In this, my first blog post of the new semester, I would like to share the stories of three College of the Redwoods students who have been chosen by the California Community College CalWORKs Association to be included in the California Community College CalWORKs Association Portraits of Students Success 2016 publication.  The CalWORKs Association highlights several successful CalWORKs students chosen by the CalWORKs Association Board from all the California Community Colleges.

The first CR student honored by the association is Rachel Bonfadini.  Rachel has been a stellar student since she enrolled in 2014.  She earned a 3.5 grade point average in Fall 2014 and a 3.7 grade point average in Spring of 2015.  Rachel is also a part of the TRiO program and tutors students who are having challenges in English and Math. We will say farewell to Rachel at the end of the semester when she graduates and moves on to Humboldt State University.

Kayla Sanchez started in the community college system in 2009.  She has remained positive, optimistic and open-minded through the many difficult situations in her life. When asked about how the CalWORKS program has helped her, Kayla stated, “College has been a gem in my life, and the support of the CalWORKs program has helped me reach my goals during this challenging time.  It is allowing me to nurture my passion for learning and is giving my life a whole new meaning. I feel that I am blossoming as a person, a student, and most importantly, a mother”

Rounding out the group of honorees is Samantha Vaughan. Samantha is a devoted single parent, a honors program student and a respected senior tutor at CR’s writing center.  In addition to her very busy school and work schedule, Samantha volunteers additional time “off the clock” as a tutor for her peers.  She does it all while maintaining a 3.65 grade point average!

I am pleased that these three wonderful student role models are being honored by the California Community College CalWORKs Association.  If it was not for the amazing work of our CalWORKS staff—Barry Tucker, Caylor Cuevas, Debbie Romero, and Lisa Barry— and the outstanding leadership of Laurel Watson, this would not have been possible.   

This is just an example of how each of our faculty and staff inspire hope and encourage students to achieve their dreams. Thank you all for your commitment to excellence and to helping our students be successful.