Meet Your Instructor: My Career Development Journey

Hi Everyone!  My name is Amanda Greene and I am a full-time Counselor and Professor here at Santa Rosa Junior College.  Let me share with you my Career Development story....

I was born in California, but grew up in Sioux City, Iowa.  Never heard of Sioux City?  Here are a few pictures to give you an idea.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After high school, I had NO idea what I wanted to do.  I went to a couple of different colleges in the Midwest, hoping to find some direction, and finally chose Sociology for a major.  After I finished two Associate's degrees (one in Sociology and one in Spanish) I decided I was over the Iowa winters and it was time to move back to sunny California.  I figured I'd walk right in to Sac State, since that was the closest school to my parents house that I knew about, and they would for sure accept me since I had two degrees.  Unfortunately, that wasn't the case.  I had no idea what the California college system was like, or that transfer requirements even existed.  Discouraged I found myself at Solano Community College in Fairfield trying to work full time as a manager in retail (American Eagle Outfitters and Gymboree) and balance going to school. 

Eventually I met with a college rep from UC Davis who visited Solano, and he told me about their Sociology program.  Finally, I was inspired.  I was able to work full time, while going to school part time, and transfer with a TAG (Transfer Admission Guarantee--see a Counselor for details!) to UC Davis where I graduated with honors in Sociology and Education.  During my last year at Davis, I started to panic every time someone asked me, "What are you going to do with a degree in Sociology????".  For one of my classes I had to do an informational interview, and I chose my Sociology Advisor.  I really liked her job, and how she got to work with students all day.  She gave me insight on the profession, where to go for my Master's and the different routes for Counseling and Advising. Finally, things were beginning to make sense.  I had such a confusing and discouraging experience when I was at the Community College, and I desperately needed guidance that I didn't get from anyone until I met the Davis rep.  I realized, through my journey/hiccups/obstacles as a first-generation college student, I could help others.

After Davis I pursued a Master's in Counseling, with an emphasis in Career Counseling.  I have worked in areas of advising at the UC (UC Davis), CSU (Sac State) and Counseling at a couple of different Community Colleges (Solano and Santa Rosa Junior College).  I can say without a doubt, that I have found my passion, and I am doing exactly what I should be doing.  I love working with students in both Counseling and Teaching roles.  Santa Rosa Junior College is really an amazing place, and has so much to offer students, and I feel so fortunate to be here with all of you.