By Oscar O. Garcia Ortiz, contributing writer
Cal State Fullerton’s impact on my college and career development began nearly 10 years before I became a CSUF student and employee.
Throughout my time at Anaheim High School, I participated in CSUF’s Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs. Established to increase high school graduation rates and encourage postsecondary education among middle or high school students in low-income communities, GEAR UP offers a variety of college prep services and support. As a student, the mentorship and skill-building opportunities I was afforded propelled me through high school with a focus on my future.
Proudly, I became a GEAR UP success story, graduating from high school and going on to UC Santa Cruz. Despite my wonderful time as a Banana Slug, my earlier experiences had played a pivotal role in shaping my educational journey and I returned home with a bachelor’s degree and invitation to work for CSUF’s GEAR UP program. As an alumnus and academic coordinator for the program, I recognized the solutions required to advance the local community in an ever-changing work environment. In this role, I coordinated services and activities that engaged students, parents, teachers, faculty and administrators while cultivating a college-going culture and equipping students for success.
While I have painted houses for the elderly, beautified poverty-stricken neighborhoods and served meals to the homeless, I feel the direct service programs offered by CSUF’s GEAR UP are far more effective in creating sustainable change by fostering positive educational experiences for local youth. My understandings of educational activism, civic engagement and ways to bridge the gap between private and public sectors through collaborative relationships stem from CSUF’s commitment to serving the underserved.
Inspiring youth on their academic endeavors only fueled my own motivation for increased public service and I enrolled…
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