meet our scholars
Spring 2024 Graduation Ceremony
(Daniella Garcia, Marissa Mendoza, Joel Mendoza, Mason Heroux)
Pedro "Pay" Hernandez
Major: Allied Health - Nursing (RN, BSN Track)
I am pursuing nursing as my major because I have always been interested in providing patient care. When I got hired for my position now, I moved away from that. I want to use my knowledge and skills to help patients in direct care in the future.
One of my greatest accomplishments is making it this far. I'm going to complete my pre-reqs for nursing and receive an Associate degree after this semester. I'm surprised at how far I've come. I have kids and I took care of my family while working 40 hours a week on top of school. I'm proud that I was able to balance everything. When there's a will, there's a way.
One advice I would give to other students is to be dedicated and committed. Sometimes it gets tough and some semesters will be tougher than others. If you're committed and dedicated to your goals, you'll accomplish it. Push yourself to go forward even when it gets tough. Success feels uncomfortable. If you feel uncomfortable, you're doing it right.
I believe that integrity is one human trait that all people should strive to obtain. Integrity is one of my greatest values. Sometimes you will be in situations where no one is looking and you have the choice to make the right or wrong decisions. To me, integrity means that you take responsibility and hold yourself accountable to do the right thing even when no one is watching.
Corrina Martinez
Major: Sociology
I am a sociology major at Gavilan and I plan to transfer to CSU, Monterey Bay. I'm a humanitarian at heart. In the future, I would like to work with at-risk youth, specifically foster youth and homeless youth. I enjoy being around younger people and helping them to figure out their lives. I hope that becoming a case manager will give me the chance to show a little love to others in this world.
Being a mother has taught me so many things. My children are my biggest motivator. College may be difficult at times, but they remind me to keep pushing through to achieve my goals. One advice I would give to students is to never give up and work hard. You have to accomplish your daily tasks in order to be successful. All students should use the resources available for them. I am involved in support programs, use the study rooms and library, meet with counselors and staffs, and get help from the writing center.
I love to go to concerts. My favorite genre of music is nu metal and one of my favorite bands is Korn. They have a really great song called Ya'll Want a Single. I like this song because it's about how society tells you to be a certain way and the business industry tells you to do something else, but you can resist.
Marissa Mendoza
Program: Licensed Vocational Nursing
I received my Associate of Science (AS) in Health Science and completed the Certified Nurse Assistant program at Gavilan. I'm currently enrolled in the Licensed Vocational Nursing (LVN) program through Gavilan as well. I plan to transfer to a 4-year college to complete my Bachelor's degree and continue my education to become a Physician Assistant.
I never imagined myself getting this far. I never imagined myself becoming a nurse. One advice I would give to other students is to not give up. Don't let anyone tell you that your dreams are too big. I had people tell me that I couldn't become a nurse because I was on CalWORKS. Don't let your background discourage you from achieving your dreams.
Attending Gavilan has been a big part of my growth. College helped me to improve my self-confidence and helped me to believe in myself. It helped me realize that I am able to achieve my dreams. Besides the education I have gained, I have connected with many staffs and instructors on campus who has been kind enough to be my support system at school. I want to give a shout-out to Ozzy and Olga from CalWORKS and Breanna from EOPS. They really helped me get through hard times.