It’s more than just location, location, location with Gav I am
writing to express my reflections on some of my Gavilan College
students’ attentive reactions following the recent public forum on
the college’s expansion in Hollister. I am a Hollister native, an
alumnus of Gavilan College and I currently work in a full-time
capacity as the director of Gavilan College’s Mathematics
Engineering Science Achievment (MESA) Program.
I also work in a second role as a part-time sociology instructor
in the evening.
Several of my students that attended the forum focusing on
Gavilan College’s expansion in Hollister raised an important
question after the forum had concluded. They asked,
”
Why do so many people seem to be mainly concerned with the
location of the college rather than the quality of our educational
experience as students?
”
Their question made me reflect upon my own personal experience
as an alumnus of Gavilan College and how the quality of the
experience that I received at the college was a foundation to my
educational success.
The college allowed me an opportunity to go down an educational
pathway that I doubted I could achieve as a high school student.
After attending Gavilan and earning an associates degree, I
transferred to U.C.S.C., where I earned a B.A. Next, I went on to
earn a master of arts degree from Stanford University and I
currently have a few semesters remaining before completing an
educational doctorate degree at the University of San
Francisco.
Gavilan College made my educational journey possible. I look
forward to the day whenother students can have a similar
experience. However, it can only be made possible if the same
quality and superb educational environment that I experienced on
the Gilroy campus is offered in Hollister.
The Gilroy campus allowed me to be part of an aesthetically
beautiful site and a full fledged campus community. I had the
support of multiple services, tutoring, counseling, and student
activities. I owe a debt of gratitude to the faculty and staff at
Gavilan College who helped me to develop my academic abilities. I
can attest to the fact that the faculty at Gavilan College are
academically accomplished, innovative and have a genuine passion
for teaching their students that matches that of the highly ranked
four-year institutions of higher education which I have
attended.
It is important that we all reflect upon our students’
experiences and the questions that they raise as we move forward
with the democratic process of developing Gavilan College in
Hollister.
As we expand the campus we must ensure that location alone is
not central to the discussion, but that the location provide a
first rate college experience, excellent college courses, services,
and an aesthetically and a socially nourishing environment.
I encourage my fellow community members to remain focused on our
students, their voice, and ensuring that we offer our community a
superlative institution of higher education, because our community
does not deserve anything less.
Edward Cervantes
Hollister
It’s more than just location, location, location with Gav I am writing to express my reflections on some of my Gavilan College students’ attentive reactions following the recent public forum on the college’s expansion in Hollister. I am a Hollister native, an alumnus of Gavilan College and I currently work in a full-time capacity as the director of Gavilan College’s Mathematics Engineering Science Achievment (MESA) Program.
I also work in a second role as a part-time sociology instructor in the evening.
Several of my students that attended the forum focusing on Gavilan College’s expansion in Hollister raised an important question after the forum had concluded. They asked, “Why do so many people seem to be mainly concerned with the location of the college rather than the quality of our educational experience as students?” Their question made me reflect upon my own personal experience as an alumnus of Gavilan College and how the quality of the experience that I received at the college was a foundation to my educational success.
The college allowed me an opportunity to go down an educational pathway that I doubted I could achieve as a high school student. After attending Gavilan and earning an associates degree, I transferred to U.C.S.C., where I earned a B.A. Next, I went on to earn a master of arts degree from Stanford University and I currently have a few semesters remaining before completing an educational doctorate degree at the University of San Francisco.
Gavilan College made my educational journey possible. I look forward to the day whenother students can have a similar experience. However, it can only be made possible if the same quality and superb educational environment that I experienced on the Gilroy campus is offered in Hollister.
The Gilroy campus allowed me to be part of an aesthetically beautiful site and a full fledged campus community. I had the support of multiple services, tutoring, counseling, and student activities. I owe a debt of gratitude to the faculty and staff at Gavilan College who helped me to develop my academic abilities. I can attest to the fact that the faculty at Gavilan College are academically accomplished, innovative and have a genuine passion for teaching their students that matches that of the highly ranked four-year institutions of higher education which I have attended.
It is important that we all reflect upon our students’ experiences and the questions that they raise as we move forward with the democratic process of developing Gavilan College in Hollister.
As we expand the campus we must ensure that location alone is not central to the discussion, but that the location provide a first rate college experience, excellent college courses, services, and an aesthetically and a socially nourishing environment.
I encourage my fellow community members to remain focused on our students, their voice, and ensuring that we offer our community a superlative institution of higher education, because our community does not deserve anything less.
Edward Cervantes
Hollister
Livestock auction is the place to be if you’re retired
It has been on my mind for to write a letter about 101 Livestock Auction, where I have been spending four to five hours per week admiring the sales that consist of goats, sheep, pigs, calves, beef cows, pairs, bulls, steers, heifers and more.
For a person who has been involved with cattle all my life, I couldn’t find a better place to relax a few hours every week. I usually get there early where I find a few friends drinking coffee and discussing what has been happening the last week.
I grab myself a cup of coffee and join the group.
To me this place is a well organized business. It is run by Jim Warren, Monty Avery and Michael Johnson. They couldn’t’ find any better qualified guys. Mike runs the show outside; Monty in the arena; and Jim as the auctioneer.
He has a tough, great clear voice and a good personality that is always welcoming of people, or if he notices them leaving he always thanks them for coming. We will be here next week.
They started this place with half-rotten lumber fences. Today it all is solid pipe corrals, the headquarters are well laid out, with a beautiful arena faced with the best seats that really make you feel like staying.
The auction quarters are right in front of you, with all computers that let you know how much each animal weighs and how much the price was. It is all very sophisticated. If you are retired and like a place to relax, it is every Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Then there is lunch at 12:30 p.m. to 1 p.m., where you can enjoy one of the best hamburgers in San Benito County.
We have a little restaurant with a few tables and the best cooks anywhere. You can also order hot dogs, beans, French fries and more. Then the auction continues at 1 p.m. until the end.
If you don’t have a place to go, I’ll see you there. I am sure you will be welcomed. This is a place where everyone knows each other.
Amadeu Lima
Hollister
