Highlighting the amazing Administration, Faculty, Classified Professionals, and Students that make up our pirate family.
This month's highlights include:
Ahmad Samra (student), Jada Yarnall (classified), Dyan Collings Ralph (ESL Instructor), Kim Hoffmans, (Admin)
Name: Ahmad Samra
Role at VC: Student, MESA Member
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Years at VC: Freshman, started Fall 2023
Family life: Family of 5 and the oldest of 3 at home.
Hobbies: I love going to the gym, playing video games, and watching anime.
Favorite food: Mom’s home cooked Maqluba.
Favorite movie: The Irishman.
Favorite Song: Shouting At The Wall
Something Unique about you: I speak 3 languages which are English, Spanish, and Arabic. I have traveled quite a bit over the years both in-country and internationally between many states and also countries such as Jordan and Palestine.
Name: Jada Yarnall
Role: Administrative Assistant for Financial Aid, Basic Needs Center and Dreamers Center
Years at VC: 5 months
Family: Jim- Husband of 25 years, Lauryn (23) daughter, CJ (19) son.
Hobbies: Amigurumi Crochet, Propagating plants, Going to Disney Parks
Favorite food: Tacos
Favorite Movie: The Princess Bride
Favorite Song: Songbird by Fleetwood Mac
Something unique or interesting about you: I’m deaf and read lips/can only hear when directly in front of someone, so if you say hi on campus and I don’t say it back I’m sorry I’m not doing it on purpose 😊
Name: Dyan Collings Ralph
Role: ESL Instructor
Years at VC: Just a little over 1 year
Family: My beautiful wife, Janet, and our fur kids, Samuel and Sapphire, are the greatest blessings of my life. Their love creates a tapestry of joy that makes our family a treasure beyond compare.
Hobbies: Movies, music, reading, travel, swimming, and boxing.
Favorite food: TACOS!
Favorite Movie: The Truman Show (1998)
Favorite Song: Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen
Something unique or interesting about you: During my college years, I had the pleasure of immersing myself in Moroccan and Spanish cultures, living with Arabic-speaking families. Overcoming language barriers ignited my passion to become an ESL teacher, dedicated to helping non-native English speakers find increased comfort, joy, and success in the United States. I absolutely LOVE what I do!
Name: Kim Hoffmans
Role: President
Years at VC: 8 Years
Family: I have a small family including a husband and two children. My son is 30 years old and a doctor and my daughter is 28 years old and a nurse.
Hobbies: Skiing, golf, and hanging out with family and friends
Favorite food: Mexican Food
Favorite Movie: Some of my favorite movie series include Star Wars and Harry Potter
Favorite Song: Kelly Clarkson’s “Stronger”
Something unique or interesting about you: I am retiring in less than 6 months…Woo Hoo. My plan is to attend my son’s wedding in August and then I am off to Spain for a couple of months. !Adios al trabajo!