College president reminds students that college is just one
milestone in their education
Gilroy – When Juana Magallon immigrated here 16 years ago, she didn’t speak a word of English. But instead of relying on others to translate, the mother of two enrolled in an English as a Second Language class at Gavilan College.
And eight years, after stepping onto the college campus, not only has she nailed the king’s language, she also walked away with an associate’s degree in vocational nursing. Married with a 12-year-old son and 15-year-old daughter, finding the time to study, get to class, take care of the kids and put food on the table didn’t come easy. But with the help of her husband, Magallon, 34, managed to finish the two-year nursing program.
“It was really hard,” she said.
When she was too busy studying, her husband understood.
“Even if I don’t cook, he says ‘OK,'” and takes the kids out to dinner, she said.
She’s planing to begin applying for nursing positions locally and next year apply to Gavilan’s Registered Nurse program and wants to become a pediatric nurse.
David Walters will head California State University, Long Beach, in the fall. During Friday’s graduation Gavilan President Steve Kinsella described the 24-year-old as being “well-known on the campus for his bright personality and friendly demeanor and for never letting obstacles stand in the way.”
He graduated with an associate’s in video/television production and plans to go into film production for the movie industry. Walters produced shows for GavTV and was on the Associated Student Body and Campus committees.
The Hollister resident became interested in video production after his instructor threw their book on the floor the first day of class.
“He said, ‘You know video isn’t the kind of thing you can just sit around and read about,'” Walters said. “You can learn so much more hands-on. The book is just a reference.”
His friend and fellow graduate Kimberly Adams, who pushed Walters in his wheelchair down the ramp to the group of cap and gown-garbed students, plans to attend the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
The three students have diverse post-graduation plans but on Friday evening, they all sat in the Gavilan College gym for the same reason: to pick up a diploma symbolizing their hard work and dedication.
The room was packed with family members waiting to hear their loved ones’ name called and watch as the graduates moved their tassels from the left to the right side of the cap. Kinsella made the opening remarks, sprinkling a little bit of financial humor into his speech, after reminding the graduates to thank their families.
“Speaking from experience, I’m sure they are quite pleased that at least part of your education is done,” he said.
He told the students that graduation night is a good time to hit up family members for cash. Kinsella also asked the men and women to not accept their Gavilan College degree as the end, but as one milestone in their educational journey.
State Sen. Elaine Alquist D-Santa Clara, the keynote speaker at the event, touched on a variety of topics from her Greek roots and her struggles earning a college education to her husband’s recent death. During college, she said she scraped by on a tiny amount of cash and looked forward to her monthly splurge: an egg salad sandwich at the school cafeteria.
Alquist also reminded the students to take some time on graduation night to thank loved ones who helped along the way.
“Because if I’ve learned anything, it’s that we don’t do it alone,” she said.
