Future Students

For our April Student Spotlight, we are showcasing Gabriela!

Gabriela is graduating from Tehachapi High School this year not only with her high school diploma, but also with two Associate degrees: an AS-T in Administration of Justice and an AA in Liberal Arts: Social & Behavioral Sciences. While attending high school and Cerro Coso College, she was in Phi Theta Kappa and was accepted into the Honors Program. She will be transferring to California State University Fullerton in the fall and will major in Criminal Justice/Criminology. Afterwards, she plans to complete a Master’s in Criminal Psychology.

What inspired you to start at CC while in high school?

“During my freshman year of high school, 2019-2020, I took two dual-enrolled classes at Tehachapi High School. I thought that having a few credits for college would be great. When school shut down for Covid, I had nothing to do. My mom suggested that I should try concurrent college classes. I emailed some of my teachers at the high school asking for suggestions for classes to take. I ended up settling on taking Introduction to Paralegal Studies. I took about five Paralegal classes before I decided to move into my General Education courses. I thought it would be so cool to graduate high school with my Associates done! In May of 2021, I had a meeting with a Cerro Coso counselor about my education path and I learned that I could make my ‘cool thought’ a reality.”

How did CC influence your life?

“I’ve been so grateful to be able to complete so much college work tuition free. I wish everyone in high school would take advantage of an opportunity like this. There’s no better time than the present and why not take extra time out of your day to get some college credit? Since being with CC, I feel more mature than I would have been. I’ve had to up my mindset to turn in college worthy assignments. School is a lot of work and I’ve had to prioritize this over putting in extra time at my high school extracurriculars. Having such an impactful goal has helped me push through hard times. I’ve been tested and pushed by peers and adults who I thought would understand my goal. It’s sad to say the least, but I’m stronger for it and I wouldn’t have ever unveiled that piece of myself if it wasn’t for being with CC.”

How did CC help you get to where you want to be?

“I’ve been given so much help from counselors and professors. The counselors have been nothing but extremely helpful through all aspects of my Cerro Coso experience.”

Would you like to give a shoutout to anyone? Maybe someone who helped you during your CC journey:

“I’d like to give a big shout out to my parents who are my biggest supporters. There have been countless times when I’ve sat with my mom going over materials that I don’t understand or proofreading my essays before I submit them. I’ve reviewed my study guides for math with my dad at the kitchen table and even woke him up at 5:30 AM, the day of my test, panicked about the material. He went over the problems I didn’t understand before I had to leave for high school. They’ve pushed me when I’ve lost motivation and have always been in my corner. They’ve gone out of their way to make sure I have all the opportunities in the world. I’m so grateful that God blessed me with such amazing parents. If it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t be where I am today, so I owe it all to them.”

Do you have any words of wisdom for current or future CC students?

“My biggest piece of advice is to not give up on your goal! There are lots of hard days and days with zero motivation, but you can do it! Not giving up makes you strong and the ending is so rewarding. It’s also really important to ask for help when you need it, whether that’s from your professor or another person. It’s better to ask a question than to be left confused.”

Thank you for sharing your story with us Gabriela! We’re so proud of you. Good luck with everything!

View on the Cerro Coso College website.

Pictured: Lacy Roberts, Fatima Anwar, and Jessica Cliff.

For the first time since the pandemic, the 23^rd Annual UCI-Community College Honors Research Conference is now back in-person, and Cerro Coso Community College is represented this year by three students. This multidisciplinary conference sponsored by University of California, Irvine and the Honors Transfer Council of California (HTCC), showcases outstanding faculty-mentored research by students from California community colleges, with a focus on honors students.

Jessica Cliff’s presentation entitled "Mind Games – Cognitive Benefits of Video Gaming on Older Adults” reviewed studies which showed that playing video games can prevent cognitive decline in older adults. The beneficial cognitive effects of regular daily gaming were not only demonstrated by subjective observational assessments such as cognitive and memory tests, but also were followed by structural changes in the gray matter volume in the hippocampus and cerebellum. Interestingly, unlike younger adults, the beneficial effects in older adults were longer lasting and persisted up to at least four weeks after training. Jessica was mentored by Profs. Guck Ooi and Claudia Sellers.

Fatima Anwar researched the use of melatonin to treat schizophrenia. Her presentation, “Benefits of Melatonin in Treating Schizophrenia” discussed a study in which a rat model of schizophrenia was used to test melatonin efficacy compared to the standard drug olanzapine, either by itself or in combination. Although the study showed that melatonin by itself was not effective, it has strong effects in mitigating against the inflammatory side effects of olanzapine indicating that melatonin may be useful when used in combination with olanzapine. Fatima was mentored by Profs. Claudia Sellers and Guck Ooi.

Lacy Roberts participated in the conference by acting as a moderator in a session that discussed health-related issues among women and under-represented groups. Each presentation in the session focuses on a different aspect of health, including neglect in women's healthcare, obesity and psychological well-being, and the susceptibility of certain ethnicities to specific diseases.

Presenting their work at the HTCC Student Research Conference makes these Cerro Coso students eligible not only for monetary awards but also to submit their work for publication in the HTCC anthology Building Bridges, published through the University of California, Irvine.

Cerro Coso Community College is a member of the Honors Transfer Council of California, and send honors students to participate in the Building Bridges Honors Conference every year. To learn more about the Honors Program at Cerro Coso visit the website at www.cerrocoso.edu/academics/honors-program.

View on the Cerro Coso College website.

We had the opportunity to catch up with Cerro Coso student, Julianna Gorduyn! Julianna is currently a dual major in IT and Cybersecurity and part of Student Government.

What inspired you to choose this major?

“I've always been interested in technology and computer systems, and as I started learning more about cybersecurity, I realized how important it is to have a strong background in both IT and cybersecurity. So, I decided to pursue a dual major to gain a comprehensive understanding of both fields.”

What are your career goals and plans after graduating from Cerro Coso?

“My goal is to finish my degree one day at a time, but I definitely have a lot of upcoming plans. I'm glad that Cerro Coso is now offering a BA in Cybersecurity because I would love to continue my studies here. After graduating, I want to work for the Department of Defense (DoD) in UAS defense. I also plan to start my own cybersecurity company and contract it out to the DoD so I can move around and travel with my best friend. Cerro Coso and Jesus have opened a lot of doors for me to be able to do this and I am so thankful and blessed to be here.”

Can you give a shoutout to someone who has made an impact on your time here at Cerro Coso?

“I became a temporary staff here recently, and it really changed my perspective on how I see the staff. The staff here at Cerro Coso put their heart and soul into the work that they do for the students, without skipping a beat. The entire staff here are nothing short of selfless, kind, and generous people.”

Have you found any resources here at Cerro Coso that have been particularly helpful for you?

“The resource that has helped me the most is the Marketplace. As a full-time student and almost full-time staff, there have been days where I don't have time to go home and eat, so I pop down to the Marketplace and they help with food so I can finish my day strong.”

Lastly, do you have any words of wisdom for your fellow students?

“It's okay to fail because that's how you learn, but it's not okay to give up. Here at Cerro Coso, you can fail, but everyone here will pick you back up. Remember that you are the author of your future, so when you sit down to write, make sure that you write your chapters well.”

View on the Cerro Coso College website.

Pictured: Jessica Cliff is 7th, and Lacy Roberts is 10th from the left.

Two Cerro Coso students, Jessica Cliff and Lacy Roberts, participated in the 2^nd Native Bee Workshop at the College of the Canyons (CoC) on March 11-12, 2023. This workshop is part of the Campus as a Living Lab (CALL) initiative organized by CoC whose aim is to use college campuses as a living laboratory, where students can research native bee biodiversity. The objective was to teach students about native bees, their identification, collection and pinning practices, documentation, and data input, as well as their role in the ecosystem, and contributions to the pollination economy.

The two-day workshop covered various activities, including lectures, demonstrations, laboratory work, and a presentation by Krystle Hickman, a TEDx speaker, artist, and photographer motivated by her passion and curiosity of native bees. The first day of the workshop focused on lectures, where students were introduced to the concepts of native bee biology, the bee genera found in California, their characteristic morphology, and classification. On the second day, students participated in hands-on practice of bee identification using published keys and were also taught various methods of photographing bees for identification and archival purposes including the uploading of data to iNaturalist to be shared publicly.

This is the second year that Cerro Coso students have participated in the Native Bee Workshop. In the coming Spring, Jessica and Lacy will join three other students (Fatima Anwar, Elajae Lee and Aria Ayres) to survey native bee species around campus locations and nearby undeveloped areas. They will identify floral hosts that best support our local native bee population and create habitats for them. Given the spate of rainfalls recently and the possibility of super blooms, we are excited that we may be humming with bees. Students will present their findings at the Native Bee Conference in August. These students are mentored by Professors Claudia Sellers and Guck Ooi. Student travel was supported by the college student development funds (Katie Bachman, Director of Outreach Services).

View on the Cerro Coso College website.

We are excited to announce the restoration of Cerro Coso’s Art Gallery. Please join us on April 7, 2023, at 6 PM for the opening reception of “Corrugated Space” by artist, Steve King.

Location
The Art Gallery located in the Library/LRC building
3000 College Heights Blvd
Ridgecrest, CA 93555

Time: 6:00 PM opening reception, 6:30 PM Artist Talk

The Art Gallery is open to the public and would love to see the community enjoy this cultural hub.

Refreshments and appetizers will be provided.

View more of the artist's projects »

View on the Cerro Coso College website.

For our March Student Spotlight, we are showcasing Karina!

Originally from Mojave, Karina is graduating from Tehachapi High School ‘23 not only with her high school diploma, but also with three Associate Degrees: AS-T in Business Administration, AA in Liberal Arts: Arts & Humanities, and AA in Liberal Arts: Social & Behavioral Science!

While attending high school and Cerro Coso College, she was in Phi Theta Kappa, worked part-time, and she is very engaged in her family life. She plans on transferring to California State University of Bakersfield and will major in Business Administration with a minor in Accounting. After graduating, she plans on pursuing a business law degree.;

On top of her achievements, Karina is a proud first-generation college student and first-generation Mexican American. She is fluent in English and Spanish. Let’s get to know Karina’s story.

“I grew up in Mojave and moved to Tehachapi about two years ago. The transition was hard. When I moved, I had to start from scratch. To make it worse, my freshman year was when COVID started, and I did the first two years of high school online. In-person school started my junior year. It was like being a real freshman this time. I had to get used to a new town and new high school. It was a lot. The school was significantly bigger. It was a big change in environment, students, teachers, overall so much change and adjustment. It wasn’t necessarily bad, it was just a lot of change at once.”

What helped you get through that?

“College was my constant. Change is a challenge, especially for a young person. Dealing with the emotions and all the adjustments, college helped so much with that. School helped me calm down, and not freak out. It really helped me deal with the change.”

What inspired you to start Cerro Coso classes while in high school?

“I was inspired to start in high school because I heard of all the benefits. In Mojave, a counselor told me about doing college classes and that it would take two years off at any university. This means I could finish my bachelor’s and master’s faster, and be younger when I start working. And also take some of the financial pressure off my parents. I hadn’t heard of anyone finishing their AA in high school before, but the counselor told me I could do it, so I signed up!

“CC influenced my life in many ways, one of them by demonstrating to me that this can be done and supporting me in this journey. CC has an environment that is open to creativity, new experiences, and helping students like me to further their education.”

What do you plan to do after finishing your law degree?

"I want to own businesses, like restaurants and coffee shops, and also work in corporate law."

Would you like to give a shoutout to anyone? Maybe someone who helped you during your CC journey?

“I would like to give a thank you to my parents for everything they have done for me, and a shout-out to all the CC staff, especially their counselors. If it wasn't for them, I wouldn't have come this far in my education journey. They have helped me in every step, whether it was which classes to choose from or if I needed any help in those classes, they always provided me with the necessities to pass.”

Do you have any words of wisdom for current or future CC students?

“Some advice I wish I heard earlier on my education journey at CC is: Life, in general, is hard. We all have our own problems, but furthering your education in any way is something incredible, and don't be afraid to keep going, even when it is hard.”

And last question, what is your passion in life?

I really want to do what makes me happy. And I want to make my parents proud.

Thank you for sharing your story with us Karina. Good luck in all your endeavors!

 

View on the Cerro Coso College website.

Caption: Cerro Coso Peace Officer Academy Graduates.

Cerro Coso Community College is offering a Peace Officer Standards and Training Program (POST) –certified Module Level-3 Basic Peace Officer Academy course in Ridgecrest this spring. The 8-week course (ADMJ C142) begins March 1 and is held at Cerro Coso’s main campus on Wednesday and Thursday evenings from 6:00-10:30 pm, and Saturdays from 8:00 am-5:30 pm for specific training activities. Cerro Coso’s part-time modular format police academy is state certified by POST and meets the requirements for hire at agencies statewide.

If you are interested in joining the law enforcement profession, but unable to commit to a full-time academy schedule, the POST Modular Academy at Cerro Coso Community College is the perfect solution. A career in law enforcement can be pursued while maintaining a full-time job through this part-time program. Throughout Kern County, the demand for police officers has increased significantly in recent years. Most Kern County law enforcement agencies are actively recruiting new candidates to join the force, making now the perfect time to consider a career in law enforcement. As a member of the POST Modular Academy, individuals have the opportunity to contribute to their community and work as a law enforcement professional while continuing to hold their current employment.

The POST Modular Academy curriculum is designed to provide all the necessary training to become a police officer, including use of force, defensive tactics, firearms, and patrol procedures. The program is also POST-approved, which means that upon completion, students will be eligible for peace officer certification in California. Classes are held in the evenings and weekends, providing a flexible schedule that allows students to balance their work and family commitments.

One of the major benefits of the POST Modular Academy is that it allows individuals to maintain their current job while also pursuing a career in law enforcement. As a result, they can maintain a steady income while acquiring the necessary skills and knowledge to become a police officer. A part-time schedule enables participants to balance their work and family commitments, making it a more feasible option for many.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for police officers in the United States is around $62,960 per year. In Kern County, the median salary for a police officer is around $70,000 per year, not including sign-on bonuses, overtime, or educational advancement credits.

If you are interested in joining the law enforcement profession and currently working, the POST Modular Academy at Cerro Coso Community College is an excellent option. The rewards of a career in law enforcement are numerous, including the opportunity to serve the community, make a positive impact, and earn a livable salary. Visit our website at www.cerrocoso.edu/academy or contact Academy Director, Peter Fulks, at peter.fulks@cerrocoso.edu for more information.

View on the Cerro Coso College website.

Annika is currently a Cerro Coso student who is an Art History and Studio Arts major and will graduate with both transfer degrees this May 2023. Annika is part of the Cerro Coso Promise program and is proactive in school activities. Annika is a determined student who always has a smile on her face! We had the opportunity to catch up with Annika to ask her about her time being a college student at Cerro Coso and what her future holds.

What is your major? Why?

“I am an Art History and Studio Arts major; I will graduate with both transfer degrees. I have always loved art, studying it, and producing it. I enjoy most subjects, I’m even tutoring Biology this semester, but art is the subject that I don’t get tired of. I love making art and trying new ways to make art, and art history fascinates me.”

What are your educational plans/goals after Cerro Coso?

“I am planning to transfer in the fall to a four-year university. I’ve applied to several schools in California, and right now I’ve got my eye on UC Berkeley and I’m crossing my fingers. As far as long-term goals go, I can’t say for sure what I’ll get up to. Overall, I’m just excited to see what transferring will look like.”

What are your career goals/plans?

“I don’t have any specific goals, so I’m waiting to see what opportunities arise in the next couple of years and I hope to enjoy figuring out where I fit. I’ve thought about lots of things, and most recently I’ve considered pursuing a career working in an art museum. But again, it’s all up in the air.”

Whom would you like to give a shoutout to at Cerro Coso?

“I’ve been taking classes at Cerro Coso since I was a freshman at Burroughs High School so there are many people whom I cannot thank enough for what they have done and continue to do at the college for me and other students. Tanner McGuire is the instructor for all my other on-campus art classes. Art in the academic environment is tricky without the right instructors. I am lucky to have lots of opportunities for artistic experimentation.

I also have to mention, of course, Chad Houck, the Vice President of Finance and Administrative Services, because without his help I’m not sure I would have fully realized the opportunities Cerro Coso has for all students and gotten the early start in my college career that I did.”

What resource at Cerro Coso was the most helpful/useful to you?

“I don’t think most students realize how many resources the college has. From the library to the counselors to the team in the Outreach office, I’ve never felt abandoned as a student. There’s always someone to reach out to for help.

I think the library and its resources have been a huge help to me as a student. Counseling was a big help in preparing to graduate and getting my classes and plan squared away. The workshops held for transferring were also super helpful for me when I was applying to schools.”

What words of wisdom do you have for future and current Cerro Coso students?

“For future students, get started as soon as you can. Taking classes at Cerro Coso while in high school was so helpful in terms of getting a head start, saving money, and becoming a more confident student. Anyone who knows me knows I am a huge supporter of dual and concurrent enrollment, and I hope more students take advantage of the opportunities they have at their local community college.

In my experience, going the extra mile to take advantage of opportunities and make connections with instructors and faculty always pays off. So many people here are willing to help and drop their own pearls of wisdom. College is always more fun when you can engage in a class or with a professor. At least that’s what I’ve found.”

Thank you for sharing your story, Annika! Good luck with your future endeavors!

View on the Cerro Coso College website.

For the second straight season, Coach Dugan has led the Coyotes to the Men's Basketball Southern California Men's Regional tournament. The top 24 teams in Southern California open postseason play this week, leading to the final 2 top teams from the South facing off with the final 2 top teams from Northern California in the state championship.

Cerro Coso Community College (17-11) will travel to Pasadena College (20-8) on Wednesday, February 22nd for a 7:00 pm tip-off in the opening round of the tournament. The Coyotes have had an impressive run this season and demonstrated consistency on the court with their style of play. Coach Dugan likes how his team matches up against Pasadena, and this group will be leaning on the experience gained from last season's playoff bid in preparation for Wednesday.

Good luck to our Coso Mens Basketball Team!

View on the Cerro Coso College website.

This past week has been a BLAST at the IWV Cerro Coso campus celebrating “I’m Going to College Day” with the local 5th graders. This day provides opportunities for 5th graders to learn about the educational options available to them at Cerro Coso. They experience college in a playful, collaborative, and creative way that inspires them to pursue higher education. Thank you to everyone who helped make this day possible!

Throughout the day 5th graders toured the Ridgecrest campus, interacted with college students, took interesting and fun classes taught by college professors, did a Q&A with Cerro Coso student ambassadors, and participated in the game “Are You Smarter Than A 5^th Grader?” Many of these 5th graders had never been to a college campus before.

The experience is one they will never forget and stresses the importance of going to college long before they are ready to go. "You have BRAINS in your HEAD. You have FEET in your SHOES. You can STEER yourself any DIRECTION you CHOOSE." – Dr. Seuss

View on the Cerro Coso College website.