Venaisi Gibson
My name is Venaisi Gibson! This is will be my 3rd year at COM as an Art major, with the focus on industrial design and production. Like most students, I was born and raised in the Bay Area and have gone through the San Rafael school system from elementary till now! So as one way to give back, I strive to support and share all the tips I’ve learned with peers who need a little extra encouragement. My favorite part about being a mentor is talking with mentees who have a zeal for life and their future aspirations because It’s so important to believe in yourself. I am also the President of the Heritage of Asia and The pacific Club on campus, that supports our AAPI community. So if you ever need someone to talk to about COM or yap with about all things art, musc, memes and Netflix shows, I’d love to chat! :)
Aadesh Bamane
Hi! My name is Aadesh (he/him). I am a mechanical engineering major, and it is my 2nd year working at MAPS. I was born in India but have been all over the US since I was 10. I have interned at the Buck Institute of Aging and participated in the NASA program COM hosts every summer. When I first came to COM, I had a difficult time finding my place here, but am now very involved. I'm excited to meet you all and hope to help you feel welcome at COM and find your community. In my free time I enjoy reading, cooking, and messing with electronics.
Meba Admassu
Hi everyone! My name is Meba and I’m studying sociology at COM as a second year student. My goal is to continue pursuing education after my bachelor’s degree, and work in counseling. In my free time, I like staying physically active, reading and visiting new places. As a first-generation American and college student, I understand what it is like having trouble navigating college and figuring out your place in higher education. That’s why I am excited to be a MAPS mentor this year! Hopefully, I can help make your transition into college much easier. I am excited to meet you
Heather De Leon Alvarez
My name is Heather De Leon Alvarez (she/her) and I’m in my third year at COM. I’m a Sociology major and I’m a first generation student. This is going to be my second year being a peer mentor for MAPS. I became a peer mentor because I want to help first generation students in any way possible and inform you guys with the resources available to us on campus. I want you guys to feel welcomed and supported. As hobbies I like to draw, walking with my family, and watch anime. I speak English and Spanish. Hope to see you guys soon!
Thao Anh (Theodora) Nguyen
Hi everyone, my name is Theodora (my Vietnamese name is Thao Anh). This is my second year at COM. My major is Psychology, and I'm particularly passionate about topics related to neuroscience within the field. As a new resident who just arrived in 2024, I believe I have a lot of experience to share about the process of adapting to life in the U.S. and the study methods that have been effective for me at COM. I've got plenty of tips and tricks hehe! I'm currently an officer for the HAP - Heritage of Asian and Pacific Islander Club - a club for the AAPI community. I'd be so happy if you could join us so we can have study sessions together, learn about scholarship opportunities, and have fun outings, potlucks, and movie nights. And last but not least, I'm a Taurus, and I love eating noodles, noodles, noodles (the important thing must be said three times).
Emma Aviles
Hi! I’m Emma, and I am a 24-year-old music education major who is a big supporter of higher education, and I am dedicated to working hard and supporting your college endeavors. I fell in love with the performing arts, such as singing, dancing and musical theater. I’ve been attending college of marin for a few years, which makes me a seasoned college student with many tips and tricks up my sleeve. I strive to be a very caring person and I enjoy making people feel supported and looked after. I strive to be realistic and level-headed, so that I can give you great guidance on finding your ideal career path. There are so many tricks and resources that I can refer to, so that finding yourself will be a clearer path.
Maxine Bullard
My name is Maxine (she/her) and I’m entering my second year at COM. I was born and raised in San Francisco. I am a Psychology major and plan to pursue a career in social work after college.This is my first year working as a MAPS mentor at COM and I am super excited! . Outside of school, I enjoy graphic design, photography, and thrifting. I’m excited to be part of the MAPS team this year and look forward to connecting with you and helping make your transition into college a positive experience!I look forward to meeting you all!
Christopher Khaing
My name is Christopher Khaing (he/him), and I’m beginning my second year at COM this semester. I plan to transfer to major in computer science and electrical engineering and, hopefully, someday, be a PhD candidate in those fields. I’m a part of a bunch of communities at College of Marin, and I love learning more about how science can bridge gaps in access between underserved communities. A fun fact about me is that I was born in Myanmar but was raised in the Philippines.