Students gathered inside the Student Union Conference Center to visit tables representing over 20 colleges, universities, and employers at Los Medanos College’s annual Transfer and Opportunity fair Tuesday, Oct. 22.
Student Guadalupe Gama mentioned the significance of the event as it can be a resource for students of color.
“I think this event is important for students because they learn more about colleges that are out of state and local,” Gama said. “The opportunities that they have especially for us as POC. These people come here to help and support you and help you become who you want to be.”
Student Heidriani Nanon shared how after visiting both the Chico State University and Sutter Health table, he felt more inspired and fulfilled on his journey as a nursing major.
“It’s certainly a cultural thing, a lot of Filipinos are doctors and nurses, I want to take care of people,” Nanon said. “The work that I find most fulfilling is nursing and I want to be able to do that for my career.”
The fair helped students make connections with representatives of the colleges they are interested in to get a feel of which school may be best for them.
“I’ve been to this year’s fair and last year, both times, just making that connection with the representatives can sell you on the school, you get a sense of what campus life is like based on how the representative talks to you,” said student Briana Rose.
San Jose State University representative Tj Kaur advised any students who are interested in attending college to venture out.
“It’s important to start becoming comfortable with being outside of your comfort zone, and to make the most of it,” Kaur said.
Transfer Academy Counselor David Reyes said that students should attend the fair as it can be very beneficial to them.
“It’s a great way for students to explore their options, such as transfer schools, employers, and internships, and see what’s out there if they have certain schools in mind,” Reyes said. “It allows them to learn more about the school, their major, cost, life on campus, and what classes are available to them.”
He added that LMC offers a variety of resources for students looking to transfer, saying “We offer appointments with university representatives and free university tours.”
Reyes emphasized how important it is for students to start thinking about what schools they are interested in, make those appointments, and gain more knowledge through counseling workshops.
If you want to learn more about these resources, you can visit the Transfer and Career office which is located on the upper level of the Pittsburg Campus Student Services building. You can also visit the LMC website under “Transfer Services” at losmedanos.edu/transfer/.
