reading Philharmonic Orchestra.
I enjoy playing music, reading, attending church, volunteering at the PAL Center for the Arts, and community theatre.
My name is Joel Dobbins and I've studied music independently for the last five years. I'm a recording artist, worship leader, certified audio engineer, and liberal arts major, all of which complement the rest.
I began studying at RACC in 2005, when I was 17, and returned from a long hiatus last fall. I'm planning to graduate in spring of 2012.
If I could, I would take every humanities and communications course RACC has to offer, as these have most affected my way of thinking, and the faculty is excellent. I strongly believe in communication as a vital part of education. The damaging effects of miscommunication are evident, from international politics to interpersonal relationships, so I treasure the communication skills RACC has helped me to develop.
Hello, my name is Andrea Gardner. I am married with two children, and I am studying to become a Social Worker. I am honored to have been selected to represent Reading Area Community College as a Raven Ambassador. I am also involved in the Student Government Association, the Leadership Program, and the Townsend Press Reading Scholarship Program.
As a non-traditional student, I have had many different life experiences including mother, wife, preschool teacher, volunteer, student and helper. I love helping and encouraging others and am always looking for ways to share what I have learned and experienced in my life. Reading Area Community College has been a fantastic opportunity for me, and I am happy to share that with future and prospective students and their families.
I am Anushka Ivon Liyanage, an international student from Sri Lanka. I came to the United States of America two years ago to continue my higher education. I first went to Lehigh Carbon Community college in Allentown. Then after two semesters I transferred to Reading Area Community College. I am majoring in Science transfer at RACC with the intention of becoming a physician. In my leisure time I like to read and work with children. I am a very friendly and social person.
After I came to the United States I was excited and nervous at the same time. At first, I was focused only on my education. Even though I was succeeding in my education, I started to miss my family and friends. When I was in Sri Lanka I used to do many extracurricular activities. I decided to continue my interest in working with people. Therefore, I have applied to the Raven Ambassador program and embraced this unique opportunity. I am very excited to become a Raven Ambassador because of my passion of working with people. I am looking forward to helping people become part of our RACC community.
My name is Emily Mosser. I am majoring in Early Childhood education. All through high school my desire was to attend a community college. RACC has provided me with many opportunities to be successful in my major.
I have been a Raven Ambassador since my freshman year. It is an honor to be a representative of RACC. What I enjoy most about being an ambassador is that I have an opportunity to meet many different people. I like helping and getting to know others. This has been a positive experience.
Along with being an ambassador I volunteer at an in-home daycare. I enjoy walking, socializing with people and being with my family.
My name is Marissa Plattner and I recently graduated from Exeter Senior High School. I am now a freshman at RACC and I am very excited to attend. I chose RACC because I will get a great education at an affordable tuition rate. I am studying in the Physical Therapist Assistant Program, which is a partnership with Lehigh Carbon Community College. Once I complete this program, I will transfer to a four-year college to earn a bachelor's degree in Physical Therapy.
As a Raven Ambassador, I look forward to helping other students. In general, I am a very kind-hearted person who has a compassion for helping those in need. My everyday goal in life is to make a difference in other people's lives. There are many people who have made a difference in my life, and I wish to pass that kindness along to others. This is one of the many reasons I wish to become a physical therapist.
I enjoy exercising, reading, writing, learning, drawing, as well as spending time with family and friends. I also adore animals and love to meet new people. I wish everyone the best of luck with their future endeavors at RACC!
My name is Amy Rapp and I am majoring in Elementary Education. I plan on transferring after one or two years at RACC and hope to graduate in 2014 with a bachelor's degree. This is my first year as an ambassador and look forward to my work in the program. I enjoy helping people and am a very social person.
Along with being an ambassador and a full-time student, I coach basketball for children ages 8 to14. I really enjoy doing this as well because I know I make a difference in their lives just like I hope to make a difference in people's lives as an ambassador. In high school last year, I served as my senior class vice president, was a member of Student Ambassadors, and a member of SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions). Some hobbies I have are photography, running 5k races and trail runs, and I like spending time with my dogs.
My name is Brandon Starnes and I am a new Raven Ambassador and new student at Reading Area Community College. I plan on using my time at RACC as a stepping stone into the college world. As an Ambassador, I look forward to gaining better leadership skills.
I graduated from Daniel Boone High School and my plans are to eventually join the FBI after getting a degree in Criminalistics (Crime Scene Investigation). While in high school, I was part of the Daniel Boone Marching Band for four years. I played in the clarinet section and we eventually won the Atlantic Coast Championship during my senior year.
I enjoy participating in mission trips and I have done mission work in Mexico, South Dakota and New Orleans. This gives me a valuable perspective on helping people from different backgrounds and nationalities that I hope to use as a Raven Ambassador.
My name is Alexsandra M. Velazquez. I was born in New York City and moved to Reading when I was a young girl. I completed my entire education in the Reading School District. I am a recent graduate from Reading High School and started Reading Area Community College in the fall of 2010. I am a newly appointed Ravens Ambassador, and I am thrilled about this opportunity and what this year as an ambassador has in store for me. I am majoring in Early Childhood Education and hope to graduate from RACC by 2013 and continue my education at a local four-year college.
As an ambassador, I know that I will be assisting prospective RACC students and will serve as a positive role model to incoming freshmen. Through the Ravens' Program I hope to become more familiar with RACC and college life in general. I hope to become more involved in campus life and the many student activities offered on campus. I do not want to just attend RACC-- I want to be a part of RACC. Don't hesitate to get involved, make the most of your college years!!!!
