Tag: student life

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Student Life at VC

Post College Journey

Graduating is a huge milestone that one will always remember. It’s about celebrating your accomplishments and recognizing the sacrifices you made to reach the finish line. After graduating high school, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do with my life, but I knew I wanted to continue my education. Now that I’m about to graduate from Ventura College, I still don’t have all the answers. There’s no one size fits all answer to what one should do after graduation. Discovering your passion takes time, and only you can determine what feels right for you. Even though I’m still uncertain about my post graduation plans, I know it’s not the end of the world.

Here are some steps to consider after graduation:

Start your own business:

Starting your own business can help you discover your passion for entrepreneurship or pursue something you’re passionate about.

Take a gap year:

Feeling unsure and overwhelmed is the perfect time to focus on yourself. This can help you gain clarity on what you want to do and determine your next steps.

Continue your education:

Furthering your education may be the right choice for your career. Additional education can provide the opportunities necessary for certain jobs.

Find internships:

Internships offer valuable experience in your field you study and can help your career by gaining practice skills and networking.

Turn your passion into a job:

If you’re passionate about something, consider turning it into a career. This is your time to invest on what makes you happy and willing to peruse each day. 

Advice after college:

The best advice after college is to embrace what makes you happy and always continue learning. Be open to new opportunities and experiences, even if it takes you outside your comfort zone. Remember that setbacks are part of growth, so stay calm and maintain a positive attitude. Always trust in your abilities and pursue paths that will align with your values and aspirations. At the end of the day, your journey after college is about your personal interests, strengths, and aspirations.

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Nature & Outdoors Student Life at VC

Finals Are Coming

by Nancy Olascuaga

Finals week is coming, and those sleepless nights are upon us. The next two weeks is a time of studying late at night, eating junk food, and drinking so much coffee! For those who are graduating, and those who will register for classes next semester, this is a stressful time, yes its temporary, but still stressful. With this academic year coming to a close: full of successes and stresses, going to Ventura Beach will help you manage stress and self care.

Here’s a list of why and how walking or sitting on a bench at Ventura beach will help you destress and make your finals week a memorable one:

The Smell: The scent of the sea is refreshing. Take a few deep breaths and take in the fresh and salty aroma. Taking deep breaths improves lung function, lowers stress, and improves concentration.

The Touch: If you walk barefoot or bury your hands in the sand, its’ particles will stimulate your psyche and your skin.

The Sound: The sound of the waves will help you feel optimistic and positive about your upcoming finals. The sound of nature will help soothe your body and relax your mind.

The Sight: You’ll see many people walking/jogging, long palm trees, and very talented surfers. If you catch a sunrise or a luminous sunset your body will relax and reduce stress. Watching the waves will boost your confidence going into finals, you will crush them!

Make sure you add some beach time to your finals study plans, or go afterwards with friends or alone. Surviving these next two weeks will set you up for a successful future in your awesome future academic endeavors, and it doesn’t have to be chaotic or full of stress.

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Student Life at VC

Ready to Graduate? Your Guide to Applying for Graduation at Ventura College

Ventura College Overview

The City of Ventura is currently home to 109,527 people. Astonishingly, it’s estimated that 10.76% of the city’s residents are enrolled at its public community college, Ventura College This institution for higher learning is part of the Ventura County Community College District, including Oxnard College, and Moorpark College. In 2024, the 112-acre campus was home to 11,789 students, with 3,383 full-time and 8,406 part-time students. Recent modernization initiatives have provided funding for much-needed updates to the college’s infrastructure and online student portal, making this college a top choice for those currently in the workforce, and returning to school to advance their careers.

Nestled at the foot of the Topatopa Mountains, and only 5 minutes from the Ventura Beaches. 

For those who wish to transfer to a 4-year institution, academic programs offer plenty of pathways to continue studies in popular majors like Business, Psychology, and Sciences. They also offer trade programs for automotive mechanics, manufacturing & welding, and agriculture or water science. 2-year programs are also available and popular choices include nursing, criminal justice, child development & early education. Smaller class sizes offer students a personal feel to students, and student support programs are available to aid in success.

It’s unique and affordable.

It’s flexible and doable.

Hang that piece of paper that society insists you have on your wall.

Going into this semester I knew I checked all the boxes needed to earn my A.S. in Social Media Marketing. No one tells you that you need to apply for your degree.

I almost missed the deadline. 

You won’t though, because here’s the how-to guide on applying for graduation (associates or certificates) at Ventura College.

Understanding the Process

Meeting with an academic counselor each semester will help you stay on track and reach completion. The admissions office can assist with applying credits taken at another institution. Academic counselors are also available to help you decide on a career path or help with Academic renewal, probation, or other situations that you may encounter.

Eligibility Criteria for Graduation

It’s important to understand the course requirements for completion of your program as defined by the college. I recommend visiting the Program Mapper page located on the Ventura College website. Locate your program, then compare your unofficial transcript with the program map. If you have checked all the boxes by the end of that semester, you’re ready to start the process (If not, then at least you know what courses remain for you to complete).

Key Dates & Deadlines

Although there is no official deadline to submit your application, there is a cutoff date to participate in the Graduation ceremony. I recommend checking the student calendar for any information about deadlines. It is also good to know when the ceremony will take place in case you need to request a date off of work or want to invite people. Holidays or office closures will also be listed to avoid unavailable staff.

Step-by-Step Guide

A staff member of the academic counseling department is the correct person to engage at this point and you can find more information here VC Website Link.

I’ll save you a click.

Call (805) 289-6457 or make an appointment through your MyVCCCD portal by clicking on Starfish

Graduation application deadlines are listed in the Registration Calendar

Starfish is located in your MyVCCCD Portal as shown below:

Schedule an appointment by using the online tool:

Select a reason for the visit: Apply for a degree or certification

Select a Counselor –  I recommend choosing one that specializes in your program of study

Make an appointment – remote meetings are available!

You will review your transcript with the counselor and they will confirm you have met the requirements. Shortly after the meeting, they will submit the application on your behalf,  and ask if you would like to participate in the graduation ceremony. You will then receive a confirmation email with more information about your application. 

The process is quick and as long as you complete your current classes in your field of study with a C or better, you’re qualified. A third party will send you your diploma or certificate about 8 weeks after the end of the semester.

Preparing for the Ceremony

You will receive an automated email from Ventura College that asks if you would like to participate in the ceremony. You can request up to 4 tickets, and children under two do not require one to enter. The email will contain all the information about buying your gown, which is about $50.

Resources and Support

If you have any questions, you can always reach out to the academic counseling office and they can do their best to assist you, or point you in the direction of the correct department on campus.

Conclusion

Congratulations. The most important thing about this accomplishment is you completed something you started. The pathway to completion is available on the user-friendly program mapper and support is available at the academic counseling office. I wish you luck on your continued education and I hope you find this guide helpful when your time to apply for graduation approaches.

Stay current by following the VC Social Instagram page or sharing it with friends. Ventura College is host to one of the only social media marketing programs, we appreciate your support and engagement. 

Cheers to the next class of students in this program and many more in the future.

Written by Nick Lerma

I am a VC student who previously attended several colleges including Ventura/Santa Barbara City Colleges, The Los Angeles Recording School, & The Culinary Institute of America. I am currently working towards a bachelor’s degree in Business. My professional experience consists of digital audio production and on-air broadcasting (Cumulus Media ’07-’10), supporting business information systems (’10-’13, ’17-’20), Hospitality (’14-’17), and Sales/Marketing (’20-’24).

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Food & Beverage

MadeWest: A Brewery With A Mission

This is the story of MadeWest Brewing Company, which was founded in 2013 by Mike Morrison and his good friend Seth Gibson. MadeWest was born in a small garage in San Diego, CA, where the home brew kit was put to work, and their very first IPA was made. Mike and Seth believe that great beer brings people together, and they knew immediately that there was something magical happening. http://www.madewest.com

After winning second place at a brew competition, it was clear that people loved the product. Fast-forward to 2013, MadeWest finally opened its doors in the town of Ventura, CA which finally received its first taproom and brewery. Today, their mission is still the same: Make good beer and get people together. They work hard to stay with the current trends while still being innovative at the same time. They do this all while collaborating with their good friends over at Prospect Coffee Roasters to make award-winning Porters. At either of their locations you can browse and purchase from their wide array of clothing and goods collection. From shirts, hats, mugs, and growlers, there is sure to be something for everyone. They serve as excellent mementos to help remind customers of the great memories they experienced after enjoying a craft beer.

Some of their award-winning beers are part of collaboration with other well-known breweries. These are part of a Short-Lived Series, but you don’t want to miss out when these get released. Follow @madewestbeer on Instagram to get updates on all things beer. You may also visit http://www.prospectcoffee.com to learn more about how Prospect Coffee got into the game with MadeWest Brewing and how their love of coffee parallels their love of beer.

If you have not been to their original location, stop by during the week and say hi to Mike if he is in the taproom or just drop in for a pint of the best beer in town. I am sure you will be greeted with a smile and will want to immerse yourself in the nostalgia of craft brew beginnings. Sample the beers and give some honest reviews. I truly believe that this is a note-worthy experience. I know I have always enjoyed sharing a beer with friends as well as making new ones while surrounded by their fantastic community.

Customer testimonials are a true testament to how well this brewery has been received by locals and travelers alike. See what a few customers had to say.

From MadeWest Customers

“This place is awesome for so many reasons. The most obvious is great beer and variety of it. I have 2 kids and the place is great to grab a drink and hang out on the patio while they play one of their giant Jenga games. Great to have a place like this in Ventura!” -Matt Leonard

“Dog friendly brewery with several great beers on tap, plus food trucks on the outside patio. Fun inside space, great for a large group. They also have four packs, growlers that are available for take away once you’ve sampled their beers in house” – Laura Williams

Commercial Video
Image of tap and award medals
Image of last week’s award for best pale ale
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Student Life at VC

5 Study Tips To Try Out

When going to school, it is likely that you will have to study so you are able to maintain your grades and pass your classes. Retaining knowledge through studying is one of the keys to being successful in college classes. Today, I will like to share you some tips that you should consider trying out in your study routine!

1. Plan Out Your Schedule

In college, some of us may have more obligations besides school, such as work and family. It is important to decide which time of the day and week is the best fit for you. With this, a planned study session chunk will help you be more productive and also play a role in determining your time management. You will also get used to having a routine for what you plan to go over for the study session the more you practice this habit.

2. Consider Studying in a Different Space

Many students may feel comfortable to use a singular space to study, whether its their bedroom, the kitchen table, etc. But sometimes, the too familiar surroundings might make you feel that you are not as productive as before. This can make some of us to feel sidetracked, such as looking at the comfy bed in your bedroom that you want to jump back into, or you see the television that’s sitting with its black mirror right in front of you waiting for you to turn it on. Picking a different spot to choose can be out of the comfort zone for many of us, and its okay to feel that way. You may feel emotions that you are not familiar with, but it can also be a good experience once you begin to adapt to the changes. Perhaps a visit at your local cafe or library can be a good starting place.

3. Have Short but Frequent Study Intervals

We can only absorb and recount so much information for a certain period of time, but sometimes it might be harder to recall if we prolong ourselves to study in a shorter period of time. Shorter intervals (i.e. 40 minutes per subject) but is done more frequently can be beneficial for us. This can be done for a few days per week, and you can still achieve the same amount of study time that a longer study session but what is done in fewer days has. Studying for too long for one session can end up becoming stressful, as you’re not only tiring yourself out but you may start to question what information from your notes or textbook is the most important. It may even feel more stressful if you studied for too long as a last minute option.

4. Pick the Right Study Music

Rather than in silence, some students choose to have some background music play as they study. Background music can be beneficial who may not feel comfortable in studying in silence for so long. This can vary from songs with lyrics or songs that are filled with only instrumentals. Choices can range from some soft piano music to even your favorite pop song. Experimenting with the right sounds will determine which works best to help studying can be beneficial to motivate yourself. 

5. Stretch in Between Your Studying Sessions

Sitting down for a long period of time can make some of us feel immobilized. Some ways to help yourself stretch include stretching your arms out, moving your neck left and right, shoulder stretching across the chest, spinal twist while sitting, or even giving yourself a hug. Our bodies can feel stiff after a while and the more as we study, the more your body may feel tired. When we stretch our bodies in between study sessions, it is a good reminder for us to not neglect our physical health as we need to be physically present in order to complete our tasks. This can also apply to other obligations such as work outside of studying.

I hope today’s study tips will be of good use of you! Happy Studying!

Categories
Food & Beverage Social Media

Quick & Easy Breakfast Morning Routine

Both of these recipes taste so good and are a GO TO breakfast meal in the morning! Not only are they very filling, but you can also add in your protein powder to both the drink and waffles. You can completely customize these recipes to your own liking and preferences. There is nothing better like a refreshing fruit smoothie and oatmeal pancakes to get you energized and off to the beach, truly just a chef’s kiss combo! Make sure you check out the Instagram reel at the end to watch a step-by-step video. Hope you enjoy!

Protein Fruit Smoothie

Smoothie Ingredients

~Splash of milk of choice

~Yogurt of choice

~2 frozen bananas

~4 fresh strawberries

~1 scoop protein powder

~1 cup frozen fruit/berries

~Handful of spinach

*BLEND* and serve

Protein Fruit Smoothie

Protein Oatmeal Waffles

Waffle Ingredients

~1/2 cup oatmeal *blend* (or use oat flour)

~1/2 cup protein pancake mix *optional* (not used in this recipe)

~1 scoop protein powder

~2 eggs

~Splash of vanilla extract & cinnamon

~1 banana

*Now mix all together/ Or use a blender to mix ingredients together if you don’t want the texture of banana chunks in your waffles

Protein Oatmeal Waffle
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Arts & Entertainment Business Local Business Spotlight

The Moon’s Canvas: VC Students Art Business

The art shown above is the work of Sunimari Madrigal, a student at Ventura College. The art was made for her small business called The Moon’s Canvas. The art was made on a canvas about 13×9, made up of different art mediums such as paint, gouache, paint markers, and acrylic paint as well. The inspiration for this piece came from the beauty of the land we are lucky to have on Earth and also the beauty of the stars in the Universe.

Below is a video of her showing us how she created their piece.

Check out more of their work!!!

The moon’S Canvas instagram
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Student Life at VC

Register for the Summer and Fall 2023 Classes

Registrations for the Summer and Fall 2023 school year starts now! You are able to find the registration process in your student portal. Big thanks to Angelica Gonzales for showing us how to see when our registration appointments are. If you need help or have any questions concerning the registration process, please feel free to go to the counseling officer to get help from Angelica or any other counselors.

Student Services #  (805) 289-6420 

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Student Life at VC

Get Ready for Finals with the Tutoring Center

Spring is here and finals week is just around the corner! This week I spoke to Erika Hurtado, the Tutoring Specialist at the Ventura College Tutoring Center, about the free resources that are available to students as they finish the semester off strong and prepare for their final exams.

Erika explained that the Tutoring Center offers tutoring both in-person and online. Students seeking tutoring can book an appointment or get help on a drop-in basis. The tutoring center is even open on Sundays to accommodate students’ busy schedules!

The Tutoring Center supports student success by not only offering tutoring, but also hosting Learning Resource Workshops. These workshops are led by Learning Resource faculty members and cover a range of topics from test-taking to enhancing mental health. Many of this month’s workshops are focused on writing, but topics change often and the monthly schedule can be found on their website.

Erika shared the #1 tip she gives students… come in before you need help! The Tutoring Center is fully staffed and ready to help students in a variety of subjects such as business, writing, math, and so much more. She encourages students to take time to prepare for their exams and reminds them not to be afraid to reach out for help.

The Tutoring Center is located on the first floor of the Library and Learning Resource Center (LRC). Stop by or check out their website for more information on their services!

Phone: (805) 289-6026
Email: VCtutoring@vcccd.edu

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Student Life at VC

How to Navigate Financial Aid

Asking for help can be difficult and overwhelming. At Ventura College, we strive to take some of that weight off your shoulders and the financial aid office offers the resources needed to meet your basic and academic goals. But where and how to start?

We got the inside scoop on the best course of action for incoming freshman to get information on financial aid services from Yesika, who works in the financial aid office. She recommends the Ventura College website to get information on where and how to began the process of applying. She also suggests in-person help via the financial aid service center located next to the bookstore on campus. Financial aid offers many different types of resources for students who are eligible and in need of assistance in order to attend college. This includes grant programs like the CAL Grant, that pay for your cost of enrollment. Sate and federally funded programs like the work study program, where students can work a part-time job on campus to earn money. Financial aid can also get you set up for a school loan, either a private or federally funded loan for extended education for those who qualify.

Yesika shared that coming in prepared when applying for financial aid is an important first step. You will need to make an appointment with a counselor to get set up with an education plan via online or in-person through Academic Counseling. After meeting with a counselor, you can come directly to the financial aid window/office to apply for your FAFSA online in the computer lab. It is important to make sure you have a valid ID, social security number and income information ready for this process. Once you’ve applied, Yesika recommends to continuously check your student email and your financial aid tab on your dashboard to make sure you’ve provided all information needed and no forms are left pending in order to qualify. This also includes checking in to make sure you are meeting the minimum requirements to keep satisfactory progress. You can find those requirements online through the financial aid tab.

We asked about other resources outside of financial aid that could also be of help to students. Yesika told us about the Basic Needs Center that provides students with food, housing opportunities and wellness. There is a food pantry on campus that is available at no cost to students. Open from 8:30am to 6:30 Monday and Tuesday, 8:30am to 5pm Wednesday and Thursday and 8:30am-1pm on Friday. She also mentioned that the VC Foundation is another great resource that offers scholarship programs and is worth checking into.

Lastly, Yesika shared what she likes most about working in the financial aid office. She said she loves being able to help students who are in need and those who are feeling lost. Let the financial aid office at Ventura College help take some weight off and set sail for a bright future.

4667 Telegraph Road BCS Building  
Ventura, CA 93003

(805) 289-6369

vcfinancialaid@vcccd.edu