Alexandra Vertti:  

y about my college days? It was so unlike high school and really broadened my horizons and perceptions of the world. The first college I attended was Monterey Peninsula in Monterey, CA. The surroundings were breathtaking. Ocean on all 3 sides, waves crashing and pounding against the threshold of the universe, the smell of salt and sunshine lingering in the air, sea otters and seals dotting the wharf and sea shore. But inside, the institution was all academics. I met some awesome people and had some very cool experiences, but my time there was short lived. I next attended RCC in boring Riverside, CA. Not much too say about my time there except that I got an education :o) My only regret about college is not obtaining my BA. Workplace I am so lucky to have had the best work experiences thus far. I was 18 when I got my first job which was as a salesperson for a cosmetic/fragrance shop. I then began working as an office assistant for the County of Riverside. This is where I met my wonderful husband! In January of 1996 I moved onto the County of San Bernardino where I have been ever since. I have been so fortunate to have landed such a rewarding and meaningful position. I am a counselor in a federally funded, comprehensive employment preparation program. Basically we help prepare recipients of public assistance to move into self-sufficiency by helping them to remove barriers they may have including but not limited to: domestic violence, mental health, substance abuse, etc. I love my clients, but even more so I love my co-workers. They are an extended family to me.