The Student of Distinction Award (commonly referred to as the SODA) is the highest honor a student can receive at Southwestern College. It is given each year to students who have displayed exemplary academic achievement and contributions to our campus and our communities.
This year’s SODA recipients are mothers, fathers, athletes, journalists, researchers, scientists, tutors, future professors, future lawyers and future politicians who have all faced unique challenges in their pursuit of higher education. Not only have these students met their challenges, but they’ve also persevered through them in incredible ways.
This is the first SODA cohort in history who has had their education completely upended by a public health crisis. The COVID-19 pandemic has shaken our world and transformed our education, yet these students have remained resilient in their goals and dreams. Now more than ever, we celebrate their accomplishments and contributions to our campus community.
Although their friends and family may not be able to pack Mayan Hall, Southwestern College will still honor them at a virtual Student Awards Ceremony. Each student has received a $1,000 scholarship, funded by the Southwestern College Foundation and its donors, as well as a medal and certificate.
Now, let’s meet the 2020 Student of Distinction Award recipients.
Alejandra E. Aguilar
Major: Administration of Justice
Life Goals: My life goals are to become a prosecutor for the District Attorney Office. Since I was a little girl one of my goals is to go to law school and become a lawyer.
Significant Achievements: I have been a member of the Vice-President Honor List and current member of the President’s Honor List. I am the president of Nu Alpha Omega and the vice president of the Pre-Law Club. I have done community service at the Clean Slate Clinic in San Diego. Lastly, I will be graduating this summer with honors from Southwestern College.
What does receiving this award mean to you and how will it impact your future?
I was honored to be nominated for this award. Now, that I am one of the SODA recipients I am extremely blessed. This award is going to consistently remind me of my dedication to my academic journey. I accomplished a lot for myself and my family, I never expected to be rewarded for it. This award will prove that regardless of how many obstacles a person may face, if you are determined and never give up, anything is achievable. This is one more milestone in my career that I would like everyone to use as an example. If you believe in yourself and work hard, your dream will become your reality.
How would you like others to remember you?
I would like others to remember me as a strong independent woman who followed her heart and fought for her dreams.
Nominated by: Michael Speyrer
Kelly Alvarez
Major: Sociology
Life Goals: I plan to become an immigration lawyer and open a community legal clinic to aid and empower those who have been affected by immigration issues.
Significant Achievements: President of the Association of Chicana Activists, President’s Honor List, Phi Theta Kappa member, and a volunteer for Latinx in Leadership.
What does receiving this award mean to you and how will it impact your future?
This award will impact my educational goals by not only inspiring me to continue to pursue my passion for academic excellence, but it also honors my hard work. It’s a symbol of hope to those who have invested in my journey, and for those who are still trying to decipher their own. As the president of a club that empowers and uplifts women of color, an honor society member, a student worker, advocate, leader, and mentor, I am leaving behind a legacy for change. We may all have different stories, but ultimately we are the artists of our own destinies.
How would you like others to remember you?
I would like to be remembered as someone who fought for the rights of those in her community, an advocate for social justice, someone who kept persevering regardless of the circumstances, and the rose that grew from concrete.
Nominated by: April Brenner, Dr. Garcia-Navarette, Dr. Corona, Bridget Cavaiola, Craig Dolce, Minerva Garcia
Alexandria Baker
Major: Liberal Arts
Life Goals: My life goal is to earn my degree and to become an elementary school teacher. I want to show my future students they can face any mountain they encounter through giving them the tools to be the best they can and help guide them where they need it. It is about opening the doors for future generations where they may see a closed door.
Significant Achievements: My significant achievements include being on the President’s List for the spring and fall 2018 and the spring and fall 2019 semesters. I received the Theater Arts Scholar Award, I have been featured in The Vagabond in the spring and fall 2019 editions, as well as having the honor of receiving the Phi Theta Kappa Distinguished Chapter Member Award in 2019.
What does receiving this award mean to you and how will it impact your future?
This award is an amazing honor and means the world to me. I believe every child should have a chance to spread their wings and fly to be able to reach their full potential. This award will help me change my own world so I can work to change my future students’ worlds. Being an elementary school teacher, I can be there for future generations pushing them to reach their goals and not give up. As Gandhi said, “Be the change you want to see in the world.”
How would you like others to remember you?
I want to be remembered as someone who worked hard and I always had a smile no matter what I was going through.
Nominated by: Professor Michael Meehan
Jacob Bingham
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Life Goals: I hope to have the ability to help my family and friends in life when they need it.
Significant Achievements: My acceptance to UC San Diego and two years of straight As at Southwestern College
What does receiving this award mean to you and how will it impact your future?
Receiving this award made me feel like I could accomplish more in life. It will definitely give me inspiration as I continue in my education.
How would you like others to remember you?
I’d like to be remembered as determined and helpful to others.
Nominated by: Mourad Mjahed and Minerva Garcia
Gamaliel Carreno
Major: Journalism
Life Goals: Earn a master’s degree in journalism.
Significant Achievements: Pursuing a better education and moving from another country. Earning all high school credits in two years and graduating with honors. Being an editor for the Southwestern College Sun newspaper. Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society Member. Being included in many president’s lists during my high school and college career. Most important one: seeing my parents smile whenever I get somehow recognized.
What does receiving this award mean to you and how will it impact your future?
This award means that all the sacrifices my parents have made for me to earn an education are worth it. It means that with perseverance and hard work anything can be achievable. I think this award will motivate me to keep challenging myself and to take advantage of the opportunities that will be offered in the future.
How would you like others to remember you?
I would like people to remember me as an optimistic and hardworking person. Someone who helped those in need. Someone who actually cared.
Nominated by: Dr. Max Branscomb
Mariah Cooper
Major: Nursing
Life Goals: To become a perioperative nurse right here in San Diego and buy my parents a house.
Significant Achievements: I have received my associates in liberal arts: math and science, liberal arts: social and behavioral science, and psychology. I have been an FYE peer mentor. Got into the ADN program at Southwestern College.
What does receiving this award mean to you and how will it impact your future?
For a long time, I have done my best to be the best student I could be. I worked hard, studied hard, and help those around me. It is strange to be recognized for all the work I put in over the years. I almost feel like I don’t deserve it because I think that we are supposed to be working hard in everything we do is normal. This award will impact me by reminding me that the journey is not over. There is still so much to accomplish and right here, right now is an intermission. I will continue to grow and be better then I was yesterday.
How would you like others to remember you?
I would like others to remember me as being optimistic and full of good vibes. While being remembered for getting an award is great, I think that how you make people feel is more important. I like to make people feel happy, make people feel heard, and keep an open mind to all kinds of possibilities. If someone who met me once can look back at our first introduction and think “oh yeah, shes that positive girl who is full of energy,” I will be happy.
Nominated by: Crystal Alberto
Jenai Funk
Major: Political Science and Business Administration.
Life Goals: To become the first female Secretary General for the United Nations and help bring positive change to society. I would like to become part of a group of leaders who seek to bring positive, sustainable change to their community while at the same time enjoying the wonders of nature together.
Significant Achievements: Vice president of College Project, Phi Theta Kappa; received “Most Distinguished College Project” from Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society in 2020; senator-at-large, Associated Student Organization 2019-2020; recognized for outstanding leadership in equity by the SDSU Community College Leadership Alumni Group, fall 2019; board of directors of the non-profit organization Love Empowered; distinguished ballet dancer, Royal Academy of Dance of London.
What does receiving this award mean to you and how will it impact your future?
Receiving the Student of Distinction Award is of great encouragement as I continue seeking excellence both in class and out of class. In my interactions with faculty members and students, this type of encouragement is and has been a big motivator as, with their help, I have pursued my goals throughout the years. This is not only true for me but also, for all of us, who are striving to make the world a better place. When deciding on who will continue their education at their centers of learning, many universities and colleges look at these types of awards while making their final decisions. Because of the competitiveness of the acceptance process in many schools and internships, this award could be key in opening the doors as I continue my education. Besides the encouragement and distinction that this award has brought, it will also help me cover the expenses of my continuing education. For lack of financial support in key moments, many students’ progress has been halted in the pursuit of their dreams. This award will help propel me forward as I seek to grow to better help my community and world.
How would you like others to remember you?
As Malala Yousafzai, the 2014 Nobel Peace Prize laureate, stated, “When the whole world is silent, even one voice becomes powerful.” I want to be remembered as the voice who spoke for those who could not and as a woman determined to bring positive change.
Nominated by: Myriam Moody, Dr. Michael Odu, Peter Herrera, S. Rob Shaffer.
Jennifer Gomez
Major: Psychology
Life Goals: To obtain my PhD in psychology. I would like to work with local, state and federal agencies on creating programs to help those suffering from addiction and other mental illnesses be able to thrive as functional members of society.
Significant Achievements: President, Psi Beta Honor Society in Psychology; executive vice president, Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society; executive vice president, Creative and Performing Arts Club; ASO Higher Scholastic recipient; ASO Campus Involvement recipient; Phi Theta Kappa All-California Academic Team 2019.
What does receiving this award mean to you and how will it impact your future?
This award is dear to my heart because it means that even if you sink to the lowest of lows, you can always rise back up. This award shows that hard work, dedication and integrity will pay off.
How would you like others to remember you?
I would like to be remembered as someone whose compassion helped her to form strong bonds and lasting relationships, and whose integrity was valued by both friend and foe.
Nominated by: Dr. Michael Odu and Danielle McAneney
Donna Guadalupe Escobar
Major: Sociology
Life Goals: My goals are to become a high school counselor to prepare myself to be a high school principal and to inspire and support other students to complete their higher education.
Significant Achievements: My significant achievements had been complete an internship with the company NanoCellect, be part of the Puente Project, Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, Have a high GPA, be recognized as a student of distinction, and of course, graduate from college.
What does receiving this award mean to you and how will it impact your future?
Receiving this award is a privilege because it is a reward for all my effort during my time at Southwestern College, also is recognition from God, my family, EOPS staff such as Ms. Nora Rodriguez, and the Puente Project. Without their support, all this would not be possible. This award will open new opportunities for my future and will help me to inspire other young Mexican students to archive their goals.
How would you like others to remember you?
I would like others to remember me as a person who fights for their goals, dreams and purposes, and even with struggles around me, I determined to continue moving forward.
Nominated by: Nora Rodriguez
Ashley Hernandez
Major: Environmental Science
Life Goals: My life goals are to engage in ecological restoration projects and to find ways society and the environment to thrive together in the most sustainable ways possible. I have been looking to do this by working for organizations whose goals are to restore the environment in these times during a global climate crisis. My love for the outdoors has only grown since a child and I have always felt a need to protect it so that it can continue to provide us its ecological services that benefit us all.
Significant Achievements: One of my significant achievements is completing a sustainability internship with the Living Coast, where I have learned a great quantity about sustainability, such as composting and zero-waste. Becoming president of the Earth Science Club has also been very rewarding as it is the first time I became an official leader where I had to engage my creativity, responsibilities and work with others. The Student of Distinction Award has been one of my greatest achievements that I truly cherish since I decided to be involved in the campus community.
What does receiving this award mean to you and how will it impact your future?
Receiving this award is a great honor and will only encourage me to continue to provide my services towards improving the campus community and other communities in the future, such as San Diego State. I have always been known to be reserved and shy in the past. However, I have always wanted to be a part of something bigger so I pushed myself out of my comfort zone by involving myself in opportunities where I can work with others towards a common goal. The skills that I have learned from serving the Southwestern College community are precious and will be applied as I continue my academic career and my overall life.
How would you like others to remember you?
I would like others to remember as the person who never wants to stop learning. I always strive to learn more in this huge world full of unknowns. There is so much we still have yet to learn about the environment and how it benefits us so that we can find ways to protect it and live sustainably.
Nominated by: Carole Ziegler and Bulent Bas
Natalia Mercado
Major: Electrical Engineering
Life Goals: My life goals are to become a successful engineer, to continue to support my family and to become a contributing member of society.
Significant Achievements: President’s List; Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society; tutor at the MESA center; teaching assistant; intern at the Naval Information Warfare Center.
What does receiving this award mean to you and how will it impact your future?
I am honored to receive this recognition and I will strive to uphold the values of Southwestern College
How would you like others to remember you?
I would like to be remembered for my commitment to my family and my education.
Nominated by: Mourad Mjahed, Mimi Rasky
Alondra Osuna Orozco
Major: Psychology
Life Goals: My life goal is to finish my educational career and be able to get my dream job of becoming a counselor at a university. I wish to graduate with a master’s degree in psychology. I also want give back to my family because they sacrificed so much to give me the opportunity to immigrate to the United States and attend college. Lastly, a long-time life goal of mine has always been to start a family of my own once I feel accomplished of my career and economic success.
Significant Achievements: I was included on the President’s List for two consecutive semesters as well as the Vice President’s List. I was part of the women’s soccer team at Southwestern College for two years, and captain my sophomore year. I was president and vice-president for two clubs I started on campus: NCAA Transfer Club and Scholar-Baller clubs. I received seven scholarships my last year at Southwestern College. I got accepted to UC San Diego, where I will be transferring to this upcoming fall semester. I will also be the first person in my family to graduate from college.
What does receiving this award mean to you and how will it impact your future?
Receiving this award is an honor, and it means a great deal that I was chosen as a recipient. This award not only proves that I worked hard as a student-athlete, but it also demonstrates how people believed in me. This award will assist in my journey to continue my education. This award will help me financially as I will be transferring to UC San Diego.
How would you like others to remember you?
I would like others to remember me as an individual who is hard-working, dedicated, determined and loving. I want to leave an impact on people’s lives in a positive way, so they look up to me and consider me a role model.
Nominated by: My coaches, Carolina Soto and Tonie Cambell, and Professor Angela Chelik.
Omar Ramirez-Pimienta
Major: Computer Science
Life Goals: I want to improve education in Latin America through the use of technology.
Significant Achievements: President’s List, Jack Kent Cooke Scholar finalist, MESA program tutor.
What does receiving this award mean to you and how will it impact your future?
This award is a reflection of my perseverance and my persistence to thrive in the midst of challenges. It will remain in my life as a symbol of performance in Southwestern College and proof that hard work is recognized. This award is a motivational factor to keep working hard and to keep moving forward.
How would you like others to remember you?
I would like to be remembered as the tutor who helped other students to overcome themselves and thrive in their education.
Nominated by: Dr. Michael Odu, Minerva Garcia, Mourad Mjahed
Bree Robinson
Major: Occupational Health and Safety
Life Goals: To be successful and happy.
Significant Achievements: I have been the vice president of the Environmental Technology Club. I have earned a certificate in occupational health and safety and am a semester away from earning a degree.
What does receiving this award mean to you and how will it impact your future?
It was such an honor to win this award. It’s really been an inspiring experience that has given me more confidence in my abilities.
How would you like others to remember you?
I would like others to remember me as a kind-hearted and intelligent woman.
Nominated by: My professor Oscar Gomez.
Erica Ruiz
Major: Education & Ethnic Studies
Life Goals: I dream of serving my community by combating the inequity in education, specifically in low-income, working-class neighborhoods. I see myself holding space for youth who are first-generation students who could use support in demystifying higher education. I want to be in the classroom, reteaching the master narrative and providing love and teaching to help student’s reach their wildest dreams.
Significant Achievements: President’s and Vice President’s Honor List for 2018-2020, co-director of Word on the Street (Social Justice Youth Program), Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society member, Summer Training Academy for Research Success Scholar, 250+ hours of volunteer time with Barrio Logan’s Title I schools.
What does receiving this award mean to you and how will it impact your future?
Receiving the SODA award is a celebration of the passion, determination and hard work put into reaching my educational goals. It also tells a story of mothering in academia and challenging the norms that perpetuate throughout higher education. I hope this award will serve as a reminder that I am resilient and I am a product of the mentors and professors who have nurtured my visions.
How would you like others to remember you?
I want to be remembered for loving people. For making sure every human being is not only at the table but also being heard and served. I want others to remember me always challenging societal constructs and thinking critically. At the end of the day, I want to be remembered for creating space where people feel safe and appreciated. Always spreading love and light.
Nominated by: Dr. Angelica Gonzalez, Rob Schaffer, Michael Wickert and Christopher Vito
Solé (Soso) Ruiz
Major: Journalism
Life Goals: Have my own talk show to shed light on social inequities.
Significant Achievements: Sports editor of the Southwestern College Sun newspaper, PrepPigskin Field Producer for KUSI News since I was 17, president of SWC Soul Sisters, WCRTV Radio intern, ABC 10 sports anchor. Most importantly, a daughter, sister, and tia to a loving family.
What does receiving this award mean to you and how will it impact your future?
Receiving this award is a great reminder that the adversity I’ve faced in my life has never disabled me, but shaped me into the resilient person I am today. I’m going to cherish the SODA and allow it to motivate me to keep pursuing my dreams, not only for me but for my family and community.
How would you like others to remember you?
I want to be remembered as a black queen who chased after her dreams with 110 percent and used her voice to uplift others.
Nominated by: Dr. Max Branscomb
Christian Sanchez
Major: English
Life Goals: To become the Southwestern College Puente English professor, an author, and elected official (starting local, then state, finally on a national level).
Significant Achievements: I have been able to make an impact here as a student. Nevermind all the awards and recognition, I wanted to be a beacon for change. I feel that I achieved that.
What does receiving this award mean to you and how will it impact your future?
It means a lot to me. It validated the fact that people do see me and the work I do. It lets me know that I am valued here for more than just being a student, it lets me know that I have contributed and made a change.
How would you like others to remember you?
As a person who cared. I have never done any of the things I have for me, I did it for my fellow students.
Nominated by: Dr. Kindred Murillo, Professor Bustos, Professor Shafer, Dr. Posey, Dr. Art Guaracha
Laura Shimasaki
Major: Mathematics
Life Goals: I hope to become a community college math professor who continues to help out Urban Surf 4 Kids and who stays creative through photography and videography. I also hope to stay active and continue to power lift until I’m too old to lift a 5-pound weight.
Significant Achievements: I was a Masonic Award recipient, I received the Gayle McCandliss Arts Award for a dance solo I choreographed, and I was given a JACL scholarship.
What does receiving this award mean to you and how will it impact your future?
Receiving this award is an honor to me and my family. It means a lot to me and reminds me that I am on the right track academically and mentally. This award made me feel appreciated and noticed by my school and made me feel accomplished as a student. This award will help me with my future career and support me through my next semester in college.
How would you like others to remember you?
I hope others remember me as the bubbly, energetic, carrying, studious, determined and ambitious student that I am.
Nominated by: I was nominated by Kimberly Eclar, an amazing Math Professor whom I look up to.
Nicole Slade
Major: Biochemistry
Life Goals: My long-term objective is to contribute to the advancement of our understanding of various diseases and lead to new technologies that could hopefully provide cures. After getting a PhD, I would like to become a chemistry/biochemistry professor to support students pursuing a career in the same field.
Significant Achievements: Participating in a research project alongside Professor Juan Gonzalez-Gonzalez, studying carbon quantum dots and their applications; accepted into UC Berkeley and Cornell University Research Experiences for Undergraduates; Chemistry Club secretary; former chemistry tutor for the Power Study Program; current chemistry and calculus tutor for the MESA Program.
What does receiving this award mean to you and how will it impact your future?
Receiving this award is a tribute to the times where resilience and determination pushed me out of challenging situations. I will continue to use this memory as a source for inspiration in pursuing future goals.
How would you like others to remember you?
I would like others to remember me as a dedicated student willing to help others; most importantly, always a student.
Nominated by: Juan Gonzalez-Gonzalez
Isaac Wright
Major: Business Administration
Life Goals: Graduate from four-year university, future business owner, be in a financial position to give back to family and loved ones.
Significant Achievements: UC Davis class of 2022, 2019 Southwestern College Football Leadership Award, 2019 Southwestern College Football Scholar-Athlete Award, President’s List (two consecutive semesters), SODA winner, ASO Athlete, DeVore Family Memorial Scholarship Winner, Chicano Latino CoalitionL Cesar E. Chavez Award Winner.
What does receiving this award mean to you and how will it impact your future?
It is a huge honor to receive this award for it signifies my devotion to academics, leadership and personal development.
How would you like others to remember you?
As someone who carried oneself with integrity and never failed to be kind to others around them
Nominated by: Dr. Art Guaracha
