Citrus College's Veterans Success Center facilitates success

By Dr. Anthony Contreras, Citrus College Governing Board Member

When Missael Cuevas Chavez returned from his deployment to the Middle East and was honorably discharged from the U.S. Marine Corps, he immediately enrolled in classes at Citrus College. Although he was nervous about transitioning to an academic setting, the Azusa High School graduate knew he wanted to "switch gears" and hoped Citrus College could help him reach his goals.

Fortunately, Missael had come to the right place. Recognized as a Military Friendly School for more than a decade, Citrus College has a reputation for meeting the unique needs of students who have served in the armed forces. The wide array of available services are managed through the Citrus College Veterans Success Center (VSC), a physical resource on campus where members of the military can receive information, seek assistance and interact with peers.

"The time I spent at the Veterans Success Center was beneficial, especially the alumni meet-and-greet. Student veterans discussed what they studied and what their lives were like after college," Missael said. "That's where I met a fellow veteran who had successfully completed the exact academic path I was planning to pursue. His insights motivated me to continue working toward a mechanical engineering degree."

Missael's experience demonstrates the importance of peer interaction for student veterans. Thanks to a recent anonymous grant of $26,500, the VSC will soon be able to provide more opportunities like this one. These funds will be used, in part, to launch a new peer mentor program that will connect current student veterans with veterans entering college for the first time.

However, networking with peers is just one benefit of the VSC. Additional benefits include academic counseling, tutoring, mental health support and vocational rehabilitation. Student veterans also receive help navigating military and veteran education benefits. Veteran dependents also have access to the VSC and support services.

"The Veterans Success Center staff run the program optimally," Missael explained. "They were extremely helpful, and it felt great not having to deal with any additional stress on top of the classes I took. As a result, I have been able to solve any issues I encountered."

Even in the midst of a pandemic, the VSC has operated efficiently, albeit in a remote environment. Through the extensive use of technology, the center has ensured that all of its services continued. Daily drop-in virtual lounges, virtual orientations, online tours, a weekly mental health virtual lounge and virtual counselor walk-in hours have enabled the VSC to maintain its commitment to veterans despite the campus closure.

Using a holistic approach to help eliminate barriers, the VSC makes it possible for student veterans to succeed academically and graduate from Citrus College in increasing numbers. In fact, I am happy to report that the Citrus College Class of 2021 includes 57 student veterans. Many of these students will continue their education and transfer to four-year colleges and universities in the fall.

This is the path Missael chose. After completing his time at Citrus College, the 25-year-old transferred to California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. He is currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering and hopes to eventually earn a master's degree.

"I wouldn't have been able to accomplish my goals without the support and guidance provided by the faculty and staff at Citrus College," he said.

As the Azusa area's representative on the Citrus Community College District Board of Trustees, I am proud of Citrus College's commitment to helping student veterans like Missael. His journey is a shining example of the great work taking place at the college on a daily basis.