Press-Telegram Features Student Ambassadors

LBCC: Twelve have been chosen this year to help smooth the way for current and future collegians.

By Kevin Butler, Staff Writer

LONG BEACH - When Christina Jeronimo began her education at Long Beach City College, she found the campus daunting.

"Once I was here, I didn't know what to do," the 20-year-old student said. But she persevered through various challenges, including sitting uncomfortably at a desk to take a final exam when she was 8 1/2 months pregnant and had gained 60 pounds.

"I was just so nervous," she said. "What if I go into labor during my final?" Jeronimo hopes her challenging experiences - including coming from a low-income household - will help her inspire new LBCC students in her new role in the LBCC President's Ambassadors program.

The college currently has 12 Ambassador students - selected through an application process - who are responsible for providing information and help to current and potential LBCC students. Students in the 10-year-old Ambassadors program represent the college in the community and for special outreach and college events.

In addition to attending on-campus events and ceremonies, the students also go to educational and community fairs and give campus tours. Ambassadors also receive a scholarship of $650 per semester during their time in the program. Once in the program, their membership is automatically extended until the end of their education at LBCC.

The campus usually receives 50 applications annually for 12 to 15 slots in the program. About 150 students have gone through the program, which accepts students based on grade-point average, good standing with the college, leadership and communication skills, and other factors.

The opportunity to help other struggling students attracted Jeronimo to the program, which the college supports through fundraising.

"It gives you a really, really good feeling ... that you helped a person," said Jeronimo, whose son is now 1 1/2 years old. Minoo Shahbazi, another Ambassador, also has had many challenges in her quest to enter higher education to study pharmacy and public health.

About seven years ago, she left her native Iran to come to the United States. She saw more educational opportunities for her here than in her native country, she said.

Although women in Iran are allowed to attend universities, they are barred from studying certain subjects, she said. In addition, when it comes to university admissions, many spots are reserved for those students who have family connections to the government or other powerful circles, she added.

Shahbazi's family did not have such ties.

"In my country, getting into a school you want is very difficult," said Shahbazi, who recently got a green card, allowing her to work in the United States. Shahbazi, 30, said that as an Ambassador she wants to assist other students in adjusting to LBCC. "You feel good because you are able to give them the information that we have," she said.

Carlos Garcia, a 22-year-old LBCC student, said that as an Ambassador he wants to inspire students to overcome obstacles, just as he did. Garcia said he was a troubled youth who spent three weeks in juvenile hall. "I was always the rebel," he said. "I was always getting into arguments with teachers."

He said his life turned around after he spent a weekend in Los Angeles County jail.

"That was a low point in my life," he said. "I just came out of there and said, `Is this going to get any better?"'

He made up his mind at that point to get an education, he said. Garcia, who works as a security guard to support his education, already has become a certified electrician at LBCC, where he is studying to get an associate's degree. Now he is a very involved student on campus, serving as president of the student government's Senate branch, and joining other clubs.

He learned of the Ambassadors program after helping out some Ambassadors who were giving campus tours to fourth-graders.

"If you can affect someone in fourth grade, that's going to change their life forever," he said. "They are going to want to go to college." The Ambassadors program also teaches valuable leadership skills, he added.

Bradlee Crihfield, a student who works as a personal trainer part time to help fund his education, got involved in the Ambassadors program because of his dedication to community organizing, which he wants to turn into a career.

Crihfield, 22, volunteers his time to teach youth how to play guitar.

He also believes that the Ambassadors program teaches participants leadership skills. "It was perfect," said Crihfield, who plans to transfer to Cal State Long Beach. "It was something that I wanted to do."

In addition to helping others, the Ambassadors program also provides valuable financial support to fund expensive items like books and materials, Crihfield said. But that is not the primary reason for involvement, said Garcia, adding that he was not aware of the financial reward before deciding to apply to become an Ambassador.

"I want (others) to see that I made it," he said.

Other Ambassadors selected this academic year are Julie Bautista, Oscar Campos, Lenny Figueroa, Christina Mandac, Jessica Morgan, Marilu Aguilar, Isabel Ramirez and Alexander Vargas.

kevin.butler@presstelegram.com, 562-499-1308