Published in the June 10-23, 2015 issue of Morgan Hill Life
By Emily Roth
My time at Gavilan Community College changed my life. I knew at a young age I did not want to go straight to a university after high school. When I was in elementary school I knew I wanted to go to a community college — and Gavilan was the one I chose. I chose it because it had my major and it just seemed like a really great school to start my college career by getting my associate in arts degree. I knew this would be the school to give me the start I needed to be successful.
Emily Roth with her family at her Gavilan Community College Graduation.
When I started I met with a counselor, and I was set on a track to graduate in two years with my associate in arts for transfer degree in communications, a major I was not even sure was right for me. After my first day in my first communications class I was absolutely sure this was the right major for me. The communications program at Gavilan got me excited about what I am studying and I can’t wait to get a job in public relations.
Gavilan also gave me many opportunities to get involved in my community and my school through service learning classes that have helped me give back through volunteer hours and a canned food drive. I also got a job on campus in Gavilan’s Writing Center as a writing assistant. I had the opportunity to apply for the job toward the end of my first year. I took the chance and got the job and it has been a great experience. It allowed me to stay on campus between classes and work with my peers. I have met so many great people through my job. I have also learned so much from helping others not only by assisting them with their papers but also in presenting workshops. It has given me a deeper understanding of writing and the process that goes into it as well as how to work better with people.
My goal when I went to Gavilan was to finish in two years with my AA-T degree in communications. I completed this goal May 22 when I graduated. I had to work very hard to achieve this goal and all of my teachers and my family were very supportive, which made it that much easier for me. Although I have graduated, I am taking an extra semester at Gavilan and will transfer to a university in the spring of 2016. I am hoping to transfer to either Fresno State or CSU Monterey Bay where I will receive my bachelor’s degree in communications. After that I will get a job in public relations and put my communication skills to good use.
During my time at Gavilan I have made friends, learned so much and gained experiences that are irreplaceable. My experience went beyond any expectations I had when I started Gavilan and saw it just as the school that I would attend before I went off to the university to finish my degree. It has since become a place of education, opportunities, and great people. I have been very fortunate in my experience at Gavilan and would highly recommend the school to anyone who is considering attending a community college.
Emily Roth recently graduated from Gavilan Community College. She wrote this column for Morgan Hill Life.
