Prepping for college, at college

Amy R. Spurgeon

ORANGE COAST COLLEGE -- Incoming student Janet Valencia is ready to

tackle school this fall, thanks to a summer readiness program she

participated in this week on campus.

Out of high school just two weeks, the 18-year-old is getting a

jump-start on some classmates. She was joined by 100 fellow incoming

freshmen for a week dedicated to leaving comfort zones behind.

“I was really scared at first, because I didn’t know anybody,” Valencia

said on the third day of the five-day program. “But I’ve made a lot of

new friends. It’s good that I got out of the house. That way I’m not at

home thinking about what my friends are doing.”

The college’s Extended Opportunity Program and Services Department --

which runs readiness week -- is designed to guide people of all

backgrounds who are entering college. Program staff assist people who are

low-income and academically disadvantaged by providing counseling, money

for books, tutoring, school supplies and early registration help.

The focus of this year’s summer program was to enhance participants

communication and leadership skills, said outreach program specialist

Daisy Moran.

Participants learned through group discussion, interaction and class

projects to overcome adversity. One project gave students only minutes

for planning and then they had to build a sturdy bridge, using plastic

foam cups and plates, straws, paper clips, rubber bands, tin foil and

staples.

“We do everything to ensure the success of the students,” said Dick

Hernandez, program director and 31-year OCC veteran. “When they are

excited, we are excited.”

The program was a week to leave behind memories of high school and gear

up for what’s ahead: college.

“At first I didn’t want to come because I was a little embarrassed,” said

incoming OCC student Margaret Landeros, 18, of Costa Mesa. “But everyone

is so kind. I just realized that I can do it and that people aren’t so

bad.

“In high school, you were just with your friends and you didn’t really

talk with people outside of your group. I think college will be totally

different; I can already tell. People just come up to you and ask what

you are here for. In high school they don’t do that.”