How have former participants benefited from ETS? Take a look at the experience of Candy Yang, Gabriella Moncada, Suzy Rodriguez, Pedro B. Santos Jr., Judith Franco and Sandra Sandoval.

Candy Yang

Why did you join ETS and what did you gain from the program?

When I first heard about ETS during my freshman year in high school, I was excited that there was such a program to help students get into college. I was fascinated and signed up to join the program, but I didn’t get in. There were too many applicants and not enough space. I was disappointed, but I never gave up. I finally got into the program my junior year when a new coordinator, Martin Gomez, took over the ETS program at Rio Linda Senior High School. So why did I want to join ETS badly? I wanted to join so that I can take advantage of the opportunities and information being offer to me about going to college for either first generation or low-income students. There are not a lot of programs that actually help students with disadvantages to get into college. Being in the program helped me learn the right steps getting into college, prepared me for college, and guided me to pick my A-G requirements that will satisfy the college requirements. In my opinion, being in ETS, it gives you a great advantage of being accepted to any colleges you want. I can gladly say that ETS had helped me get into the University of California, Davis. 

What advice would you give students?

My advice to students is to join ETS. ETS is a wonderful program to help students get into college and prepare students for college by taking the right courses (A-G requirements). ETS is a beneficial program that will make a difference in your life. Trust me!

Status

I am a third-year at UC Davis and an ETS student assistant. I am a Design major and plan to minor in Dramatic Arts and Education.

What are your goals for the future?

My goal for the future is to study abroad in Europe and Asia before I graduate. I plan to graduate on time, too (hopefully by next year). After I graduate, I plan to travel to Asia again before I go back to school. I am not sure if I want to go grad school or a vocational school. However, I plan to start a business and have my own clothing line or teach a fashion/drama class. 

I also plan to start a family and have kids in the next 5-6 years.

What did you gain from college?

Well, there a lot of things that you experience as a college student and it changes your life. I am more independent and mature compared to my high school years. I have more knowledge of how reality really is and what I need to do to survive. The real world is extremely competitive and college helps prepare you for it. There is so much to tell, but I cannot describe it in words except attend college and experience it yourself.

Gabriella Moncada

Why did you join ETS and what did you gain from the program?

I join ETS because I wanted to learn more information about higher education. I wasn’t really sure what to do after I graduated from high school. I knew there were universities and colleges but I didn’t know what the steps to enter a university were. ETS prepared and advised me in reaching my goals in receiving a college education. ETS answered all my questions I had about college; they even helped me picking the correct classes (A-G requirements) that I needed to complete in high school before I entered college.

What advice would you give students?

My advice to any student is to join ETS. ETS is the first step on reaching your goals; ETS can give you all the support and help you need on starting a successful life. The next advice is to study hard and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Finally celebrate every accomplishment you do, even if it’s a small celebration. Feel proud of every accomplishment because this will give you the energy and power you need to continue with the struggles of life.

Status

I’m currently a second year student at UC Davis. Now I’m working for ETS as a student assistant. I enjoy working with ETS and now I know how hard the counselors and the staff from ETS work to provide students with the help and information they need to reach a higher education.

What are your goals for the future?

I plan to continue with school, finish my undergrad education and go off to grad school. I still don’t have an exact idea of what I want to focus in, but I defiantly know that I want to work with students or kids.

What did you gain from college?

From college I have gained the knowledge and skills I need to succeed in life. I’m also receiving the experience to help me come up with the decision of choosing a career.

Suzy Rodriguez

Why did you join ETS and what did you gain from the program?

A counselor came to my classroom during my freshman year in high school and talked about how ETS helps students to get into college. I knew I wanted to attend college after high school but I had a feeling that it was going to be a lot of work and I was probably going to get lost somewhere in the process. My mother didn’t go to high school and my father wouldn’t know what to do, so I decided that I was going to need extra help.

What advice would you give students?

I would have to say for students to study hard because when they get to college, it wouldn’t be too difficult to continue to study hard. If they get a head start in high school and really put some effort and time into their studying, they wouldn’t have to spend a couple of years in college trying to manage their time wisely. Also, to get involved and possibly discover what it is that makes you happy and complete. Join clubs that are interesting to you or try something new. You may enjoy that activity and figure out that you may want a career relating to the subject.

Status

I am a third year at UC Davis and working for the ETS office on campus.

What are your goals for the future?

My goals are to finish my years here at UC Davis and study at a medical school nearby. I want to keep reaching my maximum potential in my education and in myself as a person. I like to volunteer and to know that I am helping someone out. I want to help set the example for my four younger siblings and motivate them in the way that they can accomplish anything they set their minds to and that nothing is impossible.

What did you gain from college?

I am gaining the knowledge and skills necessary in order to be competitive in the career of my choice. I am also becoming aware of the importance of networking and becoming more involved on campus and in the community. I feel that college is opening up many options for me and contributing in making me a prepared individual for what is to come next

Pedro B. Santos Jr.

Why did you join ETS and what did you gain from the program?

A friend recommended me to the program. I joined ETS the beginning of 12th grade. My ETS counselor was able to tell me about college tests I needed to take and he helped me fill out the UC application and prepared me for college.

What advice would you give students?

Join the ETS program as soon as possible, don’t wait till 12th grade like I did. Take as many college prep, honors and AP classes your high school offers. These classes will give you a small taste of what college courses are like. Also, go visit colleges you are interested in before applying to that college. If you can, correspond via e-mail with a college student so that they can tell you what college life is like.

Status

Currently working for the California Department of Water Resources, Division of Engineering as an Electrical Engineer.

What are your goals for the future?

Career Goals: Obtain my Professional Engineer’s license from the State of California. Move up the corporate ladder and become an Associate Electrical Engineer and eventually a Senior Electrical Engineer.

Life Long Goals: Take advantage of what I have accomplished by going to college and enjoy the benefits from all the hard work I have put in.

What did you gain from college?

I gained the knowledge, tools, and skills necessary to succeed in the work place. I not only gained the individual technical skills I needed, but I also learned to work as a team to accomplish a common task, such as a lab or a design project. Learning to work as a team is very important because more than likely you will have to work as a team in the work place.

Judith Franco

Why did you join ETS and what did you gain from the program?

My ETS counselor went to my class to speak about the program. I found the program interesting so I decided to join. At first I was hesitant to attend a U.C. because I did not believe I could make it and because money was an issue. I believe that because of ETS I became more motivated to attend a U.C. rather than a community college. My ETS counselor helped me realize that I could make it. He showed me that there was money out there.

What advice would you give students?

ETS is a great program that both junior high and high school students should join. If you have the opportunity to join then you should not let it pass you by. One thing that I highly recommend is that you take advantage of the many programs that your school offers. Join clubs and become active in your school. Start thinking about college now. Don’t procrastinate and make sure to get your schoolwork done. This is only preparing you for college life.

Status

Currently a freshman at U.C. Davis and working for the ETS office on campus.

What are your goals for the future?

I think something that everyone wants is a great career. This is something I desire because it is the reason my parents came to the United States in the first place. I want to be able to have a better life for myself, one that my parents never had. I want to be able to take advantage of the education that I am getting.

What did you gain from college?

For one thing, I’ve gained the opportunity to get a higher education. This is something that will help me succeed in my lifetime. Although I have only been in college for less than a year I believe that an education is essential. Education is what will guide you through life.

Sandra Sandoval

Why did you join ETS and what did you gain from the program?

I actually didn’t join ETS until the middle of my junior year in high school. I mainly joined the program because Martin Gomez told me to. Also, being in NYSP they tell you to about the program and invite you to apply. I applied, and got in. Once I got in I started going to all the workshops and learning more about college. Now that I look back on it, I don’t think that I would be in college without the tremendous amount of help this program gave me. It is important for more students, especially first generation, students to join programs like these and get help to learn more about other opportunities that may be present.

What advice would you give students?

I would advice students to be on the lookout an never take no for an answer. Many times people get discouraged by obstacles put in their way, but if they only knew that anything is possible, they would try even harder.

Status

I am currently a first year at UC Davis and am also working with ETS. Now that I work there, I realize the amount of paperwork and effort that goes into the program (trust me- every paper counts!) I am working hard and trying to do well in my classes, as well as trying to have a healthy social life. Once the right routine is set, there is enough time to do well in school, exercise, and have fun.

What are your goals for the future?

When I graduated high school, I was sure I wanted to major in economics and with that degree do something in the business world. Although that path still seems exciting and is still present in my plans, I am keeping my options open and taking classes that will broaden my views. Whatever I choose, I hope to be happy in my field of work, and also in my life. If possible, I would like to somehow make an impact on the world and give my life some meaning in that I would have helped others and not just myself.

What did you gain from college?

I just started college, but already I am glad and very happy to be here. I have learned not only academics, but have also been taught to think “outside the box.” Growing up in a small town, my views of the world were becoming very narrow and now that I came to college, I learned to appreciate the diversity and different points of view that others may have.