Ambarta Noor is the newest Communications Studies faculty member at San Diego City College and she is already making an impact. Noor is also a proud City College alumna. Her role began January 16, 2014.
“Culture is a big part of my identity,” said Noor, who was born in Kenya and is a refugee from Somalia.
Though her heritage was a strength to her, she didn’t feel that from others. She wasn’t accepted in grade school, which led to a lack of interest in academics. “I didn't do well in school by any means. Some teachers taught school at me instead of to me.”
That experience made Noor into the teacher she is today but before becoming a professor she was a student finding her way. She enrolled at City College following her high school graduation, unaware of what she wanted to study and who she wanted to be.
During her second semester, she took Coms 101 Voice and Articulation. Unbeknownst to her, the course was nontransferable, a lesson she learned once the term passed the add/drop deadline. “I didn’t want a W grade, and I didn’t want my work to not count toward anything.” She decided to complete the course and declared communications as her major.
“I am glad I stayed; my professors really helped me. At the time I was a single mom, and I didn’t think I could make it work. She allowed me to bring my child to class when I needed to,” said Noor. “I have so much gratitude for the energy, flexibility, and compassion that bleeds from all administrators and faculty.”
She added, “My story began at City College.”
While in the Coms 101 course, Noor was selected to be a guest speaker at the annual City College Student Project and Research Symposium (SP&RS), which provides participants an opportunity to present their original projects and research through posters, oral presentations, spoken word, video, artistic displays and performances. City College will host the 2024 SP&RS on April 18 in conjunction with the 10th Annual Community Open House.
In addition to excelling at academics and getting involved on campus, Noor met friends and a support system who she could identify with as well as her partner at City College. “I am accepted for who I am here. I grew inside and out. I really contribute that to City College.”
She continued, “I am a result of the college’s mission statement.”
Noor used her newfound enthusiasm for school to teach elementary age Somali children while continuing her own studies.
“I was building a community with Somali students of all ages. I was moved by how much they grew internally and academically,” said Noor. “Coming of age in America versus coming here from a foreign country, learning the language and assimilating to a new culture and the education system is a profound experience.”
After earning her associate degree in communication and graduation from City College, Noor went on to San Diego State University in 2015 to earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree in communication in 2017. After her post as a bilingual instructor assistant and an internship supervisor, Noor was hired as an adjunct professor in the Communications department at City College.
Noor held her first course ahead of the looming COVID-19 pandemic in spring 2020. She taught communication studies within the college’s Concurrent Enrollment/College and Career Access Pathway (“CCAP”) program, which enables high school students to enroll in college courses at their high school site or on the City College campus. Her school sites included San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts, Lincoln High School, and Crawford High School.
When the pandemic hit mid spring 2020, campus closures took place forcing all classes to move online. “My courses were going so well, it was sad taking it away.”
Noor currently teaches COMS 103 - Oral Communication and COMS 135 - Interpersonal Communication and yearns to teach COMS 180 - Intercultural Communication. As an immigrant, a refugee, and a first-generation college graduate, Noor shares a lived experience with her students. “I am able to connect with my students so much more on a deeper level.”
It’s no surprise that equity is the cornerstone of Noor’s classroom. Her students only have a pass/no pass option on speech day. “I want to make sure the learning environment is equitable. I don’t believe in giving a letter grade to tell you how good your speech is.” said Noor, who permits students to redo their presentation during office hours to provide added flexibility.
“One thing I do differently is scream with excitement in all my classes on speech day. I show them there is nothing to be embarrassed about if I just embarrassed myself. It works. My students cheer on their peers, and it creates a welcoming community of acceptance and unity.”
The journey came full circle for Noor, when she became a full-time faculty member in January 2024. “I already won once, when I was offered a part-time position and now I feel really excited, blessed, and uplifted to be a full-time professor and to continue to call City College my home.”
Prior to her arrival at City College, Noor worked as a bilingual instructor assistant at San Miguel Elementary School, a graduate teaching assistant at San Diego State University (SDSU), an internship supervisor at Health Sciences High and Middle College, and as a hiring manager at Elm ADHC (CBAS) Center.
Additionally, Noor has a long history supporting Somali communities. She volunteered with the International Rescue Committee for immigrant housing placement, translated for Somali immigrants in need of health and social services, as well as supported Somali parent refugees to enroll their children into schools.