Issuu

WINTER/SPRING 2023 • VOLUME 5 • ISSUE 2

HOT JOB MARKET

GIVES DENTAL HYGIENE GRADS SOMETHING TO SMILE ABOUT DVC’S STUDENT VETERANS RESOURCE CENTER:

A PLACE OF BELONGING

MOVE FORWARD FASTER WITH STEMRELATED CAREERS

SPRING CLASSES

Spring Classes Begin January 23, 2023

High-quality instruction. Flexible, convenient and affordable.

Access our spring schedule of classes at www.dvc.edu/schedule

• Degree and certificate programs taught by outstanding instructors • Career education to prepare for immediate employment and advancement • Day, evening, and hybrid classes available in-person and online • Campuses in Pleasant Hill and San Ramon

Pleasant Hill Campus: 321 Golf Club Road Pleasant Hill, CA 94523 925-685-1230

San Ramon Campus: 1690 Watermill Road San Ramon, CA 94582 925-866-1822

In This Issue Questions about the Diablo Valley College programs and services described in this publication can be directed to DVC Workforce Development Office at 925-969-2267. For information about enrolling at DVC call Welcome Services at (925) 969-2106.

Publisher...................................... Diablo Valley College Creative director.................................... Brandy Howard Writer...................................................... Jennifer Finetti Photo editor.................................... Sharrie Bettencourt Photography..........Scott Chernis & Sharrie Bettencourt

Visit us at: www.dvc.edu Contra Costa Community College District Governing Board:

John E. Márquez, Ward I Dr. Judy Walters, Ward II Rebecca Barrett, Ward III Andy Li, Ward IV Fernando Sandoval, Ward V Surpreet Kaur, Student Trustee Interim Chancellor: Mojdeh Mehdizadeh CareerFocus is published periodically by Diablo Valley College, 321 Golf Club Road, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523. All rights reserved. No part of the material printed may be reproduced or used in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or by any information storage retrieval system without the permission of the publisher. This project was funded fully or in part by the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act (Perkins V) and Strong Workforce Program, awarded to Diablo Valley College and administered by the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office. It is the policy of the Contra Costa Community College District and Diablo Valley College to provide an educational and employment environment in which no person shall be unlawfully subject to discrimination on the basis of ethnic group identification, national origin, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, race, color, medical condition, ancestry, marital status or physical or mental disability or based on association with a person or group with one of more of these actual or perceived characteristics. This holds true for all students who are interested in participating in educational programs and/or extracurricular activities. Unlawful harassment, discrimination or denial of access of any employee/student with regard to ethnic group identification, national origin, religion, age, sex, race, color, ancestry, sexual orientation, or physical or mental disability is strictly prohibited. The lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in the College’s education programs. Inquiries regarding compliance and/or grievance procedures and requests for the elevation and addition of sports may be directed to the Diablo Valley College Vice President of Student Services (504, Title IX, Sexual Harassment; Title VI Coordinator and EEOC Officer) at 925-969-2005. © 2023 Diablo Valley College

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Celebrating Title IX - 37 Words that Changed America Celebrate and honor the 50th anniversary of the landmark federal legislation referred to as Title IX.

DVC Early Childhood Education Program Gives Luis Gonzalez Room to Play Early childhood education is a field that historically has attracted more female-identifying students. But as with many other careers, this trend is changing.

Move Forward Faster with STEM-Related Careers The industrial design and automation program at DVC has much to offer for students.

5 6

Which Career Is Right for You? Wondering which career is the best one for you? Take our quick quiz to find out which career paths are the best fit for you.

Hot Job Market Gives Dental Hygiene Grads Something to Smile About Students interested in a health career with both outstanding training and hands-on clinical experience may want to consider DVC’s dental programs.

DVC’s Student Veterans Resource Center: A Place of Belonging The DVC Student Veterans Resource Center (SVRC) offers support and resources to student veterans and their dependents so they can build community as well as access support to ensure their academic success. CAREERFOCUS I WINTER/SPRING 2023 I 1

Celebrating Title IX

n this edition of DVC Magazine, we celebrate and honor the 50th anniversary of the landmark federal legislation referred to as Title IX. According to the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights website, Title IX states, “No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or

activity receiving Federal financial assistance.” Institutions that receive Department of Education funds must operate their educational programs and activities free from discrimination based on sex, including sexual orientation and gender identity. DVC President Susan Lamb understands the significance of this legislation, and how it has affected generations of students. “My generation was one of the first to benefit from it. Title IX meant that I had similar opportunities as my male counterparts in both sports and academics while I was in high school. It also meant that there were scholarships available in disciplines and majors where women were not usually represented,” said Lamb. The impact of Title IX was both immediate and long-lasting. “Many of my friends were socioeconomically disadvantaged and saw that equality in athletics and the available scholarships were an opportunity to access higher education,” said Lamb.

Susan Lamb

2 I WINTER/SPRING 2023 I CAREERFOCUS

Historically, educational institutions were not very supportive of students interested in careers not traditional for their gender. Olivia Herriford, project director for Bay Area Community College Consortium, experienced these challenges first-hand.

37 Words that Changed America

“I grew up in a low-income community, in a single-parent household. As Black female high school students interested in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) still experience, I had a white counselor that tried to discourage me. “Women were seldom encouraged to pursue tech careers. The culture and environment at the small engineering college I attended was hostile, but I give credit to that experience as preparation for the tech work environment,” said Herriford. Herriford earned her computer science degree only a decade after the Black women of the film Hidden Figures made history. After working for many years as a management consultant specializing in technology planning and implementation, Herriford transitioned to working in academia. “I began working in community college career education and workforce development in 2010. Different people need distinct types of support, training, and services to persist toward their education, career, and life goals,” said Herriford. Since Title IX was implemented, generations of students have benefited, but there is much work still to be done.

Olivia Herriford

“Here at DVC, we are recognizing that we need to meet students where they are and provide scaffolding and support services to facilitate greater student success,” said Lamb. Lamb thinks that one of the many successes of Title IX is the doors that have been opened to educational opportunities for students of all backgrounds and genders. “We still have careers that are ‘traditional’ based on gender, race, and other factors. The real hope is to develop inclusive career environments where everyone can feel valued and seen, regardless of their differences. We need this shift to occur because diversity spurs innovation and creativity within our organizations, our country, and our global community,” said Lamb. DIABLO VALLEY COLLEGE I dvc.edu

DVC Early Childhood Education Program

Gives Luis Gonzalez Room to Play

“I

decided to become an early childhood education teacher because of the fond memories of my early schooling. I remember the warm teachers, the smell of the paint materials and the moments of play,” said Luis Gonzalez, a student enrolled in the early childhood education (ECE) program at DVC.

Many students stack credentials. This means they work in the field

while enrolled and pursue multiple certificates or degrees to advance in their career. “I’ve earned two certificates of achievement at DVC. Within the ECE program, I received the associate teacher certificate, and I also earned a certificate in the music industry studies program. I’m pursuing associate in arts degrees in both fields, and plan to transfer to obtain my bachelor’s degree in early childhood education,” said Gonzalez.

Early childhood education at DVC “The ECE program prepares students for careers working with young children and families. Our certificates align with the California Child Development Permit, a requirement for employment in publicly funded early childhood education programs. Our ECE certificates meet the requirements for several permit levels: associate teacher, teacher, master teacher and site supervisor,” said Paul Pitner, the department chair for the early childhood education program at DVC.

Luis Gonzalez

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Students can also pursue an associate degree in early childhood education, and prepare for transfer to obtain a bachelor’s degree.

Early childhood education is a field that historically has attracted more female-identifying students. But as with many other careers, this trend is changing. “There has definitely been an increase in the number of male and non-binary students taking the beginning child development courses. Often the income capacity of a career path impacts the interest of male-identifying students in a field of study, but as wages increase, there is more gender equity in the field. The ECE department has been advocating for universal preschool and the credentialing of existing preschool teachers. These objectives are designed to increase the living wage to the benefit of all working in the preschool arena,” said Pitner.

Job outlook “The outlook for ECE teachers is extremely good - demand for teachers is much higher than availability. Wages have significantly increased in the last few years. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, this industry is expected to grow 25 percent through 2030. In California, the average salary for early childhood education workers is $42,117 (Salary.com). Demand for T-K and K-12 teachers is enormous. Many school districts are in extreme

need for teachers and are offering bonuses for new hires,” said Pitner. Gonzalez has benefited from the high demand for early childhood education professionals. “I work full-time at Kidango. I open the center, so I’m there bright and early setting things up to greet our early risers. Kidango as an organization has been really good to me. I started off as a teacher’s aide and now I’m an associate teacher. I’ve received raises and bonuses almost every year,” said Gonzalez. Gonzalez is grateful for the education he has received at DVC. “DVC prepared me very well to enter the field. I learned how to craft lesson plans tailored to students’ interests. I learned how development can vary greatly between each child. And I also developed a greater understanding of how a child’s success depends on the cooperation between parents, the school, and the child’s environment,” said Gonzalez.

For more information about the early childhood education program, visit www.dvc.edu/ece.

CAREERFOCUS I WINTER/SPRING 2023 I 3

Move Forward Faster

join the Math Engineering Science Achievement (MESA) Program. Through MESA, students build community while accessing connections to research and internship opportunities. Students also enjoy alumni events and professional panels, and can participate in groups that represent DVC in local, state and national competitions,” said Beaulieu. Beaulieu also urges students interested in STEM careers to participate in the PUMA STEM Scholars Project.

With STEM-Related Careers Luz Mendoza

“I

t took me a few years to find out what I’m passionate about. I was a sociology major but it wasn’t what I wanted to do in the long-run. When I learned about the industrial automation and robotics program, I became immediately interested because the program was developed in partnership with Tesla,” said Luz Mendoza.

Mendoza is currently pursuing both a certificate of achievement in industrial automation and robotics and an associate in science in engineering at DVC. She hopes to transfer to San Jose State University to obtain her bachelor’s degree in engineering while continuing her employment with Tesla. “We are super excited to be opening a new robotics training center in our engineering technology building. DVC will be offering a variety of classes to Tesla technicians as well as our own DVC students within this new center,” said Jeffrey Smith, professor for 4 I WINTER/SPRING 2023 I CAREERFOCUS

For more information about the industrial automation and robotics program, visit www.dvc.edu/ industrial-design. industrial design and industrial manufacturing and robotics. Smith notes that the program attracts both male and female students coming from a variety of socio-economic backgrounds. “Though women have historically played a role in manufacturing - think ‘Rosie the Riveter’ - men have more recently occupied these roles. However, much of the manufacturing work increasingly requires advanced technical skills. This dependency on automation is requiring an entirely new highly educated workforce that is accessible to all genders,” said Smith.

Considering a career in STEM? “The Science & Health Student Center and the Math & Engineering Student Center are both great places to go to get information about careers in science, technology, engineering or math (STEM). “These centers offer excellent opportunities for collaboration and community, and enable students to connect with faculty to discuss potential career paths,” said Ellen Beaulieu, chemistry professor and co-principal investigator for the PUMA STEM Scholars Project.

Support and resources for STEM students “We encourage all students involved in a STEM pathway to

“The PUMA STEM Scholars Project is intended for students beginning their STEM transfer pathway. The program offers new learning communities and pairings of classes that students take together to support rich foundational learning in math and science. “Our program is focused on students who come to DVC earlier in the calculus pathway. Most STEM transfer paths involve lots of calculus, so we want students to start in a supportive linked community. Chemistry is also the underpinning of many transfer paths for STEM, health and medicine. This is why our learning communities pair them together,” said Beaulieu. When Alejandra Meza enrolled at DVC, she wasn’t sure what career area to pursue. “I’m a first-generation Latina who wants to make her parents proud. When I started at DVC, I enrolled in general education classes, and then joined the Puente Program through the PUMA Center,” said Meza.

Mendoza really appreciates the hands-on experience she’s getting through the industrial automation and robotics program. “What I’ve learned so far in the courses I’ve taken, I see every day at my job at Tesla and I’m able to apply what I’m learning right away in my role as a production associate,” said Mendoza.

Alejandra Meza

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Did You Know? Did you know that there are many STEM-related jobs that only require a certificate or an associate degree for entry-level positions? Here are just some of the many available options: • Civil engineering technician • Computer support specialist • Dental hygienist • Drone pilot • Electrical technician • Graphic designer • Industrial design technician • Security technician • Web developer

Through the Puente Program, Meza completed a career planning class that helped her decide on her major. “I chose civil engineering because my favorite subjects are math and a bit of science. I also like problem-solving and working in teams,” said Meza. Once she selected her major, Meza also joined the PUMA STEM Scholars Program. “Everyone can strengthen their skills in math and science. It’s all about the willingness to learn, dedication and having a growth mindset,” said Meza. Meza really appreciates the support and resources available to students through the PUMA Center. “Here at DVC, they have very good programs that help students in STEM fields. These programs and resources help you build a community and get the support you need from excellent professors. You are also working with your classmates, and when you work with each other, you are all helping each other succeed,” said Meza.

Which Career Is Right for You?

ondering which career is the best one for you? Take our quick quiz to find out which career paths are the best fit for you, based on skills and passion, not your gender. For each question, choose the response that fits you best: 1. This word inspires me most: Creativity Technology

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On a stage or on a page

Connecting with people / networking

In the kitchen, whipping up a creative meal or dessert

Solving mathematical equations

With a drafting pencil

Researching and investigating scientific challenges

In my yard, planting a garden Using my gift of language to persuade others to care about themselves and society

Educating / mentoring / advocating

10. Something that I enjoy or believe I would enjoy is:

6. I really enjoy: Performing for a crowd

Creating digital music, film, and electronic media

Using computers and digital technologies

Design Discovery

Learning how the world works

Equity

Contributing to my community

2. This word is most relevant to me:

9. My favorite way to express myself is:

Creative expression / communication

Working with my hands / building something

Flying a drone Designing and building my own workshop or studio Focusing on improving my health and wellness, getting physically fit, etc.

7. Others say I’m good at:

Communication

Writing / written communication

Management Construction

Public speaking / oral communication

Healthcare

Discovering how things work

Education

Understanding scientific information

3. When I think of my career interests, I most would like to:

Helping people in need

Create something

8. One career that interests me is:

Own something

Fine arts / digital arts / performing arts

Build something Figure out how something works Help people 4. When I imagine my dream job, I would most like to: Communicate / express myself Sell something Innovate / solve problems Use scientific inquiry to make a difference Advocate for causes I care about

Response Letter a b c

For more information, visit www.dvc.edu/puma.

5. My strongest skill is:

d e

Response Totals

Business / sales / marketing / information technology Computer programming / software and web development / engineering and design Scientific research / drug discovery / health care Counseling / education / psychology / sociology / social justice

Teaching / mentoring

How to calculate your score All questions are worth 1 point each. Review your responses and fill in the columns in the chart below. Add up all of your “a” answers and put the total in the corresponding box, and do the same for each of the other letters. Then review the corresponding career interest areas, and focus on exploring careers in the area(s) where you accumulated the most points.

For more information about DVC career interest areas, visit www.dvc.edu/explore.

Corresponding Career Interest Areas Arts, Communication and Language Careers in communication or creative expression Business, Computer Science and Culinary Arts Careers in business, new technologies or culinary arts Math and Engineering Careers in math, design or building Science and Health Careers focused on understanding the natural world or improving people’s health Social Sciences Careers focused on people and their societies CAREERFOCUS I WINTER/SPRING 2023 I 5

Hot Job Market Gives Dental Hygiene Grads Something to Smile About

“D

uring my first year at DVC, I was at a crossroads. While at a dental cleaning appointment, my hygienist asked me about my goals. She told me how much she enjoyed being a dental hygienist. After that conversation, I looked into dental hygiene, and the rest is history,” said Michael Vu, a 2015 graduate of the DVC dental hygiene program.

weekday for six to eight hours, so many of us became close, formed study groups and became friends outside the program,” said Vu.

During Vu’s time in the program, there were 16 female students and four male students.

“I love working with clients that have an interest in better oral hygiene, being able to offer my knowledge and services to help them achieve that goal. I enjoy working with all types of people and helping different communities,” said Orozco.

“We were strangers at first, a ragtag group that needed to come together to get to the end. We saw each other every 6 I WINTER/SPRING 2023 I CAREERFOCUS

Cesar Orozco began his career as a dental assistant, and is now enrolled in DVC’s dental hygiene program. “I was excited to go to the dentist as a kid. I’m sure it helped that I never had a cavity! The whole dental team seemed to work towards the common goal of making the patient feel comfortable and give quality care. I figured I would fit right into that environment,” said Orozco. Orozco really enjoys working in the dental field.

Michael Vu with a patient

In the past, women have been more interested in becoming a dental hygienist than men. This field is still dominated by women, but that is slowly changing. According to Zippia researchers, in 2010, only 6.63 percent of dental hygienists were men; however, in 2019, the percentage of male hygienists had grown to 9.27%. But the field offers many benefits to people of all genders. “Being a male hygienist, some patients have assumed I am heavy-handed and would give rough cleanings. But then I get patients that say I’m extra gentle and it’s the best cleaning they’ve ever had. Being a male hygienist hasn’t impacted me negatively because any doubt is just an opportunity to prove my abilities,” said Vu. Tonette Steeb, DVC’s director of dental programs, is pleased to report an increase in maleidentified dental students. She feels it is important for students to follow their dreams and passion.

“Any person can do anything they set their mind to. Students can be courageous, break gender stereotypes and be true to themselves,” said Steeb.

Dental hygiene and dental assisting at DVC Students interested in a health career with both outstanding training and hands-on clinical experience may want to consider DVC’s dental programs. Dental assistants provide chairside support to dentists, and also work in the front office updating patient records, scheduling appointments, and more. Students can complete the program in just 10 months and graduate with the knowledge and skills needed to take the California Registered Dental Assisting (RDA) exam. Students who complete an additional 30 units of general education can earn an associate in science in dental assisting.

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A dental hygienist provides education, clinical, and therapeutic services. Students need to complete 40 units of prerequisites prior to enrolling in the dental hygiene program at DVC. Once enrolled, students can complete their associate in science in dental hygiene in two years. Students graduate prepared to sit for the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam (NBDHE) and a regional practice exam to become licensed as a California Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH).

Degrees and certificates • Associate in science in dental hygiene

“I’m currently employed as a Registered Dental Hygienist at Dublin Smiles, but I’m also going to be back at DVC, helping to teach the clinical / hands-on portions of the dental hygiene program. Ever since I graduated, I’ve wanted to return and give back. I’m also interested in exploring becoming a teacher,” said Vu.

to accumulate a lot of debt while pursuing my education. I did some research and found that dental hygiene would be a great career choice,” said Rodriguez.

• Associate in science in dental assisting

Why enroll in a dental program at DVC?

• Certificate of achievement in dental assisting

“Our students form tight bonds that continue throughout their careers. Our senior dental hygiene students are each teamed-up with a junior dental hygiene and dental assisting student to act as a peer mentor and provide support,” said Steeb.

Job Outlook Both dental assistants and dental hygienists are in-demand occupations. The Bay Area job outlook for these careers is outstanding. “Labor market information projects 10.2% growth for dental assistants from 2018-2028, with a median wage of $28.63 per hour. Most dental assisting students are employed prior to graduation. And there is a 9% projected growth for dental hygienists from 2021-2031. The Bay Area trends as one of the highest paying regions with current job postings on Indeed averaging $65.00 per hour,” said Steeb.

Between 2018-2030, labor market projections indicate a 10.2% growth in jobs for dental assistants, and a 9% growth in jobs for dental hygienists.

Cesar Orozco appreciated the level of support provided by the DVC faculty. “The faculty here are very involved in your academic progress and your growth as a future clinician. Their curriculum is well-organized, just how a dental team should be. I’m ecstatic to be learning from such an accomplished team,” said Orozco. Vu found his experience at DVC to be so gratifying that he has returned to the campus, but in a new role.

Salvador Rodriguez strongly recommends DVC to students interested in pursuing a dental career. “DVC dental students sincerely care about achieving goals as a class and not just as individuals. The quality of instruction coupled with the high standards established by the program will prepare you to graduate and be ready to take on your new career,” said Rodriguez.

For more information, visit www.dvc.edu/dental-hygiene www.dvc.edu/dental-assisting.

Cesar Orozco

While some careers have been negatively impacted by the pandemic, Michael Vu said that hasn’t been the case with dentistry. “The market is definitely desirable. Most offices could use another hygienist and/or assistant following the pandemic. Saying that these careers are in-demand is really an understatement,” said Vu. The positive job market was just one of the many reasons that Salvador Rodriguez decided to enroll in DVC’s dental hygiene program. “I chose dental hygiene because I wanted a well-paying career in health care that wouldn’t require me dvc.edu I DIABLO VALLEY COLLEGE

CAREERFOCUS I WINTER/SPRING 2023 I 7

Tristen Tate

DVC’s Student Veterans Resource Center:

A Place of Belonging “I

enrolled at DVC because it was close to home and had great reviews from those who attended there. But as it turned out, the support of the veterans services at DVC have been the backbone of my success,” said Tristen Tate, a veteran majoring in allied health and natural science.

Tate served in the U.S. Army from June 2014 to August 2017 with the 1st Battalion 75th Ranger Regiment in Savannah, Georgia. During his active duty, he was deployed to Afghanistan. “The Student Veterans Resource Center (SVRC) has numerous programs, such as the book lending program as well as 8 I WINTER/SPRING 2023 I CAREERFOCUS

dedicated counselors with specific Veterans Administration experience. “The SVRC is a place where we can feel safe or go when we need encouragement. As a veteran attending DVC, you can be sure you have someone watching your six and making sure you have the best possible experience,” said Tate. After graduating from DVC, Tate plans to transfer to obtain his bachelor of science in nursing. “After nursing school, I want to get experience in either the emergency room or critical care. One of my major goals is to work in third-world countries. The academic programs I’ll have completed here at DVC will set a great foundation that will enable me to build a successful career that allows me to give back, both with time and money, to those in need,” said Tate.

Continuing to serve Giving back seems to be a theme among DVC student veterans, even though they have already

given so much of themselves with their service.

field equipment assigned to my unit,” said Edgecombe.

“My original goal was to earn a degree and then get a great job at a big company. But now my ultimate goal is to become a teacher because the professors here at DVC have been thoroughly inspirational. I hope to return to DVC in the future as a professor,” said Katie Edgecombe, a veteran who graduated in December 2021 with four associate degrees. Her focus areas were business, business administration, accounting, and economics.

Since receiving an honorable discharge, Edgecombe continued to work with the veteran community, volunteering with the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Katie Edgecombe

Edgecombe joined the U.S. Army in 2001 and completed military police training in 2002. She served for two years, stationed at Schofield Barracks in Hawaii. “I typically worked 12- or 24-hour shifts, and when not training for deployment (which was rare), I performed patrols and searches. My unit did extensive field and range training, so I mostly trained new soldiers how to use and take care of their weapons. I was also in charge of keeping inventories of all weapons, ammunitions, and

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“ The veterans services and support programs at DVC have been a huge part of how I have been excelling during my second chance at school. Without them, I feel would definitely be struggling,” said Rein Pulido, a student veteran majoring in civil engineering.

American Legion, Blue Star Moms, Sentinels of Freedom, and Wreaths Across America. “I also volunteered at DVC, helping to put on many events honoring veterans. I was the president of the DVC Student Veterans Alliance Club for three years. During that time, we planned DVC’s Veterans Week that began with the DVC Small Business Bootcamp and included a football game honoring veterans. “I was also honored to be selected as one of a small handful of students selected to represent DVC at the Student Veterans of America National Conference in both 2019 and 2020,” said Edgecombe. Like Tate, Edgecombe found the SVRC to be the refuge and support system needed to succeed. “The SVRC helped me immensely. It’s a one-stop shop, having all veteran services together under one roof. They have veteran education counselors, and there is a quiet place to study and do homework. There is always someone there to help you achieve success. In addition, DVC also has Disability Support Services (DSS) that have helped so many of my fellow student veterans,” said Edgecombe.

Rein Pulido

Veterans services at DVC

• One on one assistance for new student enrollment

The DVC Student Veterans Resource Center (SVRC) offers support and resources to student veterans and their dependents so they can build community as well as access support to ensure their academic success. Resources include:

• Tutoring services

• Veteran academic counseling • Dedicated financial aid and admissions liaison

• Lounge and study area • Access to computers with accessibility programs • Laptop loan program • Book loan program • Scantron and bluebook supplies • School supplies closet • Free printing • Coffee and snacks “The veterans services and support programs at DVC have been a huge part of how I have been excelling during my second chance at school. Without them, I feel would definitely be struggling,” said Rein Pulido, a student veteran majoring in civil engineering. Pulido first attended DVC in 2011, focusing on business and computer science. After leaving DVC, he joined the United States Marine Corps, serving for five years with the Combat Assault Battalion and the Assault Amphibian School. He was in charge of maintaining and repairing optics and sights on small arms weapons and vehicles. After completing his service, Pulido returned to DVC and is now pursuing an associate in science in civil engineering.

dvc.edu I DIABLO VALLEY COLLEGE

“I have been getting free tutoring from a veteran at DVC and that has been essential in helping me learn the difficult concepts for the classes I’ve been taking. I hope to transfer to get a bachelor’s degree, and possibly even go further. But my real end goal is to find work that will allow me to give back to the community, like the community has given back to me during my times of struggle and hardship, “ said Rein Pulido. Pulido feels that DVC is an ideal choice for veterans interested in continuing their education. “If it weren’t for the support and help provided by my professors and the SVRC staff, I would not be aiming for the goals that I have set for myself and working so hard to achieve them. Because veterans can be a bit older than some of the other students, sometimes veterans can feel different from their peers due to age or ideology. “But at DVC, I haven’t felt out of place since there are so many people learning at this college that are similar to my situation. I have been able to fit in no matter where I am on campus. I have felt at home with the students, professors, and staff,” said Pulido.

For more information, about veterans services at DVC, visit www.dvc.edu/svrc.

CAREERFOCUS I WINTER/SPRING 2023 I 9

321 Golf Club Road Pleasant Hill, CA 94523 321 Golf Club Road 321 Golf Hill, ClubCA Road Pleasant 94523 321 Golf Hill, ClubCA Road Pleasant 94523 321 Golf Club Road Pleasant Hill, CA 94523 321 Golf Club Road Pleasant 321 Golf Hill, 94523 ClubCA Road Pleasant Hill, CA 94523 Pleasant Hill, CA 94523

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www.dvc.edu/apply www.dvc.edu/apply www.dvc.edu/apply www.dvc.edu/apply Pleasant Hill Campus

San Ramon Campus

Ramon Campus Pleasant Hill Campus Watermill Road 321 Golf Club Road San1690 1690 Watermill Road 321 Golf Club Road San Ramon Ramon,Campus CA 94582 Pleasant Hill, CA 94523 San Pleasant Hill Campus San Ramon Campus Pleasant Hill Campus 925-866-1822 Ramon, CA 94582 925-685-1230 Pleasant Hill, 94523 321 GolfCA Club Road San1690 Watermill Road San Ramon Campus Pleasant Hill Campus 1690 Watermill Road 321 Golf Club Road San Ramon Campus Pleasant Hill Campus San CA Road 94582 925-685-1230 Pleasant CA 94523925-866-1822 San Ramon Campus 1690Ramon, Watermill Pleasant Hill Campus 321 Golf Hill, Club Road

Pleasant CA 94523 Hill Campus 321 Golf Hill, Club Road 925-685-1230 321 Golf Hill, ClubCA Road Pleasant 94523 925-685-1230 321 Golf Hill, ClubCA Road Pleasant 94523 Pleasant Hill, CA 94523 925-685-1230 Pleasant Hill, CA 925-685-1230 94523 career-focus-spring-2023-back-cover.indd 1 925-685-1230 925-685-1230

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San Ramon, CA Road 94582 Ramon Campus 1690 Watermill 925-866-1822 1690 Watermill Road San Ramon, CA 94582 925-866-1822 1690 Watermill San Ramon, CA Road 94582 San Ramon, CA 94582 925-866-1822 San Ramon, CA 94582 925-866-1822 925-866-1822 925-866-1822

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