Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
StoriesOHLONE COLLEGE
CREW’SEOPS
THE CREWOHLONE COLLEGE STUDENTS REACHING FOR EDUCATION WORKING TOGETHER
EOPSCARE
CalWORKs
Written by:Sandy Bennett
Ohlone CollegeEOPS/CARE/CalWORKs Coordinator
andOhlone College Career Center
Lindsey FloresCareer Advisor
M�t the
Educa�on is the gi� that keeps on giving! Therefore, start your educa�onal journey with Ohlone College and join the EOPS family where you can “connect, engage, and succeed!
The CREW, College Students Reaching for Educa�on Working Together, characters in this book promote and capture the experiences of Ohlone College's Extended Opportunity Programs & Services Program (EOPS) students. Addi�onally, their stories inspire hope, courage, and strength!
Using characters is a fun, memorable and innova�ve way to tell a story or deliver a message. They appeal to people of diverse backgrounds.
The EOPS program supports and equips students with knowledge and strategies to succeed in college, overcome barriers, and experience academic victory. Addi�onally, the program provides the space and freedom for students to learn — despite life's challenges.
OHLONE COLLEGECREWEOPS
AlexJasmine NaviaSasha Pablo
Connect, engage, collaborate, and build a community with acrew of students and a team of professionals who authentically care.
About the
The EOPS Mo�o is, “If students are doing it alone, they are doing it wrong.”
The Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOPS) Program strives to meet the educa�onal needs of students who are hindered by language, social, and economic disadvantages. EOPS offers a menu of programs and services that facilitates the process of suppor�ng students in achieving their academic, transfer, personal, and career goals.
The primary purpose of EOPS is to prepare students to complete a voca�onal cer�ficate or associate degree, or transfer to a four-year university, which can lead to a rewarding career as a result of their educa�onal experience. To achieve this objec�ve, we provide academic counseling, and career planning advising.
Walking alongside EOPS students and guiding them through pathways that lead to academic success is Ohlone College's mission, vision and goals.
The experience of connec�ng, engaging, collabora�ng and building a community with a crew of students, and a team of professionals who authen�cally care is life-changing.
Academic Advising
Early Registration
Informa�onal sessions on various topics are offered throughout the academic year.
Transfer Services
Outreach Services
Students receive assistance with admissions, registra�on, financial aid, and the development of their educa�onal plans.
Assistance is available for books and educa�onal supplies.
Recruitment services are available to high school and community agencies.
Students may register early each semester.
Workshops
Assistance with the transfer process is one of the highlights of our Program. Applica�ons, fee waivers and other materials are available at our office.
Financial Assistance
EOPS Services
ProgramCARE About the
CARE Services
CalWORKs Services
About the
The intent of this program is to li� families out of poverty by exposing them to
educa�onal opportuni�es to improve skills and increase their knowledge base on
career choices. This would ul�mately lead them to become employable and
economically self-sufficient.
The Cooperative Agency Resources for E d u c at i o n ( C A R E ) Pro g ra m w a s
established by Senate Bill 3103, in 1982, to
assist EOP&S students who are single head of
household, and recipients of CalWORKs,
receiving cash aid.
CalWORKs promotes short-term training as well as life-long learning. The ul�mate
goal of the program is to assist CalWORKs students with voca�onal and educa�onal
training programs, which will lead to self-sufficiency. The CalWORKs program at
Ohlone has been developed in partnership with the Alameda County Department of
Social Services.
The California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs) Program
a t O h l o n e C o l l ege e n co u ra ges p e rs o n a l
responsibility and accountability. It is commi�ed to
helping individuals receive an educa�on and
instruc�on that wil l provide employment
opportuni�es.
Financial Assistance
Provide assistance with referral to social services, housing, childcare, 211 a cri�cal partner to na�onal and local companies that are commi�ed to improving lives.
Referral Services
Provide informa�onal sessions on various topics throughout the academic year.
Assistance with Social Services
Support Groups (when needed)
Provide assistance with helping students navigate the social services system.
Students receive assistance with admissions, registra�on, financial aid, and the development of their educa�onal plans.
Workshops
Counseling Services
To remain connected, support groups are offered.
Provide assistance is for books and educa�onal supplies.
Assist students with resume wri�ng, internet job search, interview techniques
and job placement, both on and off campus.
Assist students with the development of a County-approved educa�onal plan.
Career AdvisingHelp students choose from a wide range of career choices.
Lifting Families Out of Poverty Support
Career Services
Academic Advising Services
Provide students with assistance, guidance and support while naviga�ng
through the social services system.
ProgramCalWORKs
Nothing is impossible when relentlessly pursuing what makes you come alive.
Jack helped me transi�on back into playing my violin. I relied on muscle memory and vibra�ons through the floor to keep the tempo with the other musicians in the club. I am not playing the violin in the symphony, as I ini�ally dreamed. With a new dream of performing in a Hollywood Produc�on, I felt comfortable in my skin for the first �me in a long �me. This new found community became my extended family. We shared a common indulgence in our never-ending joy of making music together.
During the club gathering, about ten other students had a “jam session,” where everyone played their instrument to no music, just solely basking in the energy from one another. Jack invited me to sit on top of the speaker. It was the first �me since the haunt of my dream I felt connected to music again. I could feel every musical beat through the vibra�ons from the speaker. Jack told me the smile on my eyes was priceless. At that moment, my world came alive again.
Wri�en by: Lindsey Flores
I am in my last semester at Ohlone College; and will be transferring to Gallaudet University, Performing Arts Program, in Fall 2020.
Point to Ponder:
The course of my life changed dras�cally from what I had planned. I slowly learned American Sign Language and struggled through the transi�on from a func�oning hearing person to someone others avoided because I was different. I observed how people withdrew from having conversa�ons or interac�ng with me because my deafness was a source of awkwardness to those who did not know how to communicate with me. I felt so alone and broken.
When I was 18 years old, I was one of many applicants accepted into the Music Conservatory in San Francisco. I dreamed of playing the violin in the symphony. Nine months into school, I was diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS). This disease affects 1 in 5000 – 10,000, and I was a vic�m of its aggressive destruc�on that caused me to go deaf within a year of being
diagnosed. I felt like my life had been sha�ered, and everything I worked so hard to achieve up to this point had been thrown into an abyss of impossible.
I was referred to Ohlone College because of its inclusive deaf community and extensive resources for accommoda�ons and interpreters. It amazed me to feel included again and feel like I belonged to a community. I met Ms. Pa�y Jones, a PE instructor during my first semester. She always had a smile on her face when she saw me. She went out of her way to warmly greet and converse with me whenever she saw me. She inquired about my other classes. O�en, she asked how I was doing and what support I needed.
One day, I shared with Ms. Jones that I missed music and wished there was a way to play the violin again. With the residual feeling that my dreams were over, Ms. Jones introduced me to Jack Peters, who was the Advisor for the Music Club. Jack invited me to my first club gathering, not knowing it would pivot my life back onto a path of a relentless pursuit of music.
Music was my life. It was the air that filled my ears and submerged my heart in joy. Musical notes wrote stories of never-ending passion that filled my soul.
Alex Relentless
Sadly, one month a�er entering the United States, my husband had to return to our home to �e up a few loose ends. Nothing could have prepared us for what came next. Unknowingly, when my husband tried to go back to the U.S to rejoin us, he was detained at customs and not permi�ed to reenter. I was devastated! At the �me, unbeknownst to me,
it would be years before I saw my husband again.
In 2012, my husband, our two small children, and I came to the United States. We were excited this dream was coming true in the hope of pursuing a be�er life, educa�onal, and employment opportuni�es. More importantly, we wanted to escape poverty and the oppressive poli�cal regimes from our country. Nonetheless, we welcomed the future.
One day, I sat at the bus stop crying, and a very nice lady walked up and asked if she could help me. I told her my situa�on, and she gave me informa�on about Fremont Social Services. She said if I applied for CalWORKs, I could get cash assistance and food stamps. This was a new experience for me, but I was willing to do whatever was necessary to take care of my children. The next day, I went to the social services office and applied for CalWORKs. The en�re process took about a month to complete. I couldn't have been happier because my money was almost gone. Through that resource, I received housing assistance, cash benefits, food stamps, and healthcare.
I was so unknowledgeable about the American system and culture; I didn't know how to navigate this challenge alone. I didn't know what to do or where to go. Thankfully, we found a small apartment in Fremont, CA, before my husband le�, but I didn't know how I was going to keep things together. I had a li�le bit of money, but that wasn't going to last very long.
Having independence and freedom to move through the world was something I had always desired, but this wasn't what I envisioned. Because English is my second language, I needed to improve my communica�on and comprehension. Therefore, my CalWORKs Employment Counselor suggested I take a few ESL (English as Second Language Learner) classes at Ohlone College. Also, she referred me to an agency that could provide childcare assistance. I was relieved that Ohlone was within walking distance from my apartment. Everything seemed to be coming together.
A�er many years of being in the U.S alone with my children, I had learned so much and developed a tough skin. I was amazed at how far I had come. Once I completed all of the ESL courses, I decided to pursue an Associate Degree. I couldn't believe I was succeeding in college! In 2020, my husband reunited with us, and I graduated with an Associate Degree in Sociology. Today, I support and assist other women in looking for their inner strength to move through life and accomplish extraordinary things!
Wri�en by: Sandy Benne�
Point to Ponder:
On my first visit to the campus, I met some of the most helpful people who assisted me with registering and selec�ng classes. Because I am an English as a second language learner, I couldn't have predicted the challenges I would encounter. Longing for the presence of my husband complicated things even further. Though he and I spoke o�en, I missed him! I cried for weeks. Every week, I hoped he would be allowed to return soon. But it didn't happen. Subsequently, I approach life with the mindset of a�acking one day at a �me, one problem at a �me, and one class at a �me.
When life gives you a thousand reasons to give up, demonstrate that you have a thousand more purposes to never give up and to never give in.
StrengthNavia
In high school, my grades were stellar, always achieving above and beyond to impress my parents and remain in their good graces. I graduated with honors and was accepted into Stanford University Business School. As a first-year college student, I struggled. In my first-year, receiving one B, two le�er grade D, and I dropped a class, I a�ributed the priva�on to the new experience and expecta�ons in higher educa�on. Although this ra�onale made sense to me, I kept my struggle a secret from my parents. I felt embarrassed and ashamed to ask for help from any of my professors and too proud to seek tutoring for addi�onal support.
I come from a tradi�onal Japanese culture where the expecta�ons are very high to be successful. The defini�on of success was drawn out for me early in life by my parents. Success meant gradua�ng from a good school and working for a brand named company. My dream of
becoming an ar�st was buried within me as I knew it was an unacceptable path.
I was a smart kid with a big imagina�on and a dream of being an ar�st. I saw art in everything. If I stare at something long enough, I could see an ar�s�c expression I felt was hidden from the world and privy only to me.
I made a friend on the first day of Business School. Her name was Samantha. We called her “Sammy.” One day, Sammy asked how I was doing? I looked overwhelmed and stressed out. She said, let's grab a coffee a�er class. As I stared at my steaming cup of coffee silently, Sammy shared that she no�ced I doodle a lot during class, and my doodles were beau�ful. My eyes welled up, and I could not control the flood of tears that fell onto the table before me. I shared with her that I loved to draw and that I hated Business School.
If you do not create your storyline and live your dream, you will always live someone else's.
When I shared with my parents, I wanted to drop out of Stanford Business School to pursue a career in art; they were shocked and resistant to the idea. You will be throwing away your future, my son.” they said. My mother threatened to kick me out of the house. With humility, I showed my parents my por�olio that housed all of my drawings since I was 15 years old. I kept my art from my parents because I was afraid they would not allow me to draw as it was a waste of �me in their eyes. As my parents saw pure beauty expressed through the single stroke of a pencil on paper, they knew I had a gi�. They shared their concerns but supported my dream.
Point to Ponder:
Wri�en by: Lindsey Flores
I expressed my frustra�on with myself for not being able to catch onto business concepts and accoun�ng principles like everyone else. I admi�ed I felt stupid, and I was a failure. A�er I poured out my heart in vulnerability, I will never forget what Sammy asked, “What do you dream of doing”? Sammy imparted a response that made me realize my passion was not business or working for a brand named company. My dream was to open my art studio, where ar�sts from around the Bay Area could display their work through ar�s�c expression. However, that was not my parent's defini�on of success. Sammy gave me a safe place to be honest with myself, so I could muster enough guts to be honest with my parents. I longed to communicate to them what ma�ered most to me and what made me come alive.
From that day on, I had the freedom to pursue my dream. I have graduated from the Rhode Island School of Design, one of the top three art schools in America. I partnered with two friends I met in design school. We opened a gallery in downtown San Francisco, where we have gathered art from local ar�sts to display for sale. We host monthly open house events where ar�sts exhibit new artwork.
With no vision or dream of who I wanted to be when I grew up, my future looked
hopeless.
One day, a�er bombing a math test, I sat at my desk, looking defeated. My teacher, Ms.
Bell, sat down next to me. She tried to reassure me that the light bulb would eventually
come on, and I would understand. I wasn't hopeful. Then Ms. Bell asked the infamous ques�on, "Sasha, what do
you want to be when you grow up?" I knew she was trying to inspire me. At that moment, I couldn't see past my
failures. Somewhat speechless, I didn't answer right away because I had no idea. I remember when I was five
years old, my mother asked me the same ques�on and blurted out, "A Grandmother." She laughed. My
grandmother was the sweetest woman in the world, and I wanted to be exactly like her. With much delibera�on, I
didn't think that answer would go over well with my teacher, so I shrugged my shoulders and said, "I don't have a
clue."
The next day, Ms. Bell introduced me to the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) Instructor, Mr. Thomas.
Because I was a female, I was confused as to why Ms. Bell took me to see him. With a perplexing look on my face,
Mr. Thomas must have sensed my bewilderment. Such as the case, he was excited to tell me that women had
served in various roles of the military throughout history. He said that ROTC is one of the most successful
leadership training programs in the country. The training I could receive would provide the tools I needed to help
me become a be�er student, develop leadership abili�es, military skills, and career prepara�on.
I wasn't a good student, and frankly, academics were very hard for me. O�en
embarrassed about what I didn't know, I avoided asking for help. So, I tried to fake it.
However, my grades were a clear assessment of what I did and did not know.
Point to Ponder:
One person can make a difference. "To make a difference in someone's life, you don't have to be brilliant, rich,
beau�ful, or perfect. You merely have to care enough and be available."
Wri�en by: Sandy Benne�
Before mee�ng Mr. Thomas, I felt hopeless. Shockingly, for the first �me, I was excited about my future. Could I
find my calling in the ROTC? Could this experience set me on a pathway that would give my life the discipline,
structure, and direc�on I needed? The answer is a resounding YES! Because of Ms. Bell's care, concern, and
dedica�on to walk alongside me to help me find my way, I achieved something I never saw in my future. I
graduated from high school and enrolled at Ohlone Community College. The transforma�on set in mo�on by
two people, Ms. Bell and Mr. Thomas, who exceeded my expecta�ons, will always remain etched in my heart.
The power of hope and the will to chase a dream can transform a life in inexpressible ways.
Dreamer HopefulSasha
When we arrived at the scene, the situa�on had escalated. The gunfire exchange resounded like thunder. While ducking and dodging to assess the situa�on, a bullet lodged in my back. As I fell to the ground, I heard my partner in a panic, officer down, officer down! Then I passed out.
I don't remember much a�er I hit the ground. When I awakened in the hospital, my sister was holding my hand with tears streaming down her face. In a faint voice, “don't cry, sis, I said. “You're awake!” She screamed, doctor, doctor, he is awake! “Where am I”? I asked. “You are in the hospital,” my sister said. “How long have I been here?” Before she could answer, I realized I couldn't feel my legs. Looking at my sister with pure trepida�on and trembling in my voice, “I can't feel legs, I can't feel my legs,” I shouted. It would help if you remained calm, Pablo,” my sister said. By this �me, the doctor entered the room.
A�er eight years on the police force, my career was over in the blink of an eye. What I thought would be a calm night patrolling the streets became dangerous in seconds. A call came over the radio that a PC415(2), loud and unreasonable noise, was in progress. My unit was the closest to the area, so my partner and I responded!
New possibili�es live within, but you must be brave enough to see and ac�vate them, as mul�ple perspec�ves can change everything.
I began to feel something extraordinary for Renita, and I couldn't imagine star�ng a new endeavor without her. One year later, I enrolled in Ohlone College and applied for EOPS. Because I was unsure of what career I wanted to pursue, my EOPS counselor recommended that I meet a career advisor to help me explore my op�ons. I loved the fact that all of the departments and programs at Ohlone work together. It made things so much easier for me. A�er I se�led into being a student, a year later nurse Renita and I got married. I moved from tragedy to triumph, and the Ohlone College EOPS and Career Center provided the assistance I needed to change my life.
Point to Ponder:
Officer Pablo, how are you feeling? “Doctor, I cannot feel my legs.” He explained that the surgery to remove the bullet went well. But, the penetra�on of the bullet caused massive damage to the spinal cord, which resulted in paralysis. Once the swelling diminishes, I am hoping you will begin to regain feeling and movement in your legs. But, only �me will tell. “Well, how long will that take, doctor,” I asked. It could be six months to a year, each pa�ent's recovery is different. But, you are doing well, and I am op�mis�c.
I remained in the hospital for a couple of months. My sister visited as o�en as she could. She was a single mother of six children. But, when she couldn't be there, I was in the care of a lovely Nursing Assistant, Renita. She was a nursing student at Ohlone College. Renita ranted and raved about her school and the people who were helping and cheering her on. Listening to her talk about her encouraged me. I looked forward to her daily visits.
A�er a while, Nurse Renita and I became good friends. I enjoyed her company. One day, I decided to open up to her about my decision to leave the police force. It wasn't something I was ready to do, but my recovery and healing would take �me, so I needed to construct a plan and focus on my health. Confused about what the next steps would be, Renita suggested I go to college and pursue another career that allowed me to protect and serve differently. Honestly, it wasn't something I had ever considered, but I was intrigued. Besides, how would I handle being the oldest person in class? When I expressed my apprehension, Renita said, “Officer Pablo, you are a brave and courageous fighter. “If you can fight your way through learning to walk again and regaining control of your life, being in a classroom with tradi�onal students is a piece of cake.”. Also, she said, “this is your journey; don't allow fear to hold you back.”
Wri�en by: Sandy Benne�
BravePablo
I was determined to more than ever complete my goal. With a so much support from the EOPS counselor and staff, in spring 2020, I earned my Associate Degree in Human Development and earned MVP in soccer.
A�er a week, I woke up from the coma. However, I was disoriented and unaware of what had happened and why I was in the hospital. My parents hugged me so �ght, and I could hardly breathe.
Wri�en by: Sandy Benne� & Lindsey Flores
I remained in the hospital for a li�le more than a week. To combat this disease, my parents and I realized our lifestyle had to pivot, and we were unprepared for the shi�. Cramming like we were preparing for an exam, we saturated ourselves with informa�on to learn more about how to live with diabetes. As an athlete, there was plenty I needed to know. The biggest challenge was managing my food intake, balancing blood sugar, insulin, and ac�vity levels.
Since then, I have learned how to adapt and adjust to a new way of life. Surprisingly, but understandable, many of my family and friends advised me to quit school and soccer. Neither was an op�on. My tenacity, and will to complete what I started went into overdrive.
Point to Ponder:With unrelen�ng grit, survival a�tude, will to never give up, and moving beyond what is comfortable, the possibili�es of accomplishing great things are endless.
Upon their arrival, I was in a diabe�c coma. In disbelief because no one knew I had diabetes. I was a college student and a star athlete on the soccer team, “how could this be happening,” I thought. I was in good shape and healthy. The diagnosis of having diabetes was shocking!
My parents were out of town celebra�ng their wedding anniversary. Less than 12 hours a�er leaving town, they received a call from the hospital. Desperate to return, they flew back immediately.
TenaciousJasmine
Lindsey FloresCareer Advisor
Tri-Cities Career Center
Facebook - Searchtricities.careercenter
Instagram Usernameohlone.careercenter
Mission: To change lives through innovation by connecting students and the community to future careers.
Much Appreciation to the Co-Author of EOPS Crew’s Stories
Email: [email protected]/careercenter
For assistance or if you have any questions about EOPS, please contact our office.Ohlone College Fremont Campus
Building 7, Third Floor43600 Mission Boulevard
(510) 659-6152 • Fax (510) 979-7551Email: [email protected]
www.ohlone.edu/eops
Nancy ChiengCalWORKs
Coordinator(510) 659-6152
Sandy BennettEOPS/CARE/CalWORKs
Coordinator(510) 979-7549
sbenne�@ohlone.edu
Mzao WatersEOPS/CARE/CalWORKs
Counselor(510) 659-6135
Nancy Navarro-LeçaInterim Director
EOPS & Ombudsperson(510) 659-7376
Facebook - SearchEOPS at Ohlone
Instagram UsernameOhlone.EOPS
EOPS Staff and Contact Information
Powered by Workforce Innova�on & Opportunity Act (WIOA) and Alameda Co. Workforce Development Board.
Enrolled students and community members may qualify for financial assistance towards internships, on-the-job training, and receive one-on-one assistance with a Career Advisor.
Powered by Premiere Career Services
Diversity @Work provides individualized employment services to deaf, hard of hearing, and disabled job seekers with diverse backgrounds and abili�es. In addi�on, staff are fluent in American Sign Language and trained in Deaf Culture.
Powered by SlingShot Connec�ons
Ohlone College Staffing provides dedicated staffing agency resources that are catered to support Ohlone College students and the community at the Ohlone College Tri-Ci�es Career Center. Our services include job placement through paid internships, temporary employment, direct hire and gig opportuni�es. Staff is available to meet you during office hours or by appointment.Email: [email protected]/careercenter
The Alameda County, Small Business Development Center (SBDC), provides expert one-on-one consul�ng, workshops and seminar series, business and financial planning support services to entrepreneurs, small businesses, and startups that are interested in star�ng, growing, and thriving in their business goals. Our team of business consultants come from a variety of high-growth industries and corporate backgrounds and work hands-on with clients and students/alumni to address challenges and to maximize opportuni�es.
Ohlone College Career Ventures (WIOA) Diversity @WORK
Ohlone College StaffingOhlone College Alameda County SmallBusiness Development Center (ACSBDC)
Programs & Resources
