This is my 4th time around attending a Community College. My first time was after high school, Long Ago and Far Away to quote a song title by Ira Gershwin and Jerome Kern:

Long ago and far away, I dreamed a dream one day
 and now, that dream is here beside me.
 Long, the skies were overcast, but now the clouds have passed
 you’re here at last.
 Chills run up and down my spine, Aladdin's lamp is mine
 the dream I dreamed was not denied me.
 Just one look and then I knew
 that all I longed for long ago was you

I fancied myself as an actor and attended L.A. City College and their Theatre Arts Program, but since I didn’t want to start at the bottom, I switched to Broadcasting until I learned the highest-paid disc-jockey was Dr. Demento who was only making $6 per hour at KLOS and even had a syndicated show playing across the country. So, I realized that was not going to pay off.

My second go was at L.A. Valley College where I became a psychology major attaining my Associate in Arts degree, and transferring to UCSC as a junior in 1976. The biggest difference I found was that even though the student population was only 5,000 at UCSC compared to 25,000 at L.A.V.C., the instructors and professors were way more accessible than at the university and I could actually form a relationship with some on an adult level, whereas at UC the professors were not so to the same extent, and many of the instructors were TA’s—‘teaching assistants.’

The other major difference was the diversity in the student population and particularly the age range of the student body at Community College with a more democratic sensibility. With people of all colors and stripes. We were all there pursuing our own interests with many as returning students. Although there was some diversity at UCSC in terms of the countries students came from, there was a certain homogeneity among the student population.

After graduating in 1979, I decided not to attend graduate school for another 5 years and (at that time) spend $20,000 more in tuition.

Eventually, and it did take a while, I found a career allowing me to make a living, raise a family, and buy a home. I was able to navigate through the ups and downs of that, and eventually retire to pursue my own passions.

Well, after a while I came back home, so to speak, and attended Cabrillo in the Fall of 2015 and Spring of 2016, earning a degree in Human Services. Once again I was immediately struck with the age range especially in this course of study, and once again in the accessibility of the Instructors of which I was now a peer, due to my age.

I found I was stimulated by the readings, discussions, and subject matter, as well as learning about the lives of the other students. It was exhilarating frankly.

It reminded me of the value to be found at Community College. It was both engaging and enlightening. And, one of the things that both surprised and delighted me was when I walked for my Associate in Science degree with my large graduating class, the Instructors were congratulating the students in lines on either side of us as we walked back after receiving our diplomas. I was genuinely moved, as I am in recalling that experience even now.

Now, this is my fourth time around the block, this time in the Journalism Department. I am once again stuck with the students ‘my peers’ and the accessibility of my instructors, also my peers by age and stage of their own careers. And this time based on my prior studies, I will be able to graduate with an Associate in Arts in one semester.

Timing plays a role that can shape our destiny, whether it is the people we meet, the subjects or information we come in contact with, or the opportunities that present themselves by simply showing up.

Although my intention was solely to utilize an educational voucher before it expired, one of my instructors told me about an opportunity with an opening I could apply for. Through the invitation of another instructor, I discovered an internship that could support me in the position I just interviewed for, leading to a new income stream and the opportunity to once again come out of my seclusion and participate in our community that is Santa Cruz.

Best of all, I’ve made some new friends. So, thank you Cabrillo College, new-found friends, and instructors.