"Reality leaves a lot to the imagination.” — John Lennon 

Tell us about your educational and professional path.
I grew up in the Berkeley public school system from preschool through high school. After that, I went off to UCLA where I double majored in Political Science and International Development Studies. I was inspired by teachers in school and my professors in college. My parents came to this country from India in pursuit of higher education, so my family has always stressed the importance of education. My dad was a professor as well, and he always made sure I spent lots on time on campus with him when I was growing up. I think I always knew I wanted to teach, and by the time I graduated from college, I knew I wanted to teach at a community college. I got my MA and my PhD in Sociology at Brown University, and that’s where I developed my love of Sociology. I’ve spent my whole life in school, and I wouldn’t have it any other way!

What are you most passionate about professionally?
I love teaching, and the thing I love most is when students come up to me and tell me that I inspired them to study Sociology or that I helped them to understand that a college education is right for them, too. That is truly gratifying to me. 

What most excites you about your work with and contribution to APASS?
APASS is all about community building. We are filling a need here at SRJC for our APA students. I think there are a lot of APA students here who do not know where to look for community and a sense of camaraderie, and I think that being part of our learning community would be a great start! This will also give us a way to come together with other APA faculty and staff members and put together events for the entire community.