Miguel Verduzco is a graduate of Nativity’s Class of 2006. After Nativity, Miguel moved over to the Bellarmine campus and graduated in 2010. From BCP, Miguel attended San Jose City College from 2010-2012, and this past May, Miguel graduated from Calilfornia State University at Monterey Bay. Presently, Miguel is a Mental Health Specialist at Gardner Family Care Corporation on Virginia Street.
Miguel’s successful journey is unusual in that it is difficult for junior college students to stay focused on their goal for a college degree because of work, over-crowded classes, and life’s distractions. However, not only did Miguel keep to a plan, he graduated from a public junior college and public university in four years. That is nearly impossible. Below, Miguel shares a little of his story.
What difficulties did you discover in high school that helped drive you toward your goal?
I became aware of ethnic, educational, economic, and social challenges during my high school years. These discoveries drew me to consider sociology as a major field of study. It is a rare junior college student who can keep his “eye on the prize” and move through community college in two years.
How did you do it?
To start, I lived at home. I needed to take 15+ units per semester to keep my summers free to work. My greatest challenge was time management. That takes real discipline. Because I went to Bellarmine, I had the skills and dedication to compete academically, and I kept my dream in sight. I had the ability to get to class faithfully, the hunger to learn, and the organization necessary to keep everything in balance.
Why Cal State Monterey Bay?
My girlfriend (at the time) liked Monterey Bay – and I just figured, why not? Maybe not the best of reasons, but it was the right school for me.
I have to ask, is she still your girlfriend?
No, college life and long range dating got in the way.
What kept you on task at Cal State?
I took 18 units each semester and locked myself into a disciplined schedule. From Monday through Friday I was in a routine, and weekends were often spent catching up. I learned to reach out for help from professors and fellow students, and their support allowed me to navigate through
the CSU system and set goals for post graduate life. Cal State Monterey Bay helped me to be pro-active, and that quality has made a world of difference.
What was your major and are you using your education in your present job?
I graduated in Social Behavior Science with a concentration on Sociology. I work for Gardner Family Care Corporation as a Mental Health Specialist. I assist kids and families that have been through the county health services system with real-life crises. I like my job and I love the families I work with. I am well-trained to do what I am doing.
Would there be a parting hint that you would give future Nativity graduates?
Yes, network, communicate, and ask for help. Don’t go through a tough time without seeking out people to help you, whether they be personal mentors, educational support, or friendly classmates. At Nativity we learned to work hard and serve others, but we were never told to do it in a vacuum – all alone. Ask for help. Give help. Talk to those ahead of you. Alert teachers to issues you find difficult, and offer to support others. Sacred Heart Nativity School and Bellarmine taught me to be a person for others. It was a lesson well learned.