Now, let me tell ya about this little day we mark on the calendar — November 8. It’s called National First-Generation College Student Day. This day is all about waving a flag for the Higher Education Act of 1965. Yep, the one that cracked open college doors for folks from first-gen and low-income households.
So, picture this: Ventura College is like a buzzing hive full of spirited students, about 48% of whom make history just by being there. These first-generation students aren’t just hitting the books; they’re busting down doors—building legacies not just for themselves, but for their communities too. And they’re doing it with the kind of grit that would make you wanna cheer from the rooftops!
Let’s chat about our campus crew, these folks who know the ropes. Many faculty and staff walked the same trail as first-gen students. They’re not only educators—they’re advocates, mentors, and yeah, friends too. Just ask Vincent Jimenez. “Feeling a bit adrift, EOPS came through for me,” Vincent said. His mentors nudged him into the poetry scene and gave his life a new groove.
Vincent’s story isn’t a solo act. Many students find their rhythm with helping hands here and there. His journey is just one example of how a supportive atmosphere can shape dreams into reality. It’s the little things that make the whole darn difference.
Folks like Aracely Soriano-Perez? She’s chasing dreams in STEM as an ambitious Latina. “Ventura College’s support fluffed my feathers,” she said. Our programs made her college life a bit less rocky while she juggled life’s many hats.
And speaking of support, we’ve got programs galore to help out. Ever heard of the First Year Experience (FYE)? How about Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOPS)? Plus, financial aid folks who could be pros at solving rubix cubes when it comes to aid tangled in bureaucracy.
More importantly, we buddy up with local high schools. Our dual enrollment initiative means students snag college credits right alongside their high school homework. It’s a sneak peek into college life without snagging a full tuition bill.
Oh, and let’s talk dollars and cents. A college degree doesn’t just unlock career paths; it cranks up lifetime earning potential. Studies attest: folks with that degree tend to see a million-dollar boost in lifetime earnings. A cool million. For first-gens, this leap catapults entire families forward, grounding them in long-term stability. [Read more about the impact of college education on income potential](https://www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2018/data-on-display/education-pays.htm).
The impact spreads beyond campuses like Ventura. Success here ripples far and wide, shaping families, communities, and beyond. Investing in first-gen students is like hedging your bets on the future — the bright kinda future we all hope for.
By coupling dreams with reality’s pragmatism, first-gen students at Ventura College not only light up their paths but also shed light for everyone around them. When they win, everyone around them wins too. Check it, when these students cross that stage, it’s like confetti for the human spirit.
So here’s the deal: celebrate the strides, cheer on the journeys, and root from the sidelines. Because these students? They’re shaking things up for all of us.
Claudia Lourido-Habib, Ed.D., knows what’s up as president of Ventura College.
