Abiba Bola

Abiba was born in Honolulu Hawaii and moved to California in 1989 with her older brother Djajiijo and mother. Abiba grew up in San Rafael where she attended first through twelfth grade. She also started attending junior college right in her back yard at College of Marin. She plans to get a A.S. in early childhood education, and transfer to a four-year university where she will go on to complete her undergraduate degree.

College has always been on Abiba’s agenda, but in the summer of her Junior year she found out she was pregnant. Abiba’s daughter was born on February 27th, 2006. Abiba graduated from high school a semester early and then had a wonderful semester off to spend time with and take care of her daughter.

After coming out of high school Abiba soon realized that she had made her social life more important than her academic life. She recognized that setting high goals in high school and working hard to reach them should have been the most important thing in her life at the time. Now as a Student Ambassador, she plans to reach out to high school students and let them know about her experience so that she can encourage them to do their best in school. And, also let them know that even if they do not do so well in high school there are options such as College of Marin to help students reach their ultimate goal.

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DJ Bola

My full name is Djajiijo Mukali Omari Omitayo Bola, also known as Dj. I was born in Oakland, California. After living a few years in Hawaii my family moved back to California and lived in Bolinas where I went to elementary school. I graduated from Terra Linda High School in 2004 and started taking pre-law classes at COM the same year. Eventually my career interests changed and now I am interested in a career in nutritional science, so I can move forward to medical school and work in pediatrics.

I have been given a great opportunity to represent COM as a Student Ambassador. Starting at COM after high school was a difficult transition for me. I remember the first semester spending all my money on books and then being low on cash for the whole semester. During the whole first year, I wasn’t aware that I could purchase books on line for a better price. The analogy that comes to mind in thinking about starting college is like teenagers teaching themselves how to drive a stick shift. After they burn through a few clutches they will learn how to drive smoothly.

On of the things I have learned is how to share my experiences and lessons in adapting to and surviving college with others. As a Student Ambassador I look forward to providing assistance to anyone who could benefit from our experiences and resources. Student Ambassadors: Think of us as your inside connection; we give you the 411 on COM.

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Todd McCleary

Todd is a native of Missouri who has lived in California for the past 22 years. Todd is the proud son of Marilyn and Earl McCleary, ninth born of thirteen. He came to California after graduating high school in 1983.

After working many years in retail and construction, Todd decided to return to school. His decision to continue his education was an easy one to make. He comes from a family that strongly believes in higher education. Many of his siblings have found success in life because they worked in school and obtained a degree, he now follows in their footsteps. His educational goal is to obtain a degree in psychology, which he plans on dedicating to the memory of his mother and father.

Todds’ plan is to help others overcome life’s hurdles and obstacles such as he did. He is motivated by the opportunity to learn and acquire new life skills that not only enriches his life but the lives of others as well. Todd has worked on campus for Equal Opportunity Program and Services (E.O.P.S.) and more recently as a Student Ambassador. He enjoys sharing valuable information with other students and giving campus tours to incoming students. Todd loves his studies and work at the College, and believes that everyone deserves and has the right to higher education.

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My name is Brandi Comaroto and I was born in San Francisco, CA. I come from a family of four and am the older of 2 children. My sister and I both attended public schools in the Bay Area until the year 2000, when my family and I relocated to the Sacramento area. I attended Rocklin High School and was involved in a number of school activities such as the school band, Multi-Cultural Club BP, Cross-Country, and swim team, as well as community service. I attended my first semester at the College of Marin in the spring of 2005. I have very high aspirations as far as college is concerned. I plan to pursue a career in medicine. Each of the colleges I plan to apply to rank high in terms of their pre-medical programs. The opportunities here at COM are endless in multiple spheres of life-academic, social, athletic, etc. I have cherished the opportunity to educate myself and at the same time have fun on campus with student organizations and my job as a Student Ambassador. It is a great privilege to be an Ambassador because it gives me the chance to not only build relationships with current and prospective students, but also provides the chance for me to enhance and expand students experiences here at the college. COM has and continues to play an enormous role in my path towards achieving my academic and social goals. This is because of the helpful faculty, student services and friendly and relaxed environment that is available to students including myself.

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