Rare Endurance, Rare Journeys
Volume VIII, Issue 4, August 30, 2022
It is a hallmark of SMC students—the ability to endure, to take what life throws at
them, and turn it into something beautiful. SMC in Focus’s July-August issue celebrates several students who have demonstrated this quality,
plus those who found their journeys here and are shining, and a program-in-the-works
that showcases how Santa Monica College meets the needs of local industry, while making
sure equity remains the focus. Enjoy.
Perfect Fit
Melody Hellard applies her design skills honed at SMC to help keep Mattel’s iconic dolls at the height of fashion. Despite dyslexia, she built a creative pathway, beginning at age eight.
Accounting for Her Summer Adventure
The last thing Leisha Smith expected to feel at an accounting leadership conference, was mist in her eyes. But this 20-year old SMC student from South LA did find herself “kind of emotional.”
Rewriting His Life
After years of incarceration, King Burgess turned to Santa Monica College for a fresh start, enabling him to expand his storytelling artistry from the written word to visual media.
Waste Not
SMC alum Sofia Ratcovich uses her entrepreneurial savvy and passion for environmental sustainability to help businesses cut down on trash and food waste.
Bragging Rights
A music prof. sings in Greek and German at Disney World. A Theatre Arts prof. gets rave reviews. A retiree wins walking shoes for herself—and her friends.
Riding the Biotech Wave
Biology professors Dr. Andria Denmon and Dr. Tom Chen are helping SMC develop a new biotechnology major that is equity-focused and meets the needs of a booming industry.
SMC In the News
Moviemaker Names SMC Among Top 40 Film Schools
SMC & AltaSea Ready to Dive In
SMC Fights Food Insecurity with Bodega
Celebrating Student Success: a Graduation Special
SMC Students & Alum Selected for Station 1 Frontiers Fellowship
