On Nov. 21, Del Mar ELD students went on a field trip to San Jose City College. The students went to tour the campus and attended a presentation that previewed the programs and offerings available to students. The seminar included presentations showcasing bilingual programs, FAFSA, the Dream Act, and many transfer schools.
The presentation started around 10 a.m. and the class got to explore the different options of clubs surrounding the campus. Clubs such as Si Se Puede, MESA, and METAS were presented to showcase how they strengthen college pathways to college and careers.
The Club Si Se Puede specializes in empowering Latinx students by giving them more opportunities that help with college, careers, and transfers. MESA targets disadvantaged students pursuing a career in STEM. The METAS centro supports Latinx and all students continuing their academic studies at San Jose City College.
Students found that honor programs and help with applications were easily accessible to anybody in need. Anybody could reach out for more information and extra support regarding their current studies and plans of obtaining a degree, certification, or transfer.
The group was allowed to tour around the campus after the presentation. On this tour, the group saw various spots made for student collaboration. Further into the campus, there stood a quad that held events for clubs, awards, and seminars for communal support.
As the tour progressed, the group first saw the Science Complex and Fine Arts buildings, then visited the Cosmetology Department, the track and football field, and the archery section beside the softball field.
Once the tour ended, the students were given free time to check out the Student Center. Students explored throughout the Student Center or stayed in the cafeteria after a lunch break. While some students were occupied in the Student Store, others were conversing with art students selling their artwork.
After the tour, Yoonzi Vasquez, a freshman, said the campus was “nice and very big”. Her favorite thing about SJCC is “…how [the campus] is inside. It is very beautiful.”
When asked if any classes interested her, Vasquez explained she was interested in construction “because [she’s] interested in making things.”
Vasquez noted, “You don’t spend too much money” if a student decided to attend a community college after high school.
Vasquez remarked the biggest challenge for English language learners attending college is speaking or understanding English. Despite this, Vasquez voiced teachers and counselors could “assist us frequently, then they can help [us]” to prepare for college.
Betzayda Cruz, a senior, says the campus “is very nice and has many opportunities for all students.”
Cruz recalled her favorite support program was, “classes that have extra [support] for those who need to do more classes. [Classes] such as English classes for those who need [support in] English.”
Cruz stated, “that it is very important to have a better future and to obtain new opportunities.”
Furthermore, when asked if she could imagine herself studying here, Cruz noted, “Maybe. Because it’s very close to me.”
Cruz stated teachers or counselors “can give you an idea of how, what subjects you are going to take in the future in the process” to help prepare you for college.
As the field trip concluded, many students were preparing themselves to take the next steps to research supportive programs and colleges.
