May is one of the best months at Southwestern College, because it contains many of our student and employee celebrations. While Commencement may be the one that is most recognized by the community, this month also includes the Student Awards Ceremony that celebrates our Students of Distinction and awards more than 262 different scholarships.
Also celebrated this month is our SWC Shines ceremony where we recognize our Employees of the Year among management, faculty and classified professionals. This year, these employees truly shined as they helped our students and college community maintain excellence in these trying times.
As we did last year, we will host a Commencement Car Parade on Friday, May 28. The entire event will be live streamed beginning at 4 p.m. from the college’s website: www.swccd.edu. If last year’s car parade is any indication, it will be a family affair with moms, dads, children and friends going along for the ride to celebrate their graduates.
We are truly proud of our graduates, and we think you will be too after hearing from some of our students… in their own words.
Elayna Bagaporo is a sociology major who will be headed to Point Park University in Pittsburgh, PA in the fall. She is a member of our Bayan Student Organization–an affinity group that celebrates the Filipino-American experience. Elayna is most proud of being able to continue the club’s legacy, even in the struggle of quarantine.
She recognizes that all students struggled in one way or another during the quarantine. Her advice for all students: “It’s okay if you are feeling unmotivated or anxious about school,” Elayna said. “We have been through so much in the past year, so do not think that struggling is a sign of weakness. It is something we all need to recognize and embrace sometimes.”
She credits the sense of community she felt in Bayan, especially her academic counselor, Crystal Alberto, who motivated her to continue her studies.
Andrew Shoemaker also credits his involvement in clubs and student organizations to keep him motivated. A psychology major who will be transferring to San Diego State University in the fall, Andrew said one of his proudest accomplishments at Southwestern College was becoming secretary of the Umoja Club. Like Bayan, Umoja is an affinity group which celebrates the African-American experience.
When asked how he thrived during the pandemic, Andrew said he continued following a schedule, as if he were attending classes in person. “Of course you can’t be perfect, because as you can see firsthand how life can get in the way of things. But just do the best you can and you will succeed!”
Another piece of advice Andrew has for students is to take advantage of all the support services that Southwestern College offers.
“Get involved with everything you possibly can and get connected with study and support groups!” he said. “My first year at SWC, I was not involved in anything and, quite frankly, I felt a little lonely. However once I started to get involved with the various clubs and programs on campus and connecting with new people, not only did I grow academically, but as a person.
“Also, make as many personal connections with professors and other staff that you possibly can, because you never know how you might need them in the future,” Andrew advises.
For our next two students, the personal connections to professors is a testament to the value of attending a community college, especially Southwestern College.
Joaquin Arreola helped Southwestern College make history this year. A member of the award-winning debate team, Arreola and teammate Khamani Griffin, helped the college earn a spot in the National Debate Tournament–the first time ever.
A philosophy and communications major, Joaquin credits Southwestern College’s long tradition of strong debate coaches/professors with his growth as a student.
“I really appreciate Southwestern College and everything that they’ve done for me,” Joaquin said. “Debate helps you create yourself in a light that is really powerful There is no boundary between real life and debate. When you do like something like debate, you are competing for your right to be heard. You have power in your words and what you want to say or tell people.”
Anna Sanchez gave a voice to her fellow student mothers when she formed the Mothers and Mother-Scholars (M.A.M.S.) Club this year. A sociology major and mother of five, including an 18-year-old who is also attending Southwestern College, Anna knew there were many other student mothers out there struggling to go to school and raise their children.
She wanted to build a support network for them to bring awareness to their struggles, including domestic violence, and to show them there was help.
Anna credits the Puente program—a Latinx affinity learning community–and counselor David Ramirez for helping her find the path forward. As someone who has overcome many challenges, including surviving domestic violence and being formerly incarcerated, she credits the care and encouragement Ramirez and her sociology professor and M.A.M.S. Club Adviser Sarah Castillo provided her for her success.
“I don’t think people believed in me,” Anna said. “I don’t think people thought I was capable of doing great things until I met David and had one meeting with him and that started my journey at Southwestern College.”
If you or someone you know is ready to start their journey at Southwestern College, registration for summer classes begins May 7. Classes begin June 7. For more information, go to www.swccd.edu/summer.
