Where Nothing is Impossible
Volume IX, Issue 5, October 23, 2023
SMC in Focus pays homage to the tremendous courage, persistence, and spirit of Santa Monica College
alum (and students) in this issue: Nia Patton, who thought Stanford was a pipe dream
until a philosophy professor convinced her otherwise. Mateo Nikolav who followed a
dream, all the way from Ecuador. Ariel Zavala and Jasmin Mestas who are going to care
for patients as respiratory therapists. Three pre-med students—who never thought they’d
get in—selected for a prestigious fellowship offered through Stanford Medicine. And
a Cal Poly sophomore who left an elite Public Ivy for Santa Monica College—it was
the right choice. It always is.
Philosophical Outlook
For years, Nia Patton thought she might never complete a college degree. But after gaining an online degree from Santa Monica College, she was accepted to her first choice, Stanford.
Breathing Lessons
Jasmin Mestas came to respiratory care through a parent’s tragic death. Ariel Zavala was working as a certified nursing assistant and saw her patients getting COVID. At SMC, they became respiratory therapists.
Bigger Picture
SMC to UCLA transfer Mateo Nikolav fell in love with film at age four. But it was an Ecuadorean-produced film Qué tan lejos that led him to LA, and a prestigious internship with the TV Academy.
An Unexpected Summer in Palo Alto
Neuroscience major Candido Lopez, psychology major Jai Williams, and anthropology major Alexis Molina had an unlikely summer in Palo Alto, shadowing physicians and learning about careers in medicine.
Bragging Rights
An Art professor’s murals at Hyde Park station. A journalism professor makes history. A Malibu Campus staffer’s sunset shot singled out by The Malibu Times.
Goodbye, Public Ivy—Hello, SMC
Cal Poly sophomore Genevieve Johnson opted to leave an elite Public Ivy for Santa Monica College. It was the right choice.
SMC In the News
Stanley Clark Embarks on BroadStage Residency
Ashanti Blaize elected SPJ President
The 5 Best Colleges Near Culver City, Calif.
SMC Emeritus Gallery Presents Show Feat. Arts Pioneer
Aaron McCloud Created Company to Help Kids Just Like Him
Three SMC STEM Scholars Chosen for Prestigious Scholarship
