Category: Student Life at VC

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Coachella 2026

My top 3 that made it unforgettable & my Top 3 I wish never happened

The group minus two

Top 3 that made it unforgettable

1. Friends

This was my first Coachella, and I couldn’t have spent it with better people. Being able to experience the festival with close friends was truly an unforgettable experience, as some of them were also experiencing it for the first time.

2. El Moro Churros
  • Coachella Announcement by El Morro
  • IG post by el Morro
  • personal picture

I was obsessed with these churros, and obsessed is an understatement. There are a couple of people selling churros and other snacks at the festival, but what attracted me the most about this one was their setup, which seemed like a little store. The churros were 4 for $20 or 2 for $12. The first day, I got the four pieces of churros twice because the way they are freshly made, soft yet crunchy, and had a dipping sauce, just made me hungry. On the other two days, I only got the four pieces of churros once, but got my friends to get them too. They are a churro company based in Mexico City, which was amazing to learn, as well as their opening a shop in LA.

3. First Latina Female Headliner
  • Karol G
  • All female mariachi
  • J Balvin
  • Becky G

Karol G is the first Latina female headliner at Coachella, and although this may not be big for some people, it is for my Latin community. I think she definitely delivered a great performance, bringing out some of my favorite Latin artists like Peso Pluma, Becky G, and J Balvin. She also brought out an all-female mariachi group, which was such a cool twist to her performance. I really do wish everyone I knew could experience this one night as everyone around us singing and dancing and just having the time of our lives.

Top 3 that I wish never happened

1. Waiting 3 hours to get a shuttle back home

It’s the night of Justin Bieber’s performance, and as we imagined, it was really full. I think it was the fullest set out of three headliners, and going back home at the same time as everyone was no joke. We had been at the festival for 8+ hours at this point, and I was excited to go home as I was tired from all the walking and my back had been hurting. When we got to the shuttle line, we realized we were towards the end, but didn’t think much about it until time started passing by. An hour went by, then another, and during the last hour, I checked the time, and it was 4:15 in the morning when Justin had ended his performance at 1 a.m. Thankfully, the shuttle came shortly after that, and I slept on the way home but didn’t get home until 5 a.m. I was in disbelief and told my group I hated Coachella and would not go on the last day.

2. Caring about the outfit

I took black boots the first day of the festival and instantly regretted it. I checked my Oura ring during the last set, and I had already gotten over 18k steps. I obviously didn’t learn my lesson because I wore boots for the last day as well, knowing my feet were super tired and I was probably going to get blisters. Why did I do it? I did it for the sole reason that it made the outfit put together. I was so worried about my outfits being cute that I forgot to pack comfy shoes. I also didn’t take into consideration that from all that walking and heat, my feet were going to swell up a bit. Are the pictures cute? I like to think so, but definitely not worth it, so the next time I go back I’m definitely dressing comfy.

3. Leaving my homework until the due day

This one is a no-brainer. The night before, I had gotten home at 5 a.m., and I knew my assignment was due that day at 10p.m. I had to make sure I woke up early to get it done, as I wasn’t sure how long it would take me to do. Thankfully, one of my friends helped me by making my breakfast as I worked on it, so I didn’t lose time. I have a recording section on the assignment, which always takes me a million times to keep it within the time frame, plus our other friends were starting to play loud music, and that’s when I hated myself for waiting. I got it done with only 1 hour left to shower, find the right outfit, do my makeup, and hair. I think this stress could’ve definitely been avoided, but at the end I’m glad I got it done just in time to enjoy our last day at Coachella.

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Advice Food & Beverage Food & Dining Student Life at VC

Ultimate California Getaway Weekend!

What screams California more than Disneyland and live concerts? The answer is… absolutely nothing. Join Devin and I on our ultimate California getaway weekend where we will take on two days at Disneyland and a Lauren Spencer Smith concert! This trip is especially exciting because we are going during the Food and Wine Festival.

Disneyland Castle

You can find everything from food reviews to rides to two friends being silly and carefree in a place that brings them so much joy. See how many pop culture references you can catch between the two of us. The video includes our favorite rides and our honest opinions about everything we ate.

We try a variety of drinks from the Food and Wine Festival. Including drinks like a strawberry rum mimosa, blood orange beer and a pink guava mango seltzer. Make sure to watch to see our ranking.

We also went to a Lauren Spencer Smith concert, which was amazing. There are some of my favorite moments from the concert, including a surprise song, crowd chanting, spilling secrets and much more. My favorite part of the show, hands down, was being surprised that her band had cardboard cutouts of One Direction. She is an insanely talented vocalist and I included clips of her singing live so everyone can fall in love with her voice just like I did.

Make sure to watch the video below for the full run down of our weekend. This includes our ranking of food and drinks, rides, story times, messing around, singing, tips, and more!

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Business Food & Beverage Food & Dining Social Media Student Life at VC

Oxnard New Restaurant Review

Los Guerreros Restaurant/Cafe

​I recently reviewed a new restaurant in Oxnard called Los Guerreros Restaurant and Cafe, located at 111 S. Rose Ave. They’ve been open since January 2026, and the second I walked in, I got a real “at-home” feeling. It’s a quiet, relaxing spot that reminds me of a classic mom-and-pop shop the kind of place where you can actually eat in peace.

​The first thing that stood out to me was the value. In today’s world, finding a street hot dog for $5 is wild! We ordered the Inka Burger, Birria Tacos, and Mayan Fries, along with a Horchata and Agua de Fresa. My best advice? Go in with a huge appetite. The portions are massive and will definitely fill you up. Everything from the food to the drinks was delicious, and you really can’t beat those prices.

​Owner Q&A: Alvaro Ortiz

​I had the chance to sit down with the owner, Alvaro Ortiz, to talk about his vision for the restaurant/cafe.

​What inspired you to open a Mexican restaurant?

“The knowledge I have of Mexican food. I know I can make the best food to serve my customers.”

​Which of your salsas is the best?

“They are all great tasting!”

​Do you want to expand your business one day?

“Yes, I’d love to move into a bigger restaurant.”

​What is the biggest hardship you’ve faced since opening?

“Bringing in new customers and handling the marketing side of the business.”

Overall this restaurant was delicious and you must try it at least once.

https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTk9bgsXo/

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Business community Food & Dining Student Life at VC

Ojai’s Hidden Gem Celebrates 25 Years

Who doesn’t love authentic Mexican cuisine? At La Flor de Michoacán in Ojai, authenticity is what has enabled their longevity and loyal customers for 25 years strong.

Upon arrival, you are greeted by the embrace of an inviting and powerful representation of culture. The artwork, the menu, even the advertisements – they stay true to the essence of Michoacán where much of the inspiration of the store is drawn from.

The store is proudly owned by the Local Lopez family, at the head of which are Martín and Ernestina Lopez. It is a one stop shop – a combination of both a restaurant and corner store. I had a great opportunity to interview Oscar and Ulises Lopez to discuss how La Flor’s journey has unraveled during its 25 year run.

“I think it all started with my dad’s first experience working at a similar store in Carpinteria” said Oscar Lopez, the son and long time employee of La Flor. “He learned from that experience and was able to translate what he learned to his own restaurant.”

Martín has collaborated with his elder son Ulises Lopez to create a menu that keeps customers happy day in and day out. Everything is made in house, including the fan favorite habanero salsa.

In a town where there seems to be an everlasting revolving door of restaurants and shops, staying relevant is a challenge, but not one they haven’t been ready to take on. “One of the biggest things is adapting to what people want so we can provide something for everybody… That’s one thing my dad has taught me…”

When asked about what it means to one day carry the legacy of the family store Oscar said: “To me, it’s like a golden goose being handed down, it means a lot. It means freedom. And I want to build upon it and maintain it… It’s a blessing.”

The passion held for the store and the family values they upkeep are unmatched and undoubtedly felt through the delicious, authentic cuisine made in their kitchen. The genuine want to connect with customers is seen through the many community events such as fundraisers for those in need, the raffle like the one held during this celebration of 25 years, and the constant updates to store inventory.

La Flor has been my favorite Mexican restaurant in the entirety of Ventura County, and it was a blessing to be able to celebrate the longevity they have created, and the history made. I’m looking forward to seeing what the next 25 years brings!

The celebration and raffle will be going on until the end of April. You can locate La Flor De Michoacán at 702 W El Roblar Drive in Ojai California –
Open Every day of the week. Follow them on Instagram!

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Advice community Student Life at VC Study Spots

How Ventura College Students Actually Deal With Stress

If you’re a Ventura College student, or know a college student you may already know how stressful things can really get with classes, assignments, work, and trying to have some kind of life outside of school. Especially around midterms and finals, it can feel like everything just hits at once. Because of that a lot of students have their own ways to deal with stress such as these in this article.

Finding places to slow down?

One thing that came up a lot when it came to my survey on how my peers deal with stress is just getting out of the house and going anywhere outside. A lot of people mentioned going to the Ventura Beach when they need some time to theirselves. They mentioned just walking, sitting, or listening to music but being by the water seems to help a lot of people clear their head and slow things down.

Location:The Ventura Pier Beach

Changing study spots

Another thing students said they do to relieve stress and boost their workflow is changing where they study. Staying in the same place all the time can make you feel stuck and sometimes unmotivated, so going somewhere like Starbucks down the street from school, Honey Cup Coffee House & Creamery, or Heritage Coffee can actually help a lot. A different environment plus a little bit of coffee can just make it easier to lock in and get things done according to students.

Exercise and Staying Active

My personal favorite way to relieve stress and keep me going is exercise and working out. When I get overwhelmed and am feeling stuck I tend to just get a quick work out in or get my body moving then I come back to doing my assignments with a refreshed mind. Places and things to do could be things such as students going to the Ventura College Gym, going on a run around campus, or even just something simpler like walking around campus. It’s less about working out seriously and more about getting out of your head for a little while and coming back to things with a clearer mind.

Spending Time with Friends & Family

Last but definitely not least hanging out with friends is a great way to relieve some stress. Out of all the things students said they did to relieve stress, almost all students said that hanging out with friends helps more than anything. Even if it’s just a quick break, talking and laughing with people can take your mind off everything.

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Advice Business Food & Beverage Local Business Spotlight Student Life at VC Study Spots

Top Five Study Spots in Ventura

Screenshot

For most college students right now, the end of the semester is right around the corner, which means we’re all cramming in the last few assignments before finals. When it comes to getting work done, a lot of us focus better with a cozy table, a warm drink nearby, and an aesthetically pleasing atmosphere. But in my experience, and from talking to many of my peers, finding the perfect study spot can be a challenge. Every place has its pros and cons.

So where do you even start?

Today I’m sharing a top five list that I compiled from personal experience and a little bit of survey research. I talked to 20 students at Ventura College and asked them one question: What is your favorite spot to study at, and why?

For the “why,” I expanded and asked them to consider factors like price and availability, along with anything else they value in a study spot. Here’s what they said:

Kaapicat Cafe
  1. Kaapicat Cafe 377 E Main St, Ventura, CA 93001
    If you haven’t heard of Kaapicat yet, you just might discover your new favorite study destination. They are a family-owned café in the heart of downtown Ventura, with delicious breakfast food that mixes Indian flavors with American brunch items. Personally, I love their tea menu. Multiple students chose this place as their favorite, with the main reason being the spacious seating area, multiple outlets, and a staff that’s warm and welcoming. The café describes itself as a place for “remote workers, solitary readers, and writers” which welcomes students looking for a coffee shop to be at for hours on end.
  2. Cajé Coffee Roasters 71 N Palm St, Ventura, CA 93001
    Cajé is a newly trending spot for aesthetically pleasing food and drinks, with a beautiful atmosphere both inside and out on the huge patio. Students that suggested Cajé to me highlighted the insane amount of seating, reliable WiFi, and available outlets inside. And of course, the main reason it seems to be a crowd favorite is because it’s a very pleasing atmosphere to be in. It’s a solid pick whether you’re there for a couple hours to study or a common group study meetup spot. Some things to consider: Weekends get very busy and wait times can be longer, so weekday mornings or early afternoons are your best bet. The parking situation is also less than ideal— the back lot fills up fast and the only other  free public lot is a short walk away.
  3. Simones Coffee & Tea Two locations: 7818 Telegraph Rd & 2848 Cabrillo Dr, Ventura
    Simones has been a Ventura staple since 1996, and  it’s been voted “Favorite Coffeehouse” in the county year after year, and for good reason. Many students chose Simones at their go to spot, mentioning that they have good WiFi, plenty of outlets, and a comfortable atmosphere that doesn’t make you feel like you need to buy something every 20 minutes. The Telegraph Road location is open seven days a week, and seemed to be the preferred location. The Cabrillo location is closed on weekends and the general consensus is that it’s more specifically for the workers at the hospital across the street (although some people reported it being pretty empty inside because of that reason). Some things to consider: There isn’t a huge amount of seating, especially when it’s busier or if you’re looking for an outlet since they are along the wall.
  4. Barnes & Noble Booksellers 4820 Telephone Rd, Ventura, CA 93003
    Stepping away from the coffee shops, Barnes & Noble is  on this list for a very obvious reason: you don’t have to buy anything to sit and study. That’s a big deal when you’re already stretched thin (as most college students might be). Besides the financial factor, the students who suggested Barnes & Noble pointed out good WiFi, a noticeably quieter crowd compared to most coffee shops, and a low-pressure atmosphere. I will admit that there’s something about being surrounded by books that gives you more motivation to focus. There is an  in-store Starbucks, so you can grab a drink if you want one but not making it a requirement is a huge bonus for this spot.
  5. E.P. Foster Library 651 E Main St, Ventura, CA 93001
    A classic choice that is often overlooked. E.P. Foster Library is a free, public resource with free WiFi, public computers, so much seating, and absolutely no purchase required. In the same respect to Barnes & Noble, there tends to be less of a crowd than a coffee shop. Honestly the services they offer are great for students who need those resources or a space that is quiet. The main reason this choice is favorable is overall convenience.  Important note: E.P. Foster is currently undergoing a renovation, so hours and access may be limited.

So, what makes the perfect study spot?

After hearing from my peers, I noticed that these factors for the ‘perfect study spot’ were at the top every time:

  • Good WiFi and plenty of outlets. That’s just essential.
  • Enough seating and less of a crowd. Somewhere to be for hours at a time.
  • Low cost or no purchase required— because this is for community college students.

I hope this helps you reflect on your perfect study spot, and maybe even discover new local cafes. Happy finals season everybody.

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Business community Social Media Student Life at VC

How the Ventura College Foundation Changes Lives Through Student Support

As a student at Ventura College, I’ve always known there were resources available to help students succeed, but after speaking with Pete Parker, Director of Development for the Ventura College Foundation, I realized just how much support is actually available behind the scenes.

The Ventura College Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping students overcome barriers that may stand in the way of their education. Whether it’s financial struggles, housing challenges, food insecurity, or even transportation, the foundation works to make sure students have what they need to continue their academic journey.

One of the biggest ways the foundation supports students is through scholarships. This year alone, the foundation is awarding over one million dollars in scholarships, which is an incredible milestone. These scholarships can make a life-changing difference, especially for students who might otherwise have to pause or stop their education due to financial stress.

Pete explained that the foundation’s goal is simple: remove barriers so students can succeed. While financial support is the most common need, the foundation also works closely with programs like the Ventura College Basic Needs Center and the Promise Program to ensure students are supported in every aspect of their lives. These programs provide essential resources like food, school supplies, and additional support systems that help students stay focused on their education.

What many students may not realize is that some of this support is made possible through community involvement, including the Ventura College Marketplace, which helps generate funding that goes back into student programs and scholarships. This connection really shows how the campus and the community work together to support student success.

Something that really stood out to me was learning that the foundation is actually separate from the college itself. It is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that works as an external partner, connecting the community to the college. Through donations and partnerships, they are able to fund scholarships and support programs that directly impact students.

The scholarship process is also much simpler than many students might expect. There is only one application that opens in October and closes in February. From there, students are matched with scholarships based on factors like GPA, major, and personal background. The foundation also provides workshops and support through the Writing Center to help students submit strong applications.

What makes the foundation truly special is the connection between donors and students. At the annual scholarship ceremony, donors get to meet the students they are supporting, creating a meaningful and personal experience. Pete shared that seeing students smile, celebrate, and even cry tears of joy when they receive support is the most rewarding part of his work.

As a recipient of two scholarships myself, this experience is incredibly personal. Being a single mom returning to school, support like this makes it possible for me to continue my education and work toward my goals. Receiving two scholarships through the Ventura College Foundation has been life-changing, and I’m deeply thankful to the donors who made that possible. Their support goes further than they may ever realize.

At the end of the day, the foundation’s mission is clear—they want students to succeed. They want to see students achieve their dreams and continue growing even after they leave Ventura College. It’s not just about the time spent on campus, but about building a lifelong connection and support system.

If you are a student at Ventura College, I highly recommend applying for scholarships and exploring the resources available. You never know how much support is out there until you take that first step.

To learn more, visit the Ventura College Foundation website or explore the Basic Needs Center to see the resources available to students.

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Advice Beauty & Wellness community Local Business Spotlight Social Media Student Life at VC Study Spots

Becoming My Own Girl Boss: A Day in the Life of a Community College Student

Being a community college student is about more than just attending classes. Many students are balancing school, work, and personal responsibilities while also preparing for their future careers. Every day looks different for me, and sometimes unexpected plans can change routines. As a student working toward completing my social media marketing degree, I am constantly learning how to manage my time, stay motivated, and continue building my career at the same time.

This article shares a realistic look at one day in my life as a community college student who is not only completing assignments but also working, creating content, and preparing for life after graduation.

Morning Routine: Resetting After a Busy Weekend

On most Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, my morning starts very early, around 4:30AM, so I can get to the gym before starting the rest of my daily responsibilities. However, this particular Wednesday looked a little different because I had just returned from Coachella Weekend 1, and my body needed a bit more time to recover. So, instead of waking up before sunrise as I usually do, I started my day at around 7:00AM, which gave me a much-needed boost to fulfill the day’s requirements.

My morning routine still focused on getting organized and preparing for the day ahead. I filmed a Get Ready With Me video, which is part of the content I create daily as I continue building my presence in digital media. Creating content has become an important part of my daily routine because it allows me to practice skills related to my future career in social media marketing. In addition, it is just something I enjoy doing on a daily basis.

Even on slower mornings, I remind myself that preparation sets the tone for the rest of the day.

Late Morning: Turning Free Time into Productive Time
@mariahmikaela

spend a realistic day in my life with meeee!🌞🤍 #dayinmylife #Vlog #spendthedaywithme #diml #studentlife @Palm & Boy Coffee and Acai @Nespresso @Califia Farms @Garage Clothing @abercrombie & fitch @Aritzia @Wildflower Cases

♬ Garden party – neo trip

Around 9:00AM, my day officially began moving. I was already dressed and ready, so I filmed the start of my Day in My Life video by showing my outfit for the day. I made coffee at home and ate breakfast, which was leftovers from the night before (a tostada with beans, cheese, ground beef, and salsa). It was a simple meal, but it gave me the energy I needed to keep my focus.

Before heading to study, I made a quick stop at Costco to get gas and a car wash. Small errands like these are part of everyday life, but they still require planning and time management. After finishing my errands, I drove to Palm & Boy Coffee and Acai to study before class. This is one of my favorite cafés (Fun Fact: I used to work here back in 2019!)

I arrived at the café around 10:00AM, ordered an iced dirty chai with almond milk, and settled in to get some work done. This was important because it allowed me to prepare for class while also working on creative projects.

While studying, I filmed and created a short video for TikTok featuring a lip combo using my new Rhode products. Creating content while studying might seem unusual and/or odd, but for me, it is part of building my career. It allows me to practice marketing, filming, editing, and branding skills in real time!

Attending Class: Investing in My Future

After studying at the Palm & Boy, I left to attend my 11:30AM Digital Content Marketing class. Attending class is one of the most important parts of my day because it provides the knowledge and skills I need to succeed in my field. I am enjoying this class because it allows me to connect, in person, to peers with similar interests as me! As a community college student, I have learned that my education is an investment in my future.

Balancing school responsibilities requires a ton discipline and focus. Even on days when I feel tired or busy, I remind myself why I started this journey in the first place and what goal I am working towards.


Afternoon: Working and gaining Real-World Experience

After class, I drove to Thousand Oaks, where I work. Before clocking in for my shift, I picked up lunch from Jersey Mike’s and prepared for the rest of the afternoon. I worked from 1:30PM to 6:00PM,  helping customers and managing various other responsibilities at my job.

Working while attending school has taught me valuable skills such as time management, communication, and responsibility. These skills are just as important as the lessons I am learning in the classroom. Having a job also helps me gain real-world experience that will, hopefully, be useful in my future career.

My workday marked the end of my Day In My Life Vlog, but my responsibilities did not stop there.

Evening Reset: Finishing Responsibilities and Preparing for Tomorrow

After finishing work at 6PM, I drove home and continued organizing my space. I had just returned from a busy weekend at Coachella, so cleaning and resetting my environment was necessary to feel prepared for the upcoming week. Resetting the space is always helpful in creating a more productive environment.

Even after a long day of school and work, my responsibilities were nowhere near completed. I am currently taking Excel and we usually have a variety of assignments due on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Since this was a Wednesday, I still had a full list of assignments to complete. This part of the day requires extreme discipline, especially when I feel tired.

Later in the evening, I went to grab dinner at In-N-Out. Taking time to eat and relax is important because it allows me to recharge after a full day of responsibilities.

By the time I finished dinner, it was around 10:00PM, I took a shower, prepared for bed and got ready for my nightly “scroll-time”. Nights are a time for reflection and recovery. Even though the day was super busy, I was proud of everything I accomplished with my time management and organization. Now I am one day closer to building my dream career.

Reflecting: Becoming a Girl Boss One Day at a Time

This day in my life shows that being a community college student involves so much more than just going to class. It requires dedication, organization, and motivation. Everything I do, whether I am studying at the café, working a shift at my 9-5, creating content, or studying and doing homework, plays a role in building my future. 

As the end of the semester approaches, I continue to focus on developing my skills, gaining experience, and preparing myself for my career in digital marketing. And while everyday looks different, one thing remains the same: all of the effort I put into each day helps me shape my opportunities for the next day to come. 

Follow me on TikTok Here!

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Why Community Is So Important: A Mental Health Epidemic

What We Know

Here’s a hard truth; In this day and age, almost everyone- if not struggling themself, knows someone that is struggling. 

10 years ago, mental health was talked about a fraction of the amount it is talked about now. It has become a bigger conversation than ever, especially for students. Between school, work, relationships, the pressure to “have it all figured out”, and just trying to be a decent person, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and even isolated. 

But one thing keeps coming up in these conversations: community matters.

The term “community” can mean a lot of things, so it’s important we define it before we start valuing it. Community is found in the people we spend time with, the spaces we feel comfortable in, and the interactions we have daily. And while many people think of community as a big, obvious display of connection (clubs, organizations, large groups), it can also be a lot simpler. For most students it can look like a friend you can talk to between classes, a local barista that knows your order, a phone call with someone you trust, or a teacher that checks in on you. Living in a small town, and especially one as warm as Ventura, most of these aren’t foreign concepts.

According to conversations with several Ventura College students, one of the hardest parts of struggling mentally isn’t always the stress itself, but it’s feeling like you have to deal with it alone. 

I talked with a senior named Relle; she shared,

“I don’t think I realized how much I needed people until I stopped seeing them regularly.”

It’s a feeling that’s more common than we think. 

While there isn’t a “twice daily pill” or quick fix to struggling with mental health, connection does make it more manageable. It is our human nature to need places where we can let loose, laugh, talk, and not feel like we’ll be voted out like “Survivor” for being ourselves. 

Building real connection can start with small, consistent choices. Here’s some ways students are already doing it: 

  1. Becoming a “regular” somewhere. Coffee shops, a study spot, walking around campus, showing up consistently creates familiarity, and with enough effort, connection.
  2. Invite. Be the first to reach out! If everyone always waited for someone else to include them, no one would be invited anywhere. Take the initiative, even if it’s scary, it’s better than not trying at all. Here are some suggestions from VC students,  

“Do you want to grab coffee? Would you want to study together? Can I give you a ride somewhere?” 

3. Put your phone down! (Sometimes) Most people’s phone is their digital implant- hardly ever leaves their hand. Feeling that someone cares enough about what you’re saying to give you their full attention doesn’t go unnoticed and means so much more than you think. Think back to any time you’ve been talking to someone that’s on their phone. I bet it still conjures up just as much frustration now as it did then. Now think back to a conversation you’ve had with someone that looked you in the eyes. I bet you felt much more listened to, much more cared for, and much closer to that person. Listening is how we build connection, and therefore, community.

4. Low pressure. If you feel that every interaction you have to have with a person has to be meaningful, deep, and groundbreaking, that can be a lot of pressure. And chances are, you don’t always have the energy for those types of conversations. So keep it light, take the pressure off, and meet people where you are. Taking the steps to reach out, even causally, ensures you don’t slip away to an island of isolation, and that you continue to build reliable relationships.

Having “Go-to” spots also helps. Ventura naturally creates opportunities for connection (you just got to take advantage of them).

You can try: Any one of our beautiful beaches or walking paths, coffee shops (Daylight and Moon, Freedom Coffee, and Room Service are some of my favorites), places on the VC campus (the library, student center, outdoor benches/quad), local parks or lookout spots (Cemetary park, Arroyo Verde park, Surfers Point).

Having places you can depend on makes planning so much simpler. One student said,

“Something about being out in nature makes it so much easier to open up.”

I couldn’t agree more, and Ventura makes that extremely accessible.

If there’s one takeaway, let it be this: you’re not supposed to go through everything yourself. When things feel hard, or stressful, or completely overwhelming, it feels easy to push people away and deal with your problems alone. But trust me when I say, that won’t solve anything. Building community, especially in the hard times creates relationships to last. Community won’t solve all your problems, but it will help you remember that you’re seen, supported, and not the only one figuring things out. You don’t have to completely uproot your life and change your schedule, or friendships, or habits. You just have to put in a little effort. Text someone. Sit with someone. Invite someone. It might matter more than you think. 

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community Student Life at VC

Inside the Shelter: The Work Behind Caring for Animals Like Chipotle

Meet Chipotle! She is a 5 year old pitbull currently at the Ventura County Animal shelter. She is a staff favorite there at the shelter, known for loving to cuddle and everyone she meets, even new faces. She even helps welcome new volunteers on their first day. She loves plushies, ear scratches, and is very friendly towards all.

Chipotle’s daily life at the shelter is simple. Living her days in an outdoor kennel, going on walks, and interacting with staff and volunteers when possible. She lives in a busy and loud environment, like many animals in the shelter, which can affect their wellbeing. It can be stressful, yet still, when given those moments of attention from people, it can make a big difference in her day.

We treat people and animals with dignity, empathy, and kindness.

VCAS

The Ventura County Animal Services’ mission is to improve the lives and well-being of the animals in their care while they wait for adoption. Staff and Volunteers provide food, medical care, cleaning, and assistance in finding potential homes. They strive to show compassion in the community and educate pet families to support the human-animal bond.

Chipotle has been at the shelter since December 17, 2024, 486 days. Even though she is well-loved at the shelter and very friendly, she has yet to find her forever home due to misconceptions about her breed. The other main reasons for this are that she struggles with other dogs and can pull on the leash during walks. Despite these challenges that can be worked with, Chipotle has shown how she would love to be a part of a family (as a couch potato).

Volunteers play a big role in supporting the shelter’s daily work. Nicole, a VC student, explained why she decided to volunteer.

“I had some downtime, and having visited the shelter a couple times, I was really interested in volunteering.”

“For my English class, we had this assignment where we’d write an essay about something we’ve never done before…so for that assignment I volunteered!”

She described how volunteer work depends on what the shelter needs each day. “You refer to what’s on the schedule or whiteboard and allocate yourself to where you’re needed,” she explained. Tasks can include laundry, donations, dish washing, kennel washing, and refilling treats. This depends on what needs help with at the moment. As Nicole told me, “Everyone’s doing something.”

Volunteer and Mercury!
(fellow dog in shelter)
Sabrina Carpenter, the Bearded Dragon
Volunteer Tasks

Some volunteers also work directly with animals through walking and enrichment activities. Nicole explained that the enrichment helps keep the dogs engaged while they wait to be adopted. This includes playtime and training-based activities like “click for quiet,” which rewards calm behavior.

Balancing school, volunteering, work, and personal life can be difficult. For example, even with the little time Nicole has had since picking up more hours at her job while being in school at the same time, she still dedicates her downtime to doing 2-3 hours a week. This shows just how much effort a volunteer has to make to help out. Everyone has different circumstances, yet they still do their utmost to contribute in any way they can to help these animals in need.

Overall, the Ventura County Animal Shelter relies on both staff and volunteers to care for animals like Chipotle. While she waits to find a home she’s supported by people who help out in many different ways.

The community can help to make a difference, like volunteering, adopting instead of shopping, or just helping spread awareness. Even a small amount of help can have a positive impact, especially with issues like overcrowding in shelters.

Links to their website and Socials!