Excitement builds as graduation nears

By Steven Sanchez
Pulse Staff Reporter

Five deaf students and an 18-year-old honors student are among the 1,100 students who will receive degrees and certificates at Palo Alto’s graduation ceremony on May 12, 2011, at the Freeman Coliseum.

“Last year around this time, we had about 1,000 estimated graduates,” said Katherine Beaumont, a recruiter/adviser who helps students at the Center for Academic Transitions. “It is hard to say whether or not we will have fewer graduates or more graduates as compared to last year…1,300 is a wonderful ballpark figure for the 2010-2011 academic year.”

Graduate Pearl Ortega assists a student in the math lab. Photo by Steven Sanchez.

The effort makes a difference, not just in numbers, but in students’ lives. Eighteen-year-old Pearl Ortega, who began taking classes at Palo Alto in her junior year of high school, decided to major in mathematics after her instructors changed her attitude toward the subject.

“I didn’t want to come to college because of math,” said Ortega. “As I took my second math course, I actually figured out math. I decided I would become a math major and help other people, too.”

Beyond changing her attitude toward math, Ortega’s experience at Palo Alto changed her view toward education in general.

“I’ve gone from not even thinking of college to, ‘Wow, I’m already going to graduate with my associate’s,’” she said. “I feel very, very accomplished.”

Latasha Dupar, one of the deaf students who will be walking the stage, is looking forward to the opportunities that are becoming available to her.

“I want to become a school counselor,” she said. “I think it’s really important to service the children, the teenagers–they all need help with making decisions for the future and for college. They can see that I’m a counselor and I’m successful, and it will let them know that they can continue with their education, too.”

Orlando Castillo, another deaf student who will be receiving a certificate, is excited to be graduating, but he will miss the campus and the people he has met here at Palo Alto when he transfers.

“I’m really going to miss everything around here,” he said. “I was feeling very nervous about coming here because I didn’t know anybody or anything. But as I started meeting people and finding friends and stuff, it really encouraged me. I had a lot of instructors here who helped me a lot…It’s been a wonderful experience.”

Dupar said her experience will always be remembered.

“I will never forget Palo Alto,” she said. “I learned so much and the teachers encouraged me.”

Ortega said of her Palo Alto experience, “It’s really helped me see myself better. I think I can do pretty much anything now…My degree is just kind of a reward.”

Beaumont said, “It really is a really, really amazing reward. I think it’s important to celebrate this milestone and enjoy this accomplishment.”

PAC helped students celebrate with a Graduation Festival, which took place on May 4. The real reward, however, will be actually walking the stage.

“I’m jumping for joy! I’ll probably cry, I’ll be so excited about it,” said Castillo.

Dupar said, “I’m graduating! I wish I could stand on the stage and yell, ‘I made it!’”