Bio:
Ed.D. in Adult Education, Capella University, 2020
M.A. in English, San Diego State University, 2013
B.A. in English, University of California, Los Angeles, 2010
Arafiena is a proud MSJC graduate and local community member. As the first-born daughter of hardworking Bangladeshi immigrants, she was also the first in her family to attend college, an experience that continues to inform her passion for education. Having witnessed firsthand the transformative power of access, mentorship, and belonging in higher education, Arafiena is deeply committed to supporting students on their academic journeys.
She has had the privilege of teaching at MSJC since 2013 and currently serves as a tenured English professor and the Writing Center Coordinator at the Menifee Valley Campus. Her courses are intentionally designed to support diverse learners. She strives to create classrooms that are structured, transparent, and supportive, while also challenging students to strengthen their reading, writing, critical thinking, and research skills. Arafiena believes that students’ lived experiences, identities, and cultural knowledge are powerful assets that enrich learning communities.
In addition to teaching, Arafiena coordinates the Writing Center, where she leads tutor training, develops instructional resources. She also serves as a faculty mentor for Puente and as the faculty advisor for Active Minds, advocating for student mental health and wellbeing through campus-wide programming and community partnerships.
Outside of MSJC, Arafiena enjoys spending time with her family, cooking, hiking, and traveling.