MESA Alumni Spotlight
Highlighting MESA Alumni and the impactful work they are doing in the community.
Tina Rajabi
Major: Pure Mathematics
University: University of Washington Seattle
I have always loved math and believed that math is the heart of Science, Technology,
Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). It is a way to view the world from a different
perspective, filled with an underlying logic that is simply beautiful. After completing
my high school education in Iran, my family and I immigrated to the US. My passion
towards math helped me overcome the challenges immigration brought to me and led me
to continue my education at Edmonds College where I graduated with an Associate of
Science degree with a focus in mathematics. Now, I am a junior at University of Washington
majoring in Math. After receiving my Bachelor’s degree, I am eager to continue my
path towards Masters in Math and PhD in Math Education.
Features:
- Gov. Inslee Tours Edmonds CC Engineering Labs
- 2018 – 2019 UW Spence Scholar
- Edmonds CC SET Building Groundbreaking
- Edmonds CC 2018 Commencement Speaker
- Northwest Asian Weekly
- Three Edmonds CC Students Named Semifinalists for Prestigious National Scholarship
Christina Negrete
Major: Spanish and a minor in Biology
University: Seattle Pacific University
My name is Christina Negrete and my passion for biology grew once I started noticing more women in science, learning all the amazing things the human body does, and how everything around us is growing with us. I ended up at Edmonds College because of a suggestion and it turned out to be a really good choice. I've encountered some amazing people once I joined MESA and they've all played a role in what it's taken for me to finally be where I am. I've had an amazing advisor/mentor, Rashanah Botley, along with Rachel Wade in the crazy times where it's all winding down to present time and applications and everything. Coming from a Latino background has played a role in how I've viewed things in my educational career up to this point. I want to give back to the people of color in underserved communities and contribute in a way that allows me to do what I'm passionate about. I will be transferring to Seattle Pacific University in the Fall to pursue a degree in Spanish and a minor in Biology.
Jessica Pal
Major: Biology
University: University of Washington Seattle
My name is Jessica Pal. My parents are originally from India, but I was born and raised in Italy. I have been living in the USA for 6 years now, where I am continuing my studies. I started studying at Edmonds College as a Running Start student, and I am graduating this quarter. Along with my sister, I will be the first generation in my family to attend and graduate college. I will be transferring to UW in fall, where I plan to major in Biology. I am a Pre-Med student, and look forward to attend medical school. I plan to become a space medicine researcher or a pediatrician.
Features:
Shabina Pal
Major: Biology
University: University of Washington Bothell
Hello! My name is Shabina Pal and I am originally from Punjab, India. However I was born and raised in Italy. I came to the US six years ago and I will be graduating Edmonds College this spring. As future plans, my career path choice is to major in Biology. Long term goals are to attend School of Dentistry and pursue a career in Orthodontics. I will be transferring to UW Bothell in the fall, where I will pursue a major in Biology.
Vi Pham
Major: Intended Mechanical Engineering
University: Intended University of Washington Seattle
My name is Vi Phan and I'm a first generation college student. I started going to Edmonds as a running start student, meaning I went to community college while in high school. I hope to transfer to UW Seattle in the fall and am currently working towards a career in mechanical engineering in order to support my family and hopefully use my skills as an engineer to benefit the lives of others.