TaŌ College
March 2013
EOPS Student of the Month
Mayra Perez
Most of you know me as an ordinary student, but really I am so
much more. I’m a mother of two. I am a wife, and a volunteer. I
volunteer at Jefferson school as a T.A. I will be graduating from Taft
College this Spring. I have been on either the Presidents List or the Vice
Presidents List every semester that I’ve attended TC. It’s been a long
journey full of accomplishments. I am very fortunate to have a
supportive program like EOPS to help guide me. I feel honored to be
nominated as student of the month.
Class of 2013
Administrative Services
Major & Early Childhood
Education and Family
Studies Minor
Inside this issue :
I will be getting my degree in Administrative Services, and I
recently decided to minor in Child Development. When I graduate from
TC, I expect to start working on my career. I would like to find a job as
an office administrator. I am the first in my little family to graduate; I
hope I’m a good role model. I really want them to follow my footsteps.
My commitment to my education got me nothing but pure
achievements. I believe there is nothing I can’t do; I always try hard and
never give up. I hope to return this fall to finish my Child Development
minor. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Taft College for
opening its doors and for making me feel welcomed.
*EOPS Students of the Month
* EOPS/CARE Students awarded
the Soroptimist Scholarship
* Former EOPS Student Success
Story
*Important Information and
Announcements
46
EOPS STUDENTS! SUBMIT YOUR TC
COMMUNITY SCHOLARSHIP
APPLICATION BY FRIDAY MARCH 22nd
2013
Number of
graduates from the
EOPS Program
during the 2011/2012
Academic Year.
59
Number of Degrees
received
EOPS Students Awarded Soroptimist Scholarship
Soroptimist is an international volunteer organization working to improve the lives of women and girls in local
communities and throughout the world. The name Soroptimist means "best for women," and that's what the organization
strives to achieve. Soroptimists are women at their best, working to help other women to be their best. This year, the
Soroptimist of Taft is proud to give two awards of $500 each to two deserving and inspirational women. On March 5th at
the Soroptimist Luncheon, Alissa Tweedy and Nancy Gipson were the two recipients of the Soroptimist Scholarship. The
Superintendent/President of Taft College Dr. Dena Maloney, ECEF Instructor Becky Roth and Interim VP of Instruction
Patti Bench, presented the awards to our students. What follows is a summary of their journeys in their own words.
Alissa Tweedy
I came to Taft College as a single mother with two daughters and
have been through many struggles. In 2008, I discovered that I had
cancer. Upon realizing this, my life turned upside down. However, I was
a force to be reckoned with. I fought, and I conquered cancer. It was at
this point in my life that I realized I needed to do something. So, I
enrolled in school. Upon arriving at Taft College, I saw all the doors
open for me to succeed. And succeed, I have! My main career goal is to
work as a counselor for those with disabilities. Being a person that has
several learning disabilities, I know what it feels like to live with these
Dr. Dena Maloney, Paƫ Bench, Becky Roth and
difficulties. Every day, I am learning how to overcome my disabilities.
Alissa Tweedy
It is because of my own personal goal of beating the odds that I really
would like to help others overcome their own disabilities. Upon getting my A.S. degree in Direct Support Education
from Taft College, I hope to qualify for a job in this field so that I can work while continuing my education to obtain a
Bachelor's and Master’s degree in Psychology.
Nancy Gipson
It has been about two years since I became a single mom and ended a six
year marriage due to domestic violence. The last couple of years have been the
most difficult for my family and me, yet the most hopeful. It is now a much
different environment than what we experienced before with my son’s dad. On
June 8th, 2010, I made the grueling decision to put an end to the years of abuse not
only for myself, but more importantly for my son Adisson.
The damage done to my son and I was mostly psychological and emotional,
though it had just escalated to physical by the time I left. We had to undergo about
seven months of intense therapy to restore our minds, self-esteem, and confidence.
In October of 2010, while one of my friends held my hand, I enrolled at Taft
Paƫ Bench, Dr. Dena Maloney and Nancy College as a late-start student. Through the Cal-Works program I immediately was
Gipson
able to start working part-time. These opportunities have allowed me to maintain a
full and busy schedule, which has allowed me to heal faster than I expected. Taking on the work of being a parent, a
student, and employee have only shown me what I am capable of and is proof that I am a hardworking individual able to
reach new goals and dreams.
However, I could have not have accomplished so much if it was not for the support of my family. Their love and
understanding, as well as their financial help with attorney’s fees, household bills, and taking care of Adisson have left me
forever indebted to them. I would like to someday give back to them for the many times they offered to help me. I realize,
though, that the best gift I can give them is to be able to graduate college and in the near future be able to stand on my own.
Former EOPS Student Success Story
Vivian Varela
Thirty years ago I was finishing my community college experience at Taft College. I
came to TC as a re-entry student-- a single mom on welfare, with a young daughter
and an abusive boyfriend. I ditched the abusive boyfriend and got my life together as
a direct result of what I learned at TC. It was a happy day when I was able to call my
social worker to say that I had my first job and no longer needed public assistance.
I dug out an old EOPS newsletter (dated April 28, 1983 when I was the student
editor) to find my parting words to my fellow students: “I was very unsure of
myself and my skills, but I can look back and see that the most important influence
for me was the EOPS program and the lessons I learned as a peer counselor to other
EOPS students.”
Now reflecting back 30 years, those lessons have stood the test of time and I am
paying forward all that Taft College gave me.
Taft College/EOPS
Alumni Class of 1982
In 1987, I was fortunate to be hired as a part-time instructional aide for the basic
skills program and over a twenty year period I worked in a variety of classified
positions at TC. These included being the Tutorial Program Coordinator, an
Academic Advisor for the Re-Entry Center, and Web Technician.
After beating cancer and surviving a divorce, I started working on my BA, online
from CSU Chico, with the support of my supervisor at TC. I earned my BA in
Sociology in 2003; then earned an MS in Education-Online Teaching and Learning
from CSU Hayward in 2004; finally I completed my Master’s in Sociology in 2006.
Immediately, I was given the opportunity to start teaching for TC. It was (and still
is) such a joy to give back and touch student lives in the classroom!
“Remember, your
goal is in sight;
keep up the good
work and if I can
help, I’m here for
you.”
The supportive people of TC gave me the courage to reach for my dreams in ways I
couldn’t have imagined back in 1980 when I first started. Even though I’ve moved
400 miles away, I am still connected to TC as I continue to teach online classes in
Sociology.
After 20 years of working at Taft College I was encouraged to reach outside my
comfort zone (thanks Patti Bench!) and I applied for an administrative position at
Mendocino College as the Director of Distance Education. Within 2 years of
arriving at Mendocino, I was able to move into the classroom full-time as a
Sociology instructor.
My wish for all EOPS students is the same today as it was in that final newsletter of
spring 1983, “Remember, your goal is in sight; keep up the good work and if I can
help, I’m here for you.”
The 16th Annual Wendy Wayne Scholarship award will be presented on Tuesday, April 23, 2013 at the Kern Associa on for the Educa on of Young Children workshop. This scholarship was set up to assist students comple ng their studies in early childhood educa on with books and tui on. Who may apply?
The applicant must currently be a student studying in the field of early childhood educa on and currently working in the child development field. What is the procedure for applicaƟon?
• Submit the completed applica on (a ached). Please print or type • A ach two (2) le ers of recommenda on (from an instructor, employer, or an early childhood professional). • A ach verifica on of student status. • A ach a one-page statement outlining how this award will help meet educa onal and career goals. Completed applica ons must be received by Friday, April 5, 2013 Mail to: Linda Hudson 7813 Feather River Drive Bakersfield, CA 93308 For addi onal informa on, call Tammy Burns at 661/861-5274 or taburns@kern.org Important Information and Announcements
Taft College EOPS Program
Survey
The purpose of this survey is to
collect data about the services
offered by the EOPS program.
Students’ answers will be
anonymous and will be used only
as part of this research study.
Next time you’re in the EOPS
office fill out a brief anonymous
survey about your experience
with the EOPS program. You will
also have the chance to vote for
your favorite faculty and staff
members! Your opinion matters
to us, and
your
response is
greatly
appreciated!
MarchBirthdays
Rodrigo Alvarez
Benny Bowman
Camisha Carr
Monica Diaz
Ranay Knight
Brooke Lange
Valerie Michel
Nayeli Moreno
Crystal Ochoa
Alexander Regalado
Karina Rocha
Nancy Rodriguez
Elda Stokes
Brenda Valenzuela
Ivette Vizcaino
Jose Zavala
Taft College Community
Scholarship:
Applications can be picked up at
the Financial Aid Department.
The application must include a
250 word biographical letter. Fulltime and Part-time students are
invited to apply. Completed applications are due at Financial Aid by
March 22.
EOPS Brag Banner
The EOPS Brag Banner gives
all EOPS students the
opportunity to “brag” about
their accomplishments! Come
by the EOPS Office and brag
about your accomplishments
today!
EOPS/CARE Visit us at: EOPS/CARE website: www.ta college.edu/tcwp/eops/ EOPS/CARE Facebook: Eops Care Spring 2013 EOPS Counseling/Advising Contact Dates
1/22– 2/2nd EOPS Counseling/Advising Contact……………………… 3/1– 4/12
3rd EOPS Counseling/Advising Contact………………………4/15– 5/24
Spring 2013 Taft College Academic Calendar
March 4-8…………………. Grad Fair Preorder 10% off ALL packages
March 25-29…………………Spring Break
April ………………………… EOPS Priority Registration
April…………………………. Grad Candidacy Forms are due to Academic Records
May 16……………………….EOPS “Celebrating Excellence” Luncheon
May 17-23……………………Final Examinations
May 23……………………….Spring Semester Ends Last day to complete your classes
EOPS/CARE Staff
Lourdes Gonzalez
Coordinator/Counselor
(661) 763-7830
lgonzalez@taftcollege.edu
Alex Castro
Secretary/ Advisor
(661) 763-7723
acastro@taftcollege.edu
Chris Flachmann
Advisor
(661)763-7858
cflachmann@taftcollege.edu