Hundreds of new students arrived on campus Thursday evening for the official New Student Welcome where they were introduced to majors, professors, and the campus itself as well as steered toward success through preparation and encouragement.
Kicking off the fast-paced event was Outreach Specialist Jesus Vega who, on top of being one of the lead coordinators of the event, wanted to imbue the beginning collegiate crowd with what he believes are the unique values of Moorpark College.
“This is where you start and you get that speech if you were to go to a university that says, ‘Look to your left, look to your right, in about a year that person next to you is not going to be here,'” Vega began. “That doesn’t happen here at Moorpark College. What we love to do is to bring everybody along …You help them, they help you.”
Vega then handed the microphone off to Moorpark College President Luis Sanchez who showed his charisma and optimism to the assembled students and parents.
“We don’t believe in leaving any of our students behind,” Sanchez declared. “Sometimes life gets in the way, but we want each and every one of you to succeed and our job is to give you all the tools we can to help you succeed.”
Sanchez then transitioned to Executive Vice President Julius Sokenu who stood up to speak about some of the key ways students can succeed in college. Asserting that students in college should set goals for each semester, Sokenu included that Moorpark College has a number of academic supports to help students along the way.
“Show up!” Sokenu shouted out as the first step to success in college before listing professors, advisors, and services on campus as other ways students can excel. “Moorpark College is here for you. Make use of those resources.”
After the speakers each had their turn to impress upon the new higher learning academics, the new students were broken into groups to hear presentations regarding their chosen majors.
One of these fresh faces was Erik Jensen, aspiring engineering major, who was excited to get out of high school and into the college environment to pursue a career in astronomy. Jensen hopes to end up somewhere where he can put his degree to use such as NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory or SpaceX.
“It’s the beginning of a new stage in my life,” Jensen said.
One of the parents in attendance was Gina Young, mother of two Moorpark College students Austin and Gabrielle Young. Gabrielle, who graduated Moorpark College in 2011 with a degree in foreign studies, transferred to and graduated from University of California Los Angeles and has since acquired a fellowship with the California State Department. While Austin is an undeclared major, Gina, who has a master’s degree of her own, is excited for her son’s future at Moorpark College.
“It’s a great stepping stone,” Gina said. “I’m very optimistic.”
With over 500 people in attendance, the Student Outreach Program’s faculty and student workers were keeping busy doing everything from setting up tables, directing, and helping to register new students.
Kayla Colon, Student Outreach Ambassador and former Student Life editor on the Student Voice, was happy to make it a fun process for students coming onto campus for the first time.
“I was dancing around,” Colon remarked. “I want to make this event fun for people. I don’t want them to come here and feel like ‘Oh my gosh, I have to be here.’ I want them to actually be excited.”
Perhaps best characterizing the welcoming event was again Jesus Vega who, after asking the new students to wear the colored brackets reflecting their chosen majors and raise their arms to show them, had kind words to say to those gathered.
“Don’t be shy,” Vega said. “You’re part of a family now.”
