EOPS and the Guardian Scholars Program gathered in community to share some holiday cheer during this final week of instruction. Families and friends gathered to celebrate the hard work, achievements of their loved ones and to kick off the holiday season by breaking bread with one another. The celebration included holiday music, games, dinner served by EOPS staff and faculty and an abundance of love and laughter.
A few highlights include a welcome address by Lasana Hotep, Dean of Student Equity and Support Programs, the honoring of current EOPS student certificate, degree and transfer completions and a moving performance by one of our current students.
Student, Jennifer Martinez, shared a few words about her journey through Skyline College noting her transformation over the past two and a half years as a student who engaged with programs such as the Summer Scholars Institute, Puente Learning Community, TRiO and EOPS. She shared the message of how important she feels it is to engage with student services and resources on campus and to know one’s own limits when it comes to semester course load. Jennifer is completing her Associates for Transfer Degree in Business Administration this semester and will be transferring in Spring 2019 to San Francisco State University (SFSU) to continue her academic journey as a Business Marketing Major. She plans on returning to Skyline College in the capacity of mentorship.
Angelina Alvarez, current EOPS student and Phi Theta Kappa member, shared her breathtaking talent of vocal performance by singing “So Big, So Small” from the Tony Award winning Musical Dear Evan Hansen, leaving the audience in awe. Angelina is a Music major who recently completed her UC transfer applications. She will be graduating from Skyline College next semester and transferring in Fall 2019.
Much appreciation to all Skyline College staff and faculty who contributed to the EOPS and Guardian Scholars Holiday Gift Giving efforts to provide gifts for our students’ children. A special thanks to Skyline College staff and faculty who helped prepare this celebration, especially the EOPS staff, faculty, and student ambassadors: Linda Allen, Guillermo Alonzo, Veljanae Bradford, Cassandra Gutierrez, Cynthia Haro, Imelda Hermosillo, Tia Holiday, Amante Jones, Suzanne Poma and Martha Santos.
For further information about EOPS or the Guardian Scholars Program, please contact the EOPS Office at (650) 738-4139 or email skyeops@smccd.edu.
We wish you and yours a happy holiday season. – The EOPS Family
Article and Photo by Melanie Espinueva+Aure
