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News From San Jac Cares Miss Kemah: The 2 Your College 5 offers key support 7 crown that gives back

SANJAC.EDU CHRONICLE CUSTOM ADVERTISING SECTION SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2020 2 <<< Houston Chronicle Custom Advertising Section | Opportunity News | Sunday | October 4, 2020 sanjac.edu News frOm YOur COllege

day, and custom airbrush T-shirt art by The LyondellBasell Center for vice chancellor and senior vice president interactive airbrush artist The T-Shirt Petrochemical, Energy, and Technology for CPET. Guy. To join Welcome Week virtual (CPET) hosted a virtual Legislative During the visit, Senator Creighton events, students registered via links Learning Initiative visit focused on emphasized “the importance of helping provided on SEA social media accounts. workforce training programs and adult learners re-engage with higher Photo courtesy of San Jacinto College In addition to these Welcome Week adult learners. education and earn in-demand industry Welcome Week events, SEA is also promoting upcoming The initiative—funded by the Gates credentials of value that are proven to virtual events for the fall semester that Foundation and facilitated by the Hunt meet the needs of regional employers.” 2020 goes virtual include Hispanic Heritage Month kickoff: Institute, Educate , and the Texas One such adult learner, process Virtual Loteria (Sept. 15); National Arts in Success Center—familiarizes legislators technology student Charles Wilson, Welcome Week for the fall 2020 Education Week: Paint Jam, an interactive with educational needs in focused areas. shared his story with the senator and semester looked a little different for art demonstration and discussion (Sept. Senator Brandon Creighton, chair other guests. San Jacinto College students. Instead of 15-17); LGBTQ Day of remembrance (Oct. of the Senate Committee on Higher “As an older student, I have come to hosting on-campus events, the Central, 26); and a Spooky Story Slam (Oct. 27). Education, was on hand to learn more appreciate that you are never too old to North, South, and Generation Park about CPET's groundbreaking workforce learn and evolve as long as institutions Campuses combined virtual events for Senator Creighton training programs offered at CPET. like San Jacinto College are around,” students through the student engagement Also attending were San Jacinto Wilson said. and activities (SEA) offices. visits San Jacinto College Chancellor Dr. Brenda Hellyer; The recorded visit will be used in a This year, students could register for CPET virtually for Michael VanDerSnick, senior vice larger project to familiarize legislators free online events that included a trivia president of Americas manufacturing for with educational innovations and needs game show, campus coffee hour, game Legislative Learning LyondellBasell; and Jim Griffin, associate around Texas. RiSing StAR BlAnCO pAintS A CuStOm futuRe in AutO COlliSiOn RepAiR

By Melissa Trevizo In fact, Blanco didn’t even tell her helped Blanco learn so quickly. By doing SAN JACINTO COLLEGE parents what she was going to major side work on her own time she was in until one week after she started “able to learn from her own mistakes When Emily Blanco entered the auto her classes. and experiment.” collision repair classroom at the San “I have always been different and Her biggest project was on her own Jacinto College North Campus for the thought outside of the box. My parents car, a Lexus GS350 that was involved in first time, she was nervous. assumed I would go to school to get a a major car accident earlier this year. “I had never worked on a car before,” license to do makeup, and for a while “Emily is definitely a rising star,” said Blanco said. “I didn’t even know how to I was going to do that,” Blanco said. ron Daugherty, auto collision repair mix paint or anything. So many of the “I started getting into cars in 2017. instructor. “I helped coach her on the other students had been doing this for Then I started thinking, ‘I want to do body work of her Lexus. She picked a years with parents or grandparents, but something different.’ I want to challenge very difficult paint color and when it it was all brand-new to me.” myself to learn something new and go came time to work on it, the College was into a field where you don’t see women closed for COVID-19.” very often.” At first Blanco thought she would After only a month of instruction, have to wait until the College reopened Photo courtesy of San Jacinto College Blanco had her father, who owns a to work on her car again, but then she heavy-duty towing business, ask her to felt inspired to complete it on her own. the way through trial and error.” paint one of his 18-wheelers. “I took my car to my dad’s shop and Blanco continued to work on the “I was shocked,” Blanco said. “I barely I just went to work. I sanded the entire car throughout the COVID-19-altered knew anything, but he had complete car and started adjusting my doors, my operations of the College. With four faith in me. To date, I’ve painted about trunk and re-welded part of the quarter days left before classes resumed, Blanco seven of my dad’s vehicles.” panel,” Blanco said. “I didn’t know prepped her car for the final paint job. Photo courtesy of San Jacinto College This practice outside the classroom much about it but taught myself along Blanco continued on page 7 sanjac.edu Sunday | October 4, 2020 | Opportunity News | Houston Chronicle Custom Advertising Section >>> 3

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT STUDENT AMBASSADORS OFFER ADVICE FOR NEW STUDENTS

By Andrea Vasquez should students do in this situation? SAN JACINTO COLLEGE A: Ask for help when you know that you are struggling or falling behind Some of the first faces new San before it gets to the end of the semester. Jacinto College students see are those If you are struggling on a topic or Photos courtesy of San Jacinto College of their student ambassadors. Not something in class, ask questions! Send only do the student ambassadors lead emails to your professors if you have any Ashley Rodriguez orientation sessions and campus tours, questions or need help with something, college experience? but they also serve as go-tos for new or schedule a time to speak with them A: When I first started at San Jac, students throughout the semester, during their office hours. I was coming from a background of offering assistance in a variety of ways being homeschooled. I was nervous and hosting some of the orientation Ashley Rodriguez about being in a completely different and campus tour office events. Since Jacquelyn Vega Q: Some first-time-in-college environment. However, San Jac made the everything about this semester is (FTIC) students experience transition smooth, and any time I had different, student ambassadors have Jacquelyn Vega self-doubt and insecurity at times. trouble, the counselors were always a some great advice for students who are Q: For students who are new What would you say to those great help. Any incoming student should just getting into the swing of things. to online classes, what advice students who need to know that it’s ask for help if they need it—even when do you have to help them ease totally normal and a big part of the you don’t think you do. Alicia Gonzalez that transition? Q: What are some of the best A: Start off slowly with your lessons you’ve learned about being classes. Don’t overwhelm yourself in a student at San Jacinto College that the beginning—work your way up. you feel would help new students Make yourself familiar with SOS and this semester? Blackboard. Always ask for help. A: Make sure to communicate with Don’t be afraid, since everyone doesn’t your professors. I was so nervous about know something. meeting my professors, but once you do, it will definitely pay off. Take advantage Kates Mangasep of the resources the College has to offer. Q: It’s easy to fall behind in some For example, the educational planners subject areas, and some students may will help you choose the correct classes not know when they need to ask their that will benefit your career path. professors for some extra help. What San Jacinto Your Success

WINTER MINI AND SPRING REGISTRATION OPENS OCT. 19 WINTER MINI CLASSES START DEC. 14 SPRING CLASSES START JAN. 19, 2021

CENTRAL CAMPUS MARITIME CAMPUS 8060 SPENCER HWY. 3700 OLD HWY. 146 PASADENA, TEXAS 77505 LA PORTE, TEXAS 77571

NORTH CAMPUS GENERATION PARK CAMPUS 5800 UVALDE ROAD 13455 LOCKWOOD ROAD HOUSTON, TEXAS 77049 HOUSTON, TEXAS 77044 SOUTH CAMPUS 281-998-6150 | sanjac.edu 13735 BEAMER ROAD HOUSTON, TEXAS 77089 An Equal Opportuninty Institution Alicia Gonzalez Kates Mangasep 4 <<< Houston Chronicle Custom Advertising Section | Opportunity News | Sunday | October 4, 2020 sanjac.edu

STAFF SPOTLIGHT SAn JACintO COllege pAir’S mentOring relAtiOnSHip SpAnS twO deCAdeS

By Courtney Morris deeper, asking Goldstein questions Soon Goldstein donned her mentor hat SAN JACINTO COLLEGE about law and case studies they were again, guiding her through the bumpy examining. It was only time before an transition from corporate work to If there’s one thing Amy Weaver informal mentorship started. higher education. believes in, it’s the power of mentorship. “Sometimes we just all need a safe “She helped to mold me into my new The San Jacinto College alumna’s environment and a good listener to role and once again encouraged me to mentoring relationship with a former express ourselves and work through achieve my best,” Weaver said. professor has spanned almost 25 years the challenges life presents us,” and shaped her career trajectory. Goldstein said. 1st Gen mentor Now working as an accreditation Both working and attending school With school and workforce experience coordinator for the College, Weaver full time for the first time, Weaver under her belt, Weaver wanted to pay not only continues to connect with her welcomed the free advice. When a flyer it forward as a mentor herself. This longtime advisor but pays it forward as a turned up about a NASA business office opportunity presented itself during a 1st Gen mentor. co-op, Goldstein not only encouraged student social on the lawn, where she her to apply but also helped her plan learned about the 1st Gen Club. Lost and found a class, study, and work schedule that This mentoring program connects first In her late teens and early 20s, would accommodate family time. generation college students (those whose Weaver needed direction. Before San Jac, “Dr. Goldstein has encouraged parents do not have at least a two-year she had already attended one community me from the very beginning of our degree) with a faculty or staff member to college and two universities, dropping relationship that I was smart enough support them as long as they need while out of each for different reasons—feeling and capable enough to achieve any of at San Jac. homesick, getting married, and my dreams,” Weaver said. Weaver typically mentors one student being swallowed up in classes with a semester, meeting a few times during 200-plus students. Hello, alma mater the first two months and joining student Photo courtesy of Amy Weaver Amy Weaver (left) pictured with a mentee “I threw my hands up in surrender, After graduating from San Jac lunch meetings. in 2017. telling myself college just wasn’t for and enrolling at the University of “I assist my mentees with resumes, me,” she said. Houston-, Weaver landed job interview prep, and learning how to need others to journey with us as we When she landed in Houston in 1995, another co-op with NASA contractor schedule their time to balance work, life, navigate our educational pursuits she discovered working a minimum- United Space Alliance (USA). After and school,” she said. “I get to be a life and careers.” wage job without benefits was not she earned her bachelor’s degree, USA coach and an educational advocate.” Weaver champions the power of happily ever after. A San Jac TV ad offered her a full-time position working She also links her mentees to helpful relationships, encouraging students caught her eye, and she decided to make with the space shuttle program. During resources like tutoring and food to get involved, meet people, and it through college for once. A small her 10 years with USA, she also earned markets. When COVID moved classes make friends. After all, a longtime campus with a low student/teacher ratio her master’s. online this spring, Weaver called her friendship led her to move beyond a seemed like the place to start. When the shuttle program ended, mentee to check in and listen. minimum-wage job, earn three degrees, Weaver pursued an associate degree Weaver moved to another contractor, and mentor others. in business administration at the then was cut as part of widespread Full circle “Look at my life,” she said. “You South Campus. In a business law class, aerospace layoffs. Roads eventually Up until COVID, Weaver and never know when you’ll go full circle. professor Dr. Shari Goldstein zeroed led back to the South Campus in 2015, Goldstein met for lunch or after work Having a friendly face in the crowd— in on the student who doubted herself, when she became a division operations several times a semester. Now they someone you knew ‘back then’—can despite coming from a family of lawyers coordinator in the School of Business continue to connect through email make the difference between isolation and judges. She spied her potential. and Technology. or phone. and participation.” “She pushed me to raise my own bar In a division meeting, Weaver ran into “We support, encourage, and To learn more about 1st Gen, of expectation,” Weaver said. Goldstein. As luck would have it, they re-energize each other in our positions visit www.sanjac.edu/campus-life/ She started staying after class, digging were now working under the same dean. as employees,” Goldstein said. “We all students/1st-gen-students. sanjac.edu Sunday | October 4, 2020 | Opportunity News | Houston Chronicle Custom Advertising Section >>> 5 San Jac careS SuStainS StudentS, employeeS during coVid-19

By Courtney Morris the program. • Phase 5: 5,000 FTIC students enrolled SAN JACINTO COLLEGE “We knew there were students who in fall classes would be struggling with an online The primary goal: Checking on Brianna Seratt was playing a waiting shift,” said Dr. Harris, vice chancellor students. Are you doing OK? How is Photo by Courtney Morris, San Jacinto College game, and time was running out. of strategic initiatives, workforce school going? CPD employee Aminta Rodriguez reaches out With San Jacinto College’s fall semester development, community relations, and The secondary goal: Ensuring students to a student through San Jac Cares. weeks away, Seratt still hadn’t registered diversity. “Some had never taken an had resources and information. faced a landslide of challenges. He and for classes. Although she had submitted online class before and didn’t want one, Do you have a computer and internet? his wife had lost their jobs, were sharing her FAFSA, she was waiting for funds to and they had other needs.” Do you know about the fall 2020 course one laptop with their two kids, and were come through. Because of COVID-19, Students faced unique challenges delivery options? Did you know we have waiting on unemployment to pay the she wasn’t sure she could talk to anyone because of COVID, but many employees a food market? electric bill. She connected him to the on campus. had also lost their connection to students “It’s a little cliché—the expression ‘It College’s laptop lending program, That’s when a College employee because of remote work. takes a village,’” Dr. Harris said. “But food market, and other resources. emailed, asking whether she needed help. “We wanted to create something that all the employees support the students “Sometimes benefits are there— “I would still love to attend school this would fill the void that happened with here in a host of ways. It’s part of the resources are there—but people don’t fall,” Seratt said, “but without the aid, the virtual environment,” Dr. Harris said. experience when you come on a college know they’re available for them,” I don’t think I will be able to continue Representing different College campus…. When you move to a virtual she said. classes this semester.” departments, committee members environment, you lose that.” San Jac Cares also had an unexpected That afternoon, the San Jac Cares weighed in on which students to reach Whether students needed to review benefit for employees: decreasing stress. employee volunteer called to share first and what information to give callers. their academic plan or get counseling “Our College is a community,” Dr. the news: The San Jacinto College “Some students just needed someone to cope with the pandemic, callers cut Harris said. “We connect with each Foundation had awarded her a to listen and to show they cared,” said through the confusion, directing them other. The students are the reward $500 scholarship. Yessenia Jimenez, strategic initiative to the person or resource they needed. of working at a college. Connecting “There were a lot of emotions,” Seratt projects manager who led the committee. Like Seratt, many wanted help but with them has created that sense of said about getting that call. “I’m glad “Others needed to be pointed to the right didn’t know whom to call, so the College community for employees as well.” [San Jac Cares] existed. I couldn’t go to person so they didn’t have to ask around. called them. school this semester without the help.” It feels great … to make things a little ‘We change lives’ easier on the students’ end, especially Two-way street No one could have expected COVID- Virtual Void right now.” About 350 employees have volunteered 19 to show up with no expiration date, Launched in April 2020, the San for San Jac Cares, coming from areas like upending education and everything else. Jac Cares outreach program connected Goodbye, cold calls continuing and professional development During a trying time, San Jac Cares broke students to employees and resources After an employee email blast, (CPD), libraries, human resources, through barriers, connecting students so they could navigate COVID-19 and volunteers poured in. Jimenez offered a faculty, the strategic leadership team, and with compassionate voices and solutions. altered operations. When the College Zoom training and emailed scripts and a more. Some have served a few weeks, Will the program extend beyond moved to online classes after spring student services resource toolkit. These and others throughout the program. COVID-19? Dr. Harris acknowledges break, Dr. Allatia Harris huddled empowered volunteers so outreach would Diesel mechanics instructor Charles some uncertainty about the next steps: a steering committee to create feel more like conversations and less like Siegel volunteered from day one. “For the foreseeable future, we’ll do cold calls. Struggling with the online transition too, things that connect students to the Volunteers received weekly he got to coach students while College, that show we care and are here spreadsheets with at least 25 students to motivating himself. for them—connect them to resources.” call or email. Beginning just after altered “It really helped me to help others But as a San Jac Cares caller herself, operations and continuing into the fall, during that difficult time,” Siegel said. she realizes the power College employees San Jac Cares has included five phases “I was able to place myself in the have to change lives as they help so far: students’ shoes—terrible fear of the students navigate crises or achieve • Phase 1: 12,300 first-time-in-college unknown, need and desire for social their dreams. (FTIC) students and students without interaction—while knowing I needed to “San Jac Cares reminds me how distance learning experience be a guide to self-help, self-motivation, important the work we do is, whether • Phase 2: 12,900 randomly chosen and self-reflection to help students it’s face to face or from a distance,” students enrolled in spring classes [adjust to online classes].” Dr. Harris said. “Many have unbelievable • Phase 3: 14,700 students not registered Aminta Rodriguez, the CPD obstacles and hurdles to continue their for summer or fall registration and services coordinator, education and complete their program. • Phase 4: 6,100 students not registered also signed up. They keep at it because they believe their Photo by Courtney Morris, San Jacinto College for fall Rodriguez recalls one student who had lives will be better. We change lives.” 6 <<< Houston Chronicle Custom Advertising Section | Opportunity News | Sunday | October 4, 2020 sanjac.edu

THIS MONTH IN  

Central Campus library assistant Phyllis 1 shared this photo of her first day back in office.

Maritime Technology & Training Center 2 faculty and staff participated in the San Jac Pride event during Welcome Week. 

The student engagement team brought in the new semester with a Zoom meeting 3 detailing all the upcoming virtual events. 

This personalized mask will match perfectly 4 with one of our nursing student’s scrubs.

North Campus professor Dr. Liana Boop snapped this selfie after reserving materials 5 for her students at the library.

  Connie posted this photo of her son Connor 6 during his first diesel tech course.

Due to a scheduling error, San Jac student Robert’s first day of class overlapped with a 7 job at his tree trimming business. He shared this photo from his Zoom meeting.  

sanjac.edu | 281-998-6150 An Equal Opportunity Institution sanjac.edu Sunday | October 4, 2020 | Opportunity News | Houston Chronicle Custom Advertising Section >>> 7 GABRIELLA GARZA: THE CROWN THAT GIVES BACK

By Andrea Vasquez a helping hand. compelled to do from an early age. At SAN JACINTO COLLEGE Garza first attended San Jacinto College 16, she started her own organization as a dual credit student. Coming from a called The Dress Foundation, where she For residents of the Kemah area, homeschool environment, she says that collected formal dresses and tuxedos for Gabriella Garza is becoming a familiar being in classes with older students was students who could not afford to purchase face. As the newly crowned Miss Kemah an eye-opener. or rent them for homecoming, prom, and 2020, she often makes appearances at “At first it was a little intimidating, other formal school events. Since then, community and local outreach events. being one of the youngest students in my she has expanded it to numerous local Paying it forward is something she classes, but after a while, it was great,” districts and homeschool affiliates. lives by. Whether it’s giving back to her she said. “I had a lot of role models to Connecting with people is what Garza community or helping fellow students look up to, and they were always willing enjoys most as the reigning Miss Kemah. figure out where their talents can be put to help me.” Community service encompasses a large to use, Garza is ready and willing to offer This struck a chord with her ever since, part of the title holder’s duties, which and now, being back at San Jac in the real she has never shied away from. Several estate program, she is always ready to of her upcoming service projects include help her classmates. collecting items for Hurricane Laura “I know what it’s like coming into a victims, cleaning up a beach, and visiting Photo by Derrick LeBlanc new space, not knowing anyone or who to patients at a local children’s hospital. talk to if you have questions, so I try to be Before the Miss Kemah Pageant, she in love with it. It’s given me a lot more that bridge,” said Garza. “The community also participated in the Miss Texas and confidence, and I’ve learned how to push aspect of San Jac is the best part. Seeing Miss Houston pageants and cheered for past my comfort zone. There’s so much familiar faces, getting to know people— the Shooting Stars. While I’m looking forward to as Miss Kemah you really get that family vibe. Especially she didn’t grow up competing in pageants, and whatever comes next.” for students coming from homeschool having the courage to finally go for it was Currently, Garza works in the oil or smaller high schools, San Jac makes a decision she hasn’t regretted. and gas industry as an asset integrity you feel right at home. Even though most “I remember watching the Miss USA® associate. In addition to obtaining her classes are online right now, there are still pageants as a little girl with my mom real estate license, she hopes to open and great ways you can connect with your wanting to do that so bad,” she said. run her own restaurant one day. Garza classmates and other students.” “I didn’t enter my first pageant until will compete for the Miss Texas USA® Photo by Faith M. Photo Giving back was something Garza felt 2018, but I’m so glad I did. I just fell title in early 2021.

Blanco from page 2 first time, she asked Daugherty to take a ultimate custom paint and body shop, “I tarped up a makeshift paint booth look at the car but left out the detail that known for bold colors and designs. and started on the custom paint,” she’d finished it alone. "I love when people ask me if I did Blanco said. “I finished with hot pink “I couldn’t believe the work she’d the work myself," Blanco said. "I hope and a custom metallic flake. I love done in our time out,” Daugherty said. my story inspires other people to take the outcome, and I love that I did it “She has always been determined, and on the challenges and opportunities, 100 percent myself.” I’m impressed with her talent.” in what could be a light at the end of When Blanco returned to class for the Blanco hopes to one day to own the a tunnel." Photo courtesy of San Jacinto College

SAN JAC HAPPENINGS

DATE EVENT TIME SITE Oct. 5 Marathon Mondays with San Jac Recruiting 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Online: https://sanjac.zoom.us/j/91636474294 Oct. 6 CPD Learn@Home free virtual workshop: Aging with Dignity 12-1 p.m. RSVP: [email protected] or 281-476-1893 Oct. 14 Fast Track FAFSA Wednesdays 9-11 a.m. and 3-5 p.m. Online: https://sanjac.zoom.us/j/94717825456 Oct. 19 Marathon Mondays with San Jac Recruiting 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Online: https://sanjac.zoom.us/j/91636474294 Oct. 28 Fast Track FAFSA Wednesdays 9-11 a.m. and 3-5 p.m. Online: https://sanjac.zoom.us/j/94717825456 All times and event schedules listed are subject to change. For more information, visit sanjac.edu. 8 <<< Houston Chronicle Custom Advertising Section | Opportunity News | Sunday | October 4, 2020 sanjac.edu YOUR GOALS. YOUR COLLEGE.

VISION & MISSION Vision — San Jacinto College will advance the social and economic mobility of all members of our community. We will be known for our excellence in teaching and learning, our intentional student-centered support, and our commitment to every student. We will be the preferred workforce and economic development partner in the region and a champion for lifelong learning. San Jacinto College will inspire students to explore opportunities, define their educational and career paths, and achieve their goals and dreams.

Mission — San Jacinto College is focused on student success, academic progress, university transfer, and employment. We are committed to opportunities that enrich the quality of life in the communities we serve.

SUPPORT STUDENT A gift to the San Jacinto College Foundation transforms lives, enriches our community, and SUCCESS provides tomorrow’s community leaders. For NORTH CAMPUS more than 20 years, the foundation has helped 5800 Uvalde Rd., Houston, TX 77049 thousands of students reach their goals. Our former students and graduates have filled vital CENTRAL CAMPUS roles in hospitals, classrooms, executive offices, 8060 Spencer Hwy., Pasadena, TX 77505 manufacturing plants, and laboratories across our region and beyond. They have also won the World Series and NBA championships, starred SOUTH CAMPUS in major motion pictures, and created major 13735 Beamer Rd., Houston, TX 77089 theatrical productions. Help our students today with the gift of education. Contact the San MARITIME CAMPUS Jacinto College Foundation at 281-998-6104 or 3700 Old Hwy. 146, La Porte, TX 77571 visit sanjac.edu/foundation.

GENERATION PARK CAMPUS COMMUNITY Surrounded by monuments of history, evolving 13455 Lockwood Rd., Houston, TX 77044 industries, maritime enterprises of today, IMPACT and the space age of tomorrow, San Jacinto College has served the citizens of East Harris ONLINE County, Texas, since 1961. San Jacinto College sanjac.edu is among the top 10 community colleges in the nation as designated by the Aspen Institute JOIN SAN JACINTO COLLEGE for Community College Excellence and was IN ACHIEVING EXCELLENCE IN named an Achieving the Dream Leader College of Distinction in 2020. The College serves HIGHER EDUCATION. approximately 45,000 credit and non-credit FIND YOUR NEXT CAREER AT students annually and offers more than 200 degrees and certificates across eight major WWW.SANJAC.EDU • 281-998-6150 areas of study that put students on a path to transfer to four-year institutions or enter the Connect with us on workforce. San Jacinto College’s impact on the region totals $1.3 billion in added income, which supports 13,044 jobs. The College is fiscally sound, holding bond ratings of AA and An Equal Opportunity Institution Aa2 by Standard & Poor’s and Moody’s.