Summer — 2009

Bonny Nasimi

Psychology

“It’s been so great for me here that I just don’t want to leave. I mean, SMC has been there for me from the beginning to the end, and I’m gonna miss it.”

She was in her third year at SMC and just about to transfer to Cal State Northridge. “This college has helped me in every way,” said Bonny Nasimi. “The teachers are excellent, and they’re actually the reason I stayed in school. Because I’ve been through some tough times, and SMC was a complete outlet and release for me. I didn’t know what I wanted to do when I got here,” Bonny continues, “but I knew that I’d have all the time that I needed to figure that out.”

Initially, Bonny was going to study Communication Disorders. “But I changed all that, because what I really wanted to do was to help high school students, as a counselor. I don’t like feeling sad, personally,” she says, “and I don’t like to see other people sad, either. So I just want to alleviate the pain or sadness that a lot of young people are feeling.” Bonny actually found—at SMC—the counselor she hopes to become one day. “Julie Greenfield completely supported me in everything,” says Bonny. “She was extremely patient and sweet. And when I wasn’t really sure about studying psychology, she really helped me to see the light.”

SMC has been a truly ‘family affair’ for the Nasimi family. “Actually, my mom and my two older sisters have gone here. So there really wasn’t anywhere else I wanted to go to begin college. Ultimately,” she continues, “I’d like to get my PhD, just for myself; to prove something. SMC has changed a lot of my values. And when you come here,” she advises, “just take all the time you need, because the path will completely open up for you to do exactly what you want to do with your life.”

Back