Where Success Stories Are Written
Volume VIII, Issue 2, April 18, 2022
Success stories take different shapes depending on the protagonist. But there’s one
common element: someone changes—often after confronting adversity—and then, someone
grows. SMC in Focus proudly celebrates Santa Monica College’s success stories, in
the form of four students/alum who are shining bright (from Mongolia to NYC & beyond!),
a journalism professor/activist showing the way, and so much more. SMC is where the
best success stories are written!
So Much Drama
As Juilliard graduate Anthony Richardson makes his Off-Broadway directorial debut, he reflects on the many ways Santa Monica College ignited his bright future.
Can Mongolia Go Green?
SMC to UCLA transfer Enkh-Uchral “Eddie” Enkhbayar came all the way from Ulaanbaatar to study engineering and help fix his home city’s serious infrastructure problems.
Born This Way
SMC student Ashley Lopez is challenging perceptions about software engineers and hackers — and what it means to be LGBTQ+.
Journalistic Journey
SMC Professor and Emmy Award-winning journalist Ashanti Blaize-Hopkins helps students sharpen their newsgathering skills while championing freedom of the press.
Bragging Rights
SMC’s literary journal has two Pushcart Prize mentions. An Emeritus professor sells her debut novel to an imprint of Penguin Random House. A dance instructor creates meaningful choreography. Read more.
A Place to Belong
Brought to the U.S. for medical care at an early age, Maria Hernandez is studying at Santa Monica College to become a nurse and help others.
SMC In the News
Ocean health and the 'blue' economy
Tiffany Haddish: Early Life, Career, & More (HINT: SMC connection!)
SMC & ASU Partner to Offer Transfer Pathways
