Puente Affirmation
I know I am intelligent
Strong and determined.
I have within me
What I need to be successful.
Transitions
I see my future
Shining brightly before me.
Message From the Cabinet
I am passionate
And confident about my purpose.
Being a college student requires determination, motivation, and perseverance. You
have to discover and utilize resources that aid your education. There are programs on
campus that offer many opportunities waiting for students to take advantage of. How do you
get started? Take a small step and join a club that helps students of all backgrounds and
provides peer support throughout your college life.
Puente is an academic and social support program at VVC. Our main goal is to prepare
motivated and determined students to transfer to a four-year university through the process of
developing their academic and personal/ social skills, and by working with mentors toward a
career path. The Puente Program offers students the support and guidance they need to excel
in their future.
You should always consider joining Puente. Not only do we offer academic support,
we also provide you with opportunities to earn scholarships, and to participate in workshops
that expand your knowledge about college life. Being a part of Puente is like having an
extended family. Students interact with each other in the classroom and in Puente club
activities. When you are a part of Puente, you feel more comfortable with your surroundings
and peers. Puente students come from different backgrounds so that each is unique, but we
have forged lasting bonds by socializing and communicating with each other. Most agree we
have become a loving family that supports each other.
I dare to make a difference
In my world.
I speak only what is true
And positive.
I hear and believe what I say.
Inside this issue:
Puente Cabinet
2
Student Spotlight
3
Recognition Corner
3
Program Highlights
4
Hot Trends
5
He said….She said
5
Voices of the Future
6
Club Volunteering
6
Puente College Tours
7
Putting Life into
Perspective
7
VVC News
8
What People are
Talking About
8
Making a Difference in
your Community
9
Transfer Fact Sheet
10
Mentor’s Corner
11
Cabinet’s Top
Entertainment Picks
11
Puente Information
12
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PAGE 2
Spring 2011 Puente Club Officers
Jennifer Parra
President
Liberal Studies
Tuan Trinh
Treasurer
Biochemistry
Maribel Lopez
ICC Rep.
Zoology
Rufina Chavez
Historian
Pre-Med
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Preston Aquino
Vice President
Pre-Med
Richard Garcia
Secretary
Kinesiology
Edgar Parra
Community Service Liaison
Pre-Med
Student Spotlight
Q: How do you feel about your experiences in Puente throughout your years at Victor Valley
College?
A: As a student in the program and an officer in the cabinet, I have developed leadership skills. I now have the
road map I needed to continue with my education.
Q: What was your most memorable moment in Puente?
Jennifer Parra
A: My most memorable moment in Puente has been the Campus Tour spring of 2010. It was a great experience
because we were able to bond as a club for an entire weekend, and to visit, and meet current students from
those campuses. The trip made my transfer process feel more real and achievable.
Q: What is your career goal?
A: My career goal is to become an elementary student teacher who makes a difference in my students’ lives. I want to motivate and
inspire them.
Q: What are three of your successful study habits?
A: My most important habit is to study in a peaceful place where I cannot be distracted by everyday life. Another very important
study habit is managing my time wisely; I have a time frame during the day that is dedicated only to my studies. Thirdly it is easier
to get things done when they are written on paper.
Q: Who has been a great inspiration in your life?
A: My parents are my greatest inspiration and have made me who I am today. My father has taught me to be a hard working person,
and my mother has taught me to always be the best in everything I do.
Recognition Corner
Random Appreciation Day is dedicated to recognizing our hard working staff and faculty
each month who go out of their way to help Puente students. Thank you for making a difference.
April Honorees:
May Honorees:
June Honorees:
Scott Mulligan
Jennifer Fowlie
Shirley Gonzalez
Resource Development Center
Communication Center
Administrative Services
Diana Sisk
Ann Thompson
Ann Weiss
Writing Center
Fiscal Services
Math Faculty
Congratulations to our 2011-2012 Transfer Students
Jaime Ruiz
Jennifer Parra
Vincent Turner
Cynthia Ochoa
Nursing (UCR)
Liberal Arts (CSUSB)
Film Studies (CSU NorthRidge)
Social Work (CSUSB)
Congratulations to our 2010-2011 Graduating Students
Kitcia Bodarth
Jaime Ruiz
Jennifer Parra
Fine Arts
Nursing
Liberal Arts
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Program Highlights
Puente Club members competing against
each other during a game of dodge ball at our
Sports Day Potluck, February 18th, 2011.
Puente Club Officers at the Spring 2011
Leadership Retreat at Spring Valley Lake
Country Club on February 25th.
Puente Representatives from UC, Riverside
attended a Puente Club meeting to discuss
transfer resources at UCR April 25th, 2011.
Spring 2011 Campus Tour at UCLA of a
lecture hall for Organic Chemistry on
May 6th, 2011.
Puente Club members on a campus tour at
Cal State Fullerton on May 13th, 2011.
Puente Club car wash fundraiser on
May 21st, 2011.
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Puente Club members making Easter baskets
with Seniors at Desert Knolls for “Youth
Service Day” on April 23rd, 2011.
Puente members lining up to rub the famous
statue of David for good luck during our
campus tour at Cal State Fullerton on
May 13th, 2011.
Spring 2011 Puente Club Officers
Back Row: Tuan Trinh, Richard Garcia,
Preston Aquino, Edgar Parra
Front Row: Maribel Lopez, Jennifer Parra
Hot Trends
Must have for Spring/Summer 2011
Guys
Girls
White button up with
a tie and blazer
Vibrant royal blue
ruffle blouse
Classy Aldo Oxford
shoes perfect for casual
or professional wear
Aldo Quartz watch
for that sporty look
Lenny expr esses her unique sense of fashion based
on how she feels inside. She offer s some confident
wor ds of advice to those who wish to stay in
fashion: “Everyone has a unique style when it
comes to fashion, but it is all about how you
pr esent your self. Finding your own style is the
best way to stay in fashion.”
Fashion Commentators:
Richard Garcia
Pink floral wedges
White cotton skirt
Lenny Maldonado
He Said…...She Said
When women ask men out on a date, who should pay?
He Said:
If a woman asks a man out on a date, the man should pay. Though it’s not always necessary, I
believe any well-mannered man is obligated to pay, simply because it’s the proper course of
action.
Feature Writer: Billy Macias
She Said:
I believe the girl should pay for the date because she is the one that asked the boy out;
therefore, she should be treating him. If she wanted the guy to pay, then she should not have
asked him out.
Feature Writer: Miriam Licona
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Voices of the Future
“Puente has inspired me to have an exact path for my future. I always knew I
wanted to transfer to a 4-year college, but I never knew which one. Being in
Puente has showed me my many options and helped me make one of the biggest
decisions of my life.” Diana Rey
“Puente has been a great experience for me both as a student and as a club officer.
I can say it has truly influenced my style of work. I have become more active and
independent. It really is a great experience, and I would advise other students to
join the club not only because of the great teachers and classes. Puente is like a
family, and every student is important.” Edgar Parra
“Being in Puente has given me such a great opportunity in meeting new people.
The relationships that I have built in Puente have been very encouraging. No
matter what age or level you are at, Puente will inspire you to "not give up" and to
move forward believing that your dreams can come true.” Lucky Monroy
Making a Difference in Our Community
Forever Wild Exotic Animal Sanctuary
Organized by our ICC Representative, Maribel Lopez, the Forever Wild Exotic
Animal Sanctuary has been one of the most memorable events for the Puente Club.
We arrived at 10:00am and went straight to work until 2:00pm. Every student did yard
work, plucking weeds, and cleaned animal enclosures. It was tiring, but well worth
the time and effort. This experience helped build character and allowed us to give back
to the community. Volunteering is what Puente is all about. Seeing employees smiling
and hearing their appreciation of our service made the day worthwhile. At the end of
the day, we all displayed the spirit of Puente.
Desert Knolls
On April 23rd, 2011, the Puente Club volunteered at Desert Knolls for “Youth Service
Club Member Abel Esqueda
cleaning up the tortoise
enclosure.
Day.” At first it was hard to adjust to the environment because we were working with
senior citizens, who were frail, very old, and ill. After the first round of bingo, everyone
loosened up and began to truly enjoy the experience. Some students visited residents in
their rooms, and in the activity center some read magazines and did puzzles. Another
group made Easter baskets with residents for the kids at the homeless shelter.
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Written By: Tuan Trinh
Puente College Campus Tours
UCLA – May 6th, 2011
Our first impression of UCLA was, wow! what a beautiful campus and how amazing it must be to attend this world class school. We were accompanied by our tour guide Carly, a freshman majoring in communications. She walked us through a cluster of students promoting their clubs and on campus
activities as we reached our first destination. We fell in love with the Renaissance style buildings they call,
classrooms and study halls. The environment and vibe that UCLA projected is high energy, and
academically school oriented. UCLA is a university that has its own medical center and is ranked as one of the top schools in
California. It is known for its School of Arts and Architecture, its School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, its Graduate School
of Education and Information Studies, and School of Theater/Film and Television. Those who are interested or are pursuing these
related studies are encouraged to research more about UCLA. As we left from our tour guide Carly, we headed off to an Organic
Chemistry class where we were overwhelmed by the size of the classroom which held approximately 200 students. UCLA showed
us the reality of a university education and how difficult it can be. This experience made many of us more determined to transfer to a
school of our choice.
Cal State Fullerton – May 13th, 2011
Upon arrival we were accompanied by our tour guide Ellen, a graduating senior, who spoke
passionately about the campus she attends. We began our tour through the doors of a two story Student Recreation Center. We were in awe that students attending this campus could rock climb, play
basketball on courts, run a track, and swim in a humongous outdoor pool all within the same general
area. There is also an "Underground" area where one can eat, study, relax and enjoy. What is more
interesting is that Fullerton has just finished building their freshmen dormitory. Could you ask for more? Fullerton also has a mock
hospital, where "Smart Dummies" imitate natural human interactions for training pre med students. Fullerton is known for its Arts,
Business and Economics, Engineering and Computer Sciences, Health and Human Development, Natural Sciences and
Mathematics, and much more. Near the end of our tour, we were given a transfer presentation by two transfer representatives Larry
and Vanessa who provided us information on GPA requirements, number of units, deadlines for admission, and opportunities many
are not aware of. Fullerton offers great academic opportunities as well as a promising college experience to those who are on the
path to transfer.
Written By: Preston Aquino
Putting Life into Perspective
Since the age of four, I was forced to become an adult. I was literally an orphan along with two
younger siblings for a period of two years. My father was murdered, and my mother came to the United
States to earn enough money to bring my younger siblings and me to the U.S. I remember when I came to
the U.S and attended school without knowledge of the English language. I wanted to communicate with
my classmates, so I worked hard and was able to learn English. By age sixteen I became a teen mother.
This was a very difficult time for me. Being from a Mexican family, this meant that I was a disgrace to
my family. Having a child out of wedlock meant I lost all financial and emotional support from my parents. The only support left was a roof over my child and me. My parents had lost all faith in me; they
never expected me to graduate from high school. I was determined to graduate high school and did so in
1991. In 1997 I started college, but I had to stop because I was going through tough times. Nevertheless, I am back today to try and
obtain my AA in Liberal Arts. To sum it up I had a hard childhood and a hard young life, but I learned to persevere. I learned to
have hope in myself and in God. I learned that life goes in two ways: if you do wrong, you will face consequences, and if you do
right, happiness will come. I say this to my children and to those who will listen. It is never too late to learn or continue your education. You need to be open minded to new ideas and suggestions. Finally, remember that difficulties are only temporary as you have
the power to change any circumstance.
Written By: Maria Juarez
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Victor Valley College News
Students feel squeezed by Budget Cuts
Students have to make difficult choices as colleges receive less funding from Sacramento. Some feel as
though their education is being limited because it is too expensive to pay for classes without the help of financial aid. We all need to be prepared for the upcoming financial changes by planning ahead before it hits us.
Classes are now Almost Impossible to Pay For
Community colleges are raising the fees for taking classes. With the financial budget possibly being cut soon,
VVC has decided to squeeze students by raising the cost to attend classes. The price of a class has increased
from $26 to $36 dollars per unit which makes it difficult for students who have financial issues but at the same
time have a desire to continue their education. A full-time student with 12 units will now pay $432, not $312.
This amount does not include books and other required student fees. Many students stress over paying for
classes. What can we do to keep the cost of classes low?
Are Classes Disappearing?
Another issue created by the financial cut is the number of classes being offered. Without money, VVC cannot
and will not open more classes that traditionally have lower enrollments and are needed for transfer. For
example: Bio-201 and above as well as Math 226 and above are only offered as one class per semester and/or
only once a year. With budget cuts, we will have fewer choices for completing our course work.
Written By: Tuan Trinh
What People Are Talking About...
Osama Bin Laden Pronounced Dead
“Justice has been done,” said President Barrack Obama as he announced the death of the
world’s most wanted terrorist. On May 1, 2011, Osama Bin Laden, the mastermind of a terrorist
attack on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon on September 11, 2001 was dead. Ten years ago
many recall that dreadful morning when the spirit of America was shattered by the attack orchestrated
by Osama Bin Laden. Two hijacked planes crashed into the Twin Towers; and a third, which was targeted to crash into the Pentagon, was retaken by Americans before it crashed into a field. Hunting
down the man behind these attacks came to an end as an American team raided his compound where
he was shot down and taken into custody by American soldiers. And yet no American has forgotten
September 11, 2001. No American has forgotten the 2,986 Americans lost.
Written By: Richard Garcia
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Volunteer Opportunities
Location
Hours of Operation
Contact Information
Adelanto Branch Library: Help shelve, organize
books, clean around the library, and other tasks as
needed and instructed by the librarians.
Mon 12pm-8pm; Tue, Thu 12pm6pm; Wed, Fri 10am-6pm; Sat
10am-5pm
11497 Bartlett Avenue Adelanto, CA 92301 (760) 246-5661
Contact: Stella
Apple Valley St. Mary Medical Center: Some of
the volunteer opportunities available are greeting
patients and visitors, delivering mail & flowers, and
working in the hospital gift shop.
Mon-Sun 8am-6pm
18300 US Highway 18,
Apple Valley, CA
(760) 242-2311 extension 8256
Apple Valley Christian Care Center: The Apple
Valley Christian Care Center provides a variety of
volunteering opportunities such as bingo with the
elderly, arts and crafts, and also field trips.
Mon-Fri 9am-6pm
Sat-Sun 9am-5pm
11959 Apple Valley Rd. Apple
Valley CA (760) 240-5051
Contact: Sara
Boys and Girls Club of America: At the Boys and
Girls you are able to help children with homework,
take them to the park, help with snack time, and
play sports with them.
Mon-Fri 10am-6pm
17537 Montezuma St, Adelanto
CA (760)530-1615
Contact: Susy
Community Services with Victorville: Here you
are able to assist with the Seniors In Need Program.
You can also help at the office by filing paperwork,
as well as cleaning, sweeping, watering plants, and
helping seniors mow their lawn.
Mon-Fri 10am-6pm
Sat-Sun 10am-4pm
14343 Civic Center Drive
Victorville
CA (760) 243-9646
Contact: Mrs. Shawn
Desert Knolls Convalescent Hospital: At Desert
Knolls Convalescent home you will interact with
the elderly by participating in a number of activities
such as arts and crafts, bingo, nail painting for the
women, and karaoke.
Mon-Fri 10am-12pm
Sat-Sun Different times
14973 Hesperia Rd, Victorville
CA 760) 245-6477
Contact: Activities Department
Forever Wild Exotic Animal Sanctuary: You
help do whatever yard work is needed. You also
have the experience of feeding and cleaning after
animals such as tortoises, rabbits, parrots and other
exotic caged animals.
Tues, Wed, and Fri 12pm- 5pm. Sat
and Sun 10am- 5pm
8545 Buttemere Rd. Phelan,
CA. 92371 (760)868-2755
Contact: Dana
High Desert Youth Center: The High Desert
Youth Center serves the youth of the Victor Valley
through its integrated programs of athletics, literacy,
vocational training and counseling.
Mon.-Fri. 8am-4pm
15411 Village Drive, Victorville,
CA 92392 (760) 843-7445
Contact: Marjori Chambers
Victor Valley Animal Protective League: Please
call the office to schedule an orientation about
possible volunteer opportunities.
Tues.-Fri. 9am-5pm
Sat. 9am-3pm
21779 Zuni Road Apple Valley,
CA 90307 (760)247-2102
Contact: Hannah
Victorville City Library: You can help out the
local library by shelving books, putting them back
where they belong, and by washing books with a
special solution and making them look like new.
Mon-Thurs. 9 am-8pm
Fri. 9am-6pm
Sat 9am-5pm
15011 Circle Drive Victorville,
CA 92395 (760)245-4222
Contact: Billy
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Transfer Fact Sheet
Money for College
The “Golden 4”
Do you know the upcoming deadlines for the FAFSA The Golden 4 classes are part of the IGETC and CSU
(Free Application for Federal Student Aid)?
General Breadth and must be completed with a
2011-2012 FAFSA Filing Period
grade of ‘C’ or better. These classes reinforce
Federal Deadlines:
January 1st, 2011– Filing period begins for applicants
for all terms to submit FAFSA and Cal Grant GPA
Verification forms.
June 30th, 2012– Online applications must be
submitted by midnight Central Daylight Time.
September 15th, 2012– Any corrections or updates
must be submitted by midnight Central Daylight Time.
State Deadlines:
March 2nd, 2011– For initial FAFSA awards.
September 2nd, 2011– For additional community
college awards.
College Deadlines:
Each college may have different deadlines. Check with the
college(s) you are interested in attending.
To fill out, submit and or check on your FAFSA
go online to www.fafsa.ed.gov
Helpful Sites
CSUMentor.edu
(Cal State University undergraduate admissions and application network)
UniversityofCalifornia.edu
(University of California undergraduate admissions and application network)
fafsa.ed.gov
(Is used to determine individual eligibility for federally funded financial assistance)
Assist.org
fundamental skills for college students and may be
prerequisites for some majors.
Written Communication
ENGL 101, H101
Oral Communication (CSU Only)
CMST 106, 107, 108, 109
Critical Thinking
ENGL 104, H104, PHIL 109, 207*, RLST 207*
Mathematical Concepts and
Quantitative Thinking
MATH 104, 105, H105, 119, 120, H120, 132, 226,
227, 228, 231, 232
Major Preparation for Transfers
Major preparation courses are lower division
courses in your major. Major preparation
varies depending on the major and four-year
institution. In order to incorporate major
prep classes in to your educational plan, go
to the Assist.org site to see what is needed.
(Provides major preparation information for transfer)
Please make sure to meet with a college counselor to stay on track.
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Mentor’s Corner
Gerry Smith is one of the few
mentors who has stayed with
the Puente Program despite his
rigorous career and personal
life. We appreciate your time
and effort for the past 3 years.
-Preston Aquino, Mentee
I am a Supervisor at Palmdale Regional Medical Center. I believe
completing my college education at USAF, School of Health Care Science, in San
Antonio, Texas has been invaluable to my personal success. In my many years of
working I have never been unemployed and I attribute this to my education. My
field of work provides multiple opportunities for upward mobility, but only for
those who have the required education and desire to move forward. This can be
accomplished through hard work, going above and beyond the minimum
requirements of the job, and continuing your education. I believe that without my
educational background, I would not be as accomplished in the medical field as I
am today. Early on I found out the hard way that in order to get ahead in this
world you need an education. One example was the time I worked as a lab
assistant. When a special project came up which required my special expertise, my
boss asked for my assistance and submitted my work as his own. He received a
promotion for the work that I had done. It was at this point that I realized I needed
to complete my education because I wanted to be the boss that worked for my
accomplishments. Without having to go the extra mile to complete my education, I
would not be as successful as I am today.
Written By: Gerry Smith, Mentor
Cabinet’s Top Entertainment Picks
Jennifer Parra
Maribel Lopez
Music: La Arrolladora Banda Limon
Music: Feel It in Your Heart
Movie: Insidious
Movie: I am Legend
T.V Show: Parent Hood
T.V Show: Community
Sport Team: Chivas (Soccer)
Sport Team: Whoever’s Winning
Books: Something Blue
Books: Life of Pi
Preston Aquino
Richard Garcia
Music: Out of My Head
Music: Indie
Movie: Fast Five
Movie: All About Lily Chou Chou
T.V Show: Tosh. O
T.V Show: Neon Genesis
Sport Team: 49ers
Books: Definitive Book of Body
Language
Tuan Trinh
Evangelion
Sport Team: Tennis (Pete Sampras)
Books: This Side of Paradise
Rufina Chavez
Music: Shayne Ward
Music: Hip Hop
Movie: 50 First Dates
Movie: Honey
T.V Show: Criminal Mind
T.V Show: Teen Mom
Sport Team: Tennis (Rafael Nadal)
Sport Team: Dallas Cowboy
Books: Of Mice and Men
Books: Identical
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Edgar Parra
Music: Madonna
Movie: Happy Gilmore
T.V Show: That 70’s Show
Sport Team: Dodger
Books: Animal Farm
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Previous Events:
Upcoming Events:
New Student Orientation/
Training (February 15th)
Puente End of the Year
Recognition Dinner (June 3rd)
Leadership Retreat
(February 25th)
New Student Orientation and
Training (August 30th)
Sports Day Potluck
(February 18th)
Community Service at Forever
Wild Exotic Animal Sanctuary
(April 22nd)
Cal State Fullerton Campus
Tour (May 13th)
Puente Club Car Wash
Fundraiser (May 21st)
Contact Us
Website: http://www.vvc.edu/puente
Email: vvcpc@hotmail.com
General: meetings are every 2nd
and 4th Monday of each month in
the SAC from 11:30am-12:30pm.
Puente Club Fall 2011 Election
(TBA)
Women’s History Month
Celebration (March 25th)
UCLA Campus Tour
(May 6th)
Cabinet: meetings are every 1st
and 3rd Monday of each month in
the SAC from 11:30am-1:00pm.
Peer Mentor Training
(TBA)
Community College Day at
UCR (March 4th)
“Youth Service Day”
Community Service
(April 23rd)
Club Meetings:
Puente Club Committees
Community Service Committee: This committee is designed to identify &
coordinate individual/group volunteer opportunities for students.
Fundraising Committee: This committee is designed to organize fundraising
events to support club activities and provide scholarships for Puente students.
Public Relation/Marketing Committee: This committee is designed to
develop and publish a newsletter for the Puente Program.
Academic/Scholarship Committee: This committee is designed to provide
academic support and resources for Puente students.
Newsletter Staff:
Vice President…...…....Preston Aquino
Treasurer…….………..Tuan Trinh
Secretary……..…….….Richard Garcia
Advisor…………….….Eartha Johnson
Advisor………………..Judy Solis
Required Puente Program Classes:
Fall 2011
English 50: T&Th from 9:50am-11:30am
Guidance 101: T&Th from 11:40am-1:05pm
Spring 2012
English 101: TBA
Guidance 105: TBA
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