Profiles in the Financial Aid Profession: Nicole Andonov from City College of San Francisco

Nicole Andonov, Administrative Analyst, City College of San Francisco

Jon Potter: What are you most proud of with your financial aid office?

Nicole Andonov: The dedication and commitment of the staff to help our student’s reach their educational goals.

Jon: What has been the biggest challenge for your office over the past 12 months?

Nicole: Meeting demands with limited resources. This includes limited staffing, time constraints, and accommodating the massive demand of students requesting financial support.

Jon: Are there any primary or coming trends that you see in the financial aid office?

Nicole: The most important trend is having more efficient use of technology in our office. This includes streamlining procedures, researching, and analyzing data to better serve the communities that access our services.

Jon: Who within the financial aid community has been your mentor?  

Nicole: Sophia Toney, Senior Management Assistant who is located here in our office.

Jon: Where do you think schools should focus their efforts with regard to default prevention strategies given the industry’s move to a 3-yr. CDR model?

Nicole: First is getting demographic data to understand what the trends are for people borrowing. Additionally, develop opportunities to educate borrowers. Last, create different points of learning to develop conscientious borrowers.

Jon: When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

Nicole: I wanted to be a lot of things. I thought of being a Botanist. I also used to watch Star Search and thought about becoming a stand-up comedian.

Jon: What do you like most about your job?

Nicole: It allows me the opportunity to meet people from different walks of life. Also, to assist people to achieve self empowerment through their education.

Jon: What is your favorite book, movie or food?

Nicole: Favorite movie is Sound Music. 

Jon: Name one thing that many people do not know about you.

Nicole: I’m an open book…

Jon: What is your favorite television show?

Nicole:  Modern Family

Jon Potter, Western Regional Director (CA)