Manija Ansari's journey started 15 years ago at Mission College, where she was an ESL Tutor and ACCESS student worker. She received multiple A.A. degrees from Mission College, and was the recipient of Karl Pister Leadership Opportunity Scholarship for 2007. She continued on to earn her B.S. in Finance and M.A. in Educational Counseling from SJSU.
She speaks Farsi/Dari, German, and English.
For over three years, Manija has been working as an Adjunct Counselor at De Anza and Ohlone College.
In her own words, "I had the privilege to serve diverse student populations in different settings. I have experience in the following areas: general counseling, international counseling, DSPS counseling, veterans counseling, and career counseling.
I was a first-generation, low income, immigrant, and ESL student; therefore, I am able to understand and relate to my students’ challenges; therefore, my counseling philosophy is to make a lasting difference in my students’ lives by providing them with the highest quality support and guidance to achieve their educational and career goals.
I am in particular interested and honored to serve veteran students. I believe that our veterans serve this country regardless of their race, ethnic background, age, and socioeconomic status. And when they separate from service transition to civilian life and college can be challenging. I assist them with transitioning and navigating the college and educational system in an effective and efficient way."
Courses Taught
- Strategies for Success in College and Life (COU OO5).
- Hosts professional development workshops for facuty and staff to raise awareness around veteran student's needs and challenges.
Education
- A.A., Mission College
- B.S., Finance, SJSU
- M.A., Counseling, SJSU