Here's what some of our students have
to say about the EOP program:
"I truly believe that EOP provided me with my greatest opportunity.
As a high school student I was not very strong in mathematics
so I was asked to attend Summer Bridge. It was the first time
I was away from home. I connected with people who, to this date,
I consider family. The program helped me become motivated and
prepared me for rigorous and challenging classes. It shaped
my views about serving others, which is the reason I became
a tutor. EOP summer bridge students who come to CSUMB start
the year with more college knowledge than other first-time freshmen.
The support system unifies us to help one another against all
obstacles. More important, we learned we could achieve our educational
goals. Because of EOP I have been able to realize my dreams
of attending CSU."
-- Liliana Cabrera, senior Liberal Studies
major, Cal State Monterey Bay
"As a first generation and
transfer student from a community college, I did not know what
to expect in a university setting. EOP created a welcoming environment
and a support group of professionals and peer counselors who
have become lifelong friends and mentors. EOP has shaped who
I am today, empowered me to believe in myself, encouraged me
to make a difference for future generations and be proud of
the diversity that I bring to the table."
--
Susana Gonzalez, executive director of the California
State Student Association (CSSA), and 1997 Cal State San Marcos
graduate.
"More than anything, EOP
provided me with a sense of belonging and belief in my own ability
to succeed. I don't think I would have had as much success had
it not been for the competent caring personnel in EOP at Cal
State San Marcos."
--Ricky Keith Ausby,
assistant principal of Rock Springs Elementary School in Escondido,
a 1995 Cal State San Marcos graduate who received his teaching
credential in 1996.
"Without question, the Chico
EOP program is invaluable to me personally and professionally.
I worked 30 hours a week my senior year of high school to pay
living expenses. I didn’t think college was in my future.
EOP made attending and graduating from a university a reality.
I took advantage of the summer orientation, academic advising,
free tutoring, student employment, and study skills workshops
that were provided by the program. When my father passed away
during my senior year, I withdrew from my classes. The personal
responsibility I felt toward the program and the staff who had
invested time and resources in me motivated me to return to
college and complete my education. My mother also became a graduate
of the EOP program at CSU Chico and is now a successful small
business owner. Students and parents find comfort in knowing
they will have the guidance and support from EOP professionals
who understand their cultures, family values, and economic backgrounds.
I owe a significant part of my past, present, and future successes
to the support of EOP."
-- Lydie Bassow,
CSU Chico class of 1995 - academic adviser in the TRIO Educational
Talent Search pre-college program at CSU Chico
"In 1997 I entered CSU Chico
with the hopes of bettering my life by pursuing higher education.
Lack of mentors and educational background made it nearly impossible
to succeed my first year. My life completely changed once I
decided that I would not be able to do it alone and I decided
to take advantage of EOP’s services. I knew that if I
needed any help, I could count on everyone who worked in the
EOP office. After working for EOP as a paraprofessional advisor,
my career plans completely changed. From wanting to pursue a
career in law since I was 5 years old, I am now pursuing a master’s
degree in social work with hopes of becoming an academic counselor.
CSU Chico’s EOP program changed my young adult life and
future in the most positive way. I had a family at home who
supported me and most importantly I had a family at Chico who
reinforced that support."
--
Mirella Medina, CSU Chico class of 2002, CSU Sacramento
graduate student
"As an EOP alum I now recognize the impact that the program
had on my academic growth. Getting into college isn't half as
much a challenge as it is to stay there. Retention was clearly
the priority for EOP, whose structure allowed me to meet with
advisors whose experiences were similar to mine. I learned a
great deal of discipline and received a wealth of support academically,
personally and financially. The EOP staff made a commitment
to me on my first day at Chico State, and their expectations
of excellence were what kept me pushing towards my graduation
goal. I am forever grateful for the influence that EOP had on
my life."
--Chandra
"Binky" Sanders, CSU Chico class of 1991,
Budget Analyst, eBusiness Nissan
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Jesus V. Perez
Jesus V. Perez entered Fresno State in 1990. As a son
of migrant farm workers from Salinas, he came from a
historically disadvantaged background. A capable student,
Jesus graduated from Fresno State with a Special Major
in Interdisciplinary Studies (Latin American Studies)
in 1998. Jesus was accepted into graduate studies at
San Diego State University and completed his M.A. in
Latin American Studies in 2002.
More success stories » |
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