Busy is a slow day in Terry Redmond’s office at Oxnard College. Students are constantly looking for her guidance move in and out her office, seeking information they need to transfer to a university.
Cesar Flores, supervisor and coordinator of the Transfer Center at OC, considers Redmond’s contribution to be significant to their institution.
“She has been a real asset to the Transfer Center during her time as a transfer counselor,” said Flores. “She has been instrumental in providing services to all students interested in transferring to four -year universities.”
Redmond, with 22 years of professional experience, has been working at OC for five years as an academic advisor and as a transfer counselor since the last year.
She advises students on universities deadlines or courses they may need, as well as information about the transfer agreement guarantee program, applications and workshops.
Dr. Daniel Goicoechea, General counselor at OC, speaks highly of Redmond. Goicoechea considers her bilingual skills and ability to communicate well with students, effective in helping students from different backgrounds.
“She works very well with diverse students,” said Goicoechea. “She is very helpful, cooperative and genuine.”
Redmond, who has strong bonds with OC since she did field work there as a university student as she earned her master’s degree, is remembered by Ralph Smith, Supervisor of the General Counseling Department at OC.
“She is outstanding,” said Smith. “Terry came to me as a student from university, to get practice and to get a Master’s Degree. I trained her.”
After her parents’ divorce, the strength of her maternal family helped her be more self-confident and strong.
“What I remember is the love of my maternal grandparents and how special and significant it was in my life,” said Redmond.
As a student at the University of Arizona, she focused her interest on abused children, juvenile delinquency and the impact on families. Her Master’s Degree in sociology, with a minor in psychology, provided her first opportunity as a Youth Counselor.
One of the biggest challenges she had was taking a position in Protective Services for the state of Arizona, where she dealt with cases of children who were victims of violence, neglect and sexual abuse.
“You see the worst of humanity,” said Redmond. “Having to deal everyday with some of the most violent acts against children by their loved ones.”
As a former coordinator of Volunteer Services for Woman Alliance Battered Woman’s Center in San Jose, Calif., Redmond considers women to have a significant role in society and believes that it should be important for women to seek higher education and chose a career.
“I think it is important to encourage all women to go on not only to the junior college, but go on to the university and obtain their Master’s and also their PhD,” said Redmond.
She also regards education in general, as an essential tool for survival in order to be in charge and be able to compete in society.
“Because life changes very quickly, you need to be prepared for a hurricane sometimes,” said Redmond. “Education is insurance.”
According to her husband, Superior Court Commissioner William Redmond, his wife’s will to show solidarity to people who need her and deal with difficulties are also significant characteristics of her personality.
“She will overcome obstacles to get the right thing done in the right way,” said Redmond. “She will always go out of her way to help a student, friend or me.”
According to several faculty members and student workers, Redmond is a vital asset to the effectiveness of the Counseling Department and an overall great person to know.
