Erica Brenes, English Professor
Q: What was it like becoming a full-time professor at El Camino? How long were you working part-time for?
A: “Becoming a full-time professor made me feel secure. It made me feel like winning the lottery because these kinds of jobs are hard to come by. Before becoming full-time I spent 5 years teaching at other community colleges.”
Q: Is there any student who has impacted your career/life?
A: “Yes, Bryan passed away last semester. I had this student for 3 semesters and he taught me to value every student I ever have.”
Q: Who or what inspired you to teach?
A: “I always wanted to teach English, but growing up I had bad teachers, but when I got to college I met really great professors. It was then that I realized studying literature could be fun. I went to OCC and later on transferred to UCLA.”
Q: What does being able to teach mean to you?
A: “Students are the best and I like watching them grow massively throughout the semester. I also like to watch as they overcome struggles. There are students who ask me questions about something as simple as a coma, and I love when those students grow.”
Rhea Lewitzki, English Professor
Q: How long have you been a full-time professor? What was it like when you got offered the position?
A: “It is my 4th week as a full-time professor. When I got offered the full-time position I was out of words to express how happy I felt.”
Q: Who or what has inspired you to be who you are today?
A: “Students are who inspire me. They’re the reason why I teach how I teach.”
Q: What has been your overall experience as a professor at El Camino?
A: “El Camino is student centered. I get the impression that students come first. We look to have the best teachers, and as a result we have some of the best students.”
Q: Are there any personal goals you hope to accomplish?
A: “To have, to teach the best English 1A course at El Camino.”
Q: Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of school business?
A: “I’m in a punk band and I am the bass player. I also enjoy boxing.”
Monica Lanier, Guidance Counselor
Q: What was it like when the school offered you a full-time position? How long have you been working full time?
A: “It was really exciting. I’ve been working full-time since January 2015. I was working part-time at three other community colleges for 1 year prior to becoming full-time, and out of all the colleges, El Camino is my favorite.
Q: Are there any personal goals you hope to accomplish in the near future or later on in your life?
A: “I’d like to have a non-profit that helps high school students with their transition to college. I would also like students at El Camino to know that there is counseling services and I want them to take advantage of the opportunities.”
Q: Who or what has inspired you?
A: “I was recently sick, and I had to get dialysis due to a kidney transplant. Through all of this I continued to counsel part-time. This helped me understand the struggles that sometimes students go through and it helped me in my career to become a better counselor.”
Q: Are there any students that have impacted your career?
A: “I have met students who work full-time and were never encouraged to go to college. It is those students who inspire me everyday.”
Q: What are your hobbies? What do you like to do besides work?
A: “I like to paint, watch kids play sports. I also love going out to eat at new places and I like to do arts and crafts.”
