At Student Support Services, our mission is to help students succeed in college.
Our various staff members offer various services to students including counseling and tutoring.
Michelle Y. Thomas, Director of Student Support Services
Dept.: Student Support Services
Office: 3C Building
Phone: (928) 344-7761
E-Mail: michelle.thomas@azwestern.edu
Degree(s):
About Myself
Hobbies and Other Interests
Projects
Professional Organizations
Interesting Links
Eva Aviles , Transfer Coordinator
Dept.: Student Support Services
Office: 3C Building
Phone: (928) 344-7764
E-Mail: eva.aviles@azwestern.edu Degree(s): Bachelor of Science in Business Management, University of Phoenix (2005), Associate of Arts in General Studies, Arizona Western College (2003)
Eva Aviles is the Transfer Coordinator for Student Support Services. Throughout the year, Eva encourages and enables students to transfer to four-year institutions to earn a bachelor's degree. Each semester Student Support Services sponsors trips to the three instate universities for program participants. There, students can see the campus for themselves and can participate in orientation sessions and campus tours. Eva also helps students who are getting ready to graduate and eventually transfer. Any school that the student is interested in is just a phone call away or can be found on the internet. With her many college liaisons, Eva can help you get a head start on your career path. She is an excellent resource for transferring students.
About Myself
My name is Eva Aviles. I am 22 years old and I am a native of the Yuma area. I graduated in 2001 from Antelope Union High School in Wellton, Arizona. I then attended Arizona Western College until 2003 when I graduated. Throughout those two years at AWC I was a member of Student Support Services. Participating in the program was a great experience for me. Having the opportunity to work for the program now gives me great satisfaction; I am now able to provide the guidance that so many students need.
Professional Organizations
- WESTOP
- AACHE-Yuma Chapter Secretary
Erika Vazquez, Program Coordinator
Dept.: Student Support Services
Office: 3C Building
Phone: (928) 344-7762
E-Mail: erika.vazquez@azwestern.edu
Degree(s) Bachelor in Liberal Arts, Sociology with a focus in Human Services, Northern Arizona University (1998), Associates of Applied Science in Human Services, Arizona Western College (1993)
About Myself
Erika Vazquez is the Program Coordinator for the Student Support Services Program. Erika coordinates student activities that aid in the retention and graduation of students. Erika presents multiple workshops throughout the semester that emphasize the personal development of program participants so that they are acclimated to the college environment. She is also in charge of the peer mentors; peer mentors help with student contacts, group activities, workshop facilitation, and role modeling.
I am the oldest of three children from a single parent household. English is my second language. I came to the United States when I was 11 years old. I was always told to go to school in order to have a better chance to a better life than what my mother had. I am a strong believer in education. Education IS the only way out of poverty, ignorance, segregation, racism, hate, apathy, and all the other words that can be used against another human being. I thrive on helping students find their way through obstacles. I rejoice in the thought of my students reaching their educational goals.
Hobbies and Other Interests
I have some hobbies and many interests. One of my favorite hobbies is reading. I like to read literary works of authors like Isabel Allende, Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Laura Esquivel, Shakespeare, and Dr. Seuss. Another one of my favorite hobbies is writing. I mostly write poetry and short stories. I also have a passion for drawing, traveling, dancing, off-roading, cycling, baseball, and Karate. I have an interest for everything that I can learn from. I love helping others.
Favorite Books
- La Casa De los Espiritus, Isabel Allende
- El Amor En los Tiempos del Colera, Gabriel Garcia Marquez
- Caramelo, Laura Esquivel
- Romeo and Juliet, Shakespeare
- Green Eggs and Ham, Dr. Seuss
Projects
I am working on a collection of short stories and poetry that I eventually want to publish.
Professional Organizations
- WESTOP Member
- EOC member
- AACHE - AWC/Yuma Chapter Secretary
Interesting Links
