Let’s hear from Preston. His passion was acting and being on stage and sharing that knowledge and experience with younger students through coaching, but he wanted to learn more about what happened behind the scenes and enrolled in Cypress College’s Technical Theater Program. It illuminated a world of possibilities for him and helped further his interest in the performing arts. Let’s hear more.
Thank you, Alex. I grew up in Garden Grove, California, just three miles south of Disneyland. I started acting and singing at age nine and attended a performing arts high school. Yet I graduated with very little experience in technical theater. At Cypress College, you learn lighting, sound, costuming, and makeup from working professionals. Many faculty work as directors, designers, and performers in the nearby thriving theater scene. I was able to work on every element of the theater as a crew member, including placing speakers, and running the soundboard for the dance concert. Cypress truly reflects the community and community college. Instead of getting lost on a big and personal campus, it’s wonderful to receive detailed feedback from faculty. I also enjoyed attending a school with students of all ages and backgrounds. Cypress College celebrates artistic risk-taking, but also teaches students how to earn a living in the theater world. Students learn to build their sets into production shop. They also learn how to design, hang and run lights from pre-production to strike. One of our most impressive technical classes is stage makeup. I learned everything from FX effects to color theory. The Cypress College stage makeup courses are truly a gateway to working in professional theater and film. Every year, students have the opportunity to travel to New York to see Broadway shows and talk to industry professionals. During my spring break, I saw three New York shows and learned about devised theatre, which has inspired me to create my own theater company. I recently completed my theater arts associate degree with honors and will attend Cal State Los Angeles to finish my bachelor’s degree. I’m so grateful for the talented and dedicated Cypress College theater department for preparing me for a future in the theater world. Sending it back to you, Alex.
– It’s incredible to see someone pursuing their passion. Preston, when you were in the classroom lab, we could see you light up. Having the opportunity to study in real-world settings where you learn practical skills is an excellent way to prepare for your career. Thanks for sharing your story.
Cypress College has a strong health science division with award-winning programs such as nursing. That made Hillary choose it when it came time to select a place to study diagnostic medical sonography. Skilled instructors at the college share their years of experience to educate the next generation of healthcare professionals. Let’s hear more.
– Thanks, Alex. Hello, everyone. Growing up in a small, tight-knit farming town, and working in my father’s medical office there, I gained an interest in continuing my education and serving my community through the healthcare field. After graduating from high school, I completed an undergraduate degree, but it wasn’t until later in life that I decided to work toward becoming a diagnostic medical sonographer. When I decided to return to school, as a mother of five, I knew I needed to choose carefully when selecting an ultrasound program to ensure my time and resources were spent well. The diagnostic medical sonography program in the Health Science Department here at Cypress College became the obvious choice for me as I search for the right program. The reputation of this program is unmatched with exceptional job placement rates for graduates as well as incredible board exam pass rates. The instructors have countless years of experience teaching as well as practicing in their fields. The health science labs are equipped with state-of-the-art equipment, which enables students to gain important hands-on experience. Also, off-campus clinical training opportunities allow students to work with skilled and experienced sonographers in the hospital setting throughout the duration of the program. I have been challenged and inspired by my instructors and I have seen how much the faculty and staff here care about the success of each student. Not only has my time here at Cypress College challenged me and prepared me for success in my field, it has also helped me to gain confidence in my ability to set and achieve goals. I look forward to taking all that I’m learning here at Cypress and using it to serve others in my home, community, and beyond. Thanks, Alex. Back to you.
– What a great program! Now Hillary has the tools to go out and help others. Cypress has other excellent health science programs, including dental assisting, dental hygiene, health information technology, psychiatric technology, and radiologic technology, as well as mortuary science. Thanks again, Hillary.
Let’s talk to Anthony. He came to Cypress to study kinesiology with the long-term goal of becoming a physical therapist. Cypress College has a strong athletics program and dedicated physical education instructors. But what appealed to Anthony even more was the support offered by campus organizations which helped his academics and fostered his growth as a leader. Take it away, Anthony.
– Thanks, Alex. Hello, everyone. During my last year of high school, I wanted to find the right school for me. There were a lot of great options, but I believe that Cypress College was the best choice. I chose Cypress because I wanted to find a campus where I could not only grow as a student, but as a person. In high school, I didn’t participate in many social events, so I was ready to gain new experiences. Our student government provides welcoming events for students to get more involved and meet new people. I participated in their Club Rush and World Fest where I was able to connect with my peers more easily. There are also workshops where I learned new skills like building a resume and preparing for a job interview which allowed me to grow as a profession. Cypress College’s slogan is Buen Cypress, we take this journey together, and I must say that no matter where I went on campus, I knew I was never alone. The support that I’ve received from faculty and my peers are unforgettable. One of the biggest reasons why I chose Cypress College was the Charger Experience Program. Since I was a first-time college student, the program offered me up to two years of free tuition encouraged me to speak with a counselor at least once a semester and I was provided multiple opportunities to get involved with campus life. When I first came to Cypress College, I never thought I would be able to develop into the person I am today. The campus has provided a safe and encouraging space for me to go beyond my limits. I can honestly say that this has become a second home for me and I hope you will be able to say the same. Buen Cypress. Over to you, Alex.
– Two years of free tuition is a great deal, so is having a program that supports students and connects them with counselors. It led Anthony to join student government and became a student ambassador, paying it forward, and helping even more students new to campus. What a great way to live the school motto, Buen Cypress. Thanks again.
Next on the mic, we’re gonna meet Erica. She’s a multimedia superstar who shares how her confidence grew through Harper’s mass communication program. She’ll also talk about the unique opportunities she’s had to create content and pioneer new platforms at the college. Welcome, Erica.
– Thanks so much, Alex. I didn’t quite know that I wanted to have my own talk show until I came to Harper. I started majoring in theater but then I started thinking about radio, when my father told me Harper had a radio station. Before I started at the station my father told me he was a part of the station back in the ’90s. Harper Radio welcomes every student with open arms and gives students the opportunity to work in an over-the-air radio station. Harper Radio is a freeform radio station where students can create their own shows, whether that be a talk show, music show, news, sports, and more. Students can also have various jobs throughout the station such as being station manager, program director or just working behind the scenes. As station manager, I train all new students on how to run the soundboard, play music and learn what it’s like to be on the radio, producing your own show. Harper Radio helps students show off their personalities and be themselves. Harper offers more than just having a radio show. I also worked on the Harper Talks Alumni Podcast and helped start the Call Just First TV station. Students also learn how to network, use social media effectively, and they have opportunities to submit their shows to be nominated for National Award and even win them. Harper Radio taught me to be confident and made me realize, I need to continue with broadcasting as my career. I hope to have my own talk show on TV one day, all thanks to Harper and Harper Radio. I’m so thankful for WHCM and I hope more students will be too. That’s all from me. Alex, take it back.
– Erica, what amazing experiences you’ve had at Harper. Starting the TV station, running the radio station and a podcast, plus promoting these things on social media. You’re well prepped for internships and job opportunities. Speaking of which we’re hiring here at the College Tour, so maybe we’ll see you real soon. Take care.
Let’s travel the globe with Brianna. You might be surprised to learn that in addition to amazing on-campus experiences, Harper students have the opportunity to study abroad through a variety of faculty-led programs. Brianna shares how she got involved on campus and funded her study abroad experience. Let’s grab our passports and go on a journey with Brianna.
– Thanks, Alex. Hi, everyone. Growing up, I knew I wanted to attend college but I didn’t know where or what I wanted to study. When the pandemic hit it gave me the opportunity to learn more and discover what I wanted to study. During my research, I found mass communication to be my biggest interest, more specifically film production. I took classes in high school to get me started and from there I discovered Harper College. I love that Harper has so many opportunities for students including spring break trips. This year I had the amazing opportunity to travel to Costa Rica. I made so many friends and learned so much about the country. There’s so many programs for Harper students to participate in. For example, Harper’s Buddy System Program can really help students make a great connection on campus. Harper College has a lot of programs through the Office of International Education, including studying abroad. Studying abroad wasn’t on my mind but then I got involved in a virtual exchange with students in Costa Rica through my English class, and I was amazed. I got the chance to meet students from Costa Rica when they visit our campus at Harper. Through my English class, I was eligible to apply for a grant-funded studying abroad experience through the Global Learning Online Ritual Exchange Program, called The Glove Project. With all the support I was able to travel to Costa Rica for 12 days. I didn’t know Harper had so many opportunities for students. I’m learning for what comes beyond college and succeeding in a great environment in the workforce. As Walt Disney once said, “All our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them.” Back to you, Alex.
– Thanks for showing us the world, Brianna. It’s awesome to learn the ways Harper creates a community and how their study abroad program, brings students to destinations across the globe. Harper offers a variety of scholarships and grants to help make these programs affordable. So all you need to do is grab your passport and take flight. Thanks for sharing your story.
Let’s hear from Kristen a Harper Promise Scholarship Program alum from Prospect Heights. She attended Harper practically free through the Promise Program. She earned her tuition in high school by getting good grades, volunteering and maintaining a strong attendance record. Let’s learn how you can get involved with the Promise program too, and earn free tuition. Take it away, Kristen.
– Thanks, Alex. In high school, I wasn’t entirely sure what I wanted to major in so I decided that Harper would be the best option for me. I ended up making so many amazing friends and memories and I was able to take classes that I was actually interested in pursuing which helped me to make a path for my future. I enrolled in the Harper Promise Scholarship Program while in high school. With Promise, students can earn free tuition if they do things like get good grades and complete community service hours. Paying for college is tough for a lot of families, including mine so this was an opportunity that I just could not pass up. With the help of my advisor and my dual credit courses that I took in high school I was able to graduate with a degree a year early and at only 18 years old. While I was only at Harper for one year I was able to enjoy so much of its beautiful campus. People don’t always associate community colleges with the word beautiful, but look around, Harper completely defies that stereotype. I love spending time in the rotunda studying and hanging out with my friends in the quad and taking naps in hammocks around campus. Beauty and cleanliness were things that I really valued when looking for a college. I really wanted to experience nature but also be able to enjoy nice clean spaces and facilities inside campus buildings as well. Harper provided the perfect balance of both. Harper provided a college experience that was so beneficial to me. I was able to work hard to earn free tuition and I was able to jumpstart my education by graduating a year early. Everyone’s path to a degree is different and it’s perfectly fine if you don’t know what you wanna do. There will be people here every step along the way to help get you where you need to go. That’s it for me. Back to you, Alex.
– Thank you for telling us all about Harper’s awesome campus and the Promise Scholarship Program, Kristen. Not only does the Promise program help make college more affordable it contributes to the community. Since the program started, Promise scholars have saved more than $6 million in tuition and contributed nearly 500,000 hours of community service. That is amazing!
Let’s all welcome Dayaan to the College Tour. Dayaan jumped in and got involved at Harper serving as the president of the American Sign Language Club a supplemental instructor, member of the dance team and so much more. He’ll take us through all the opportunities students have to get connected and serve as student leaders and mentors. Dayaan, please take it away.
– Thanks, Alex. Hey, everyone. When I first came to Harper, fresh out of high school I never expected to enjoy the experiences I’ve had or the opportunities that I was able to take advantage of. I love how I’ve been able to make connections between my academic interests and my social life here. When I first started at Harper, I never imagined that I would make so many friends and be heavily involved on campus, whether it be being the president of the International Students Club vice president of the ASL Club or even a mentor for first year students with disabilities. Along with the many other clubs and activities including the Harper College Dance, SBO and Theater Program. Harper has truly been an amazing experience thus far especially having the opportunity of being a supplemental instructor for the history department. Harper College prides itself in being a diverse and inclusive community, with a lot of amazing opportunities and clubs to be a part of, with every interest and hobby accounted for, ranging from recreational clubs, fandoms to even social matters and movements. Our campus also hosts a variety of events to make sure that every community is represented here on campus. From cultural events, awareness days, film nights, sporting events, and even dances with charitable causes. Whichever major or area of interest you choose to pursue not only will you learn about it at Harper College but you’ll also get the experience of actually doing those things. All the best in your future endeavors, and go Hawks! Thank you. Now back to you, Alex.
– Dayaan, thank you so much for all you do for Harper and showing us how welcoming and inclusive the college is. There are tons of ways for Harper Hawks to get in on the action with sporting teams and more than 60 clubs and organizations. There’s a place for everyone to find their fit here on campus. Thanks again for sharing your story.
Let’s head over to meet Cassie. She’s in the Advanced Manufacturing Apprenticeship program, where not only is she learning sought-after skills she’s an apprentice at a local company, getting paid while learning. She’s gonna give us a peek inside Harper’s classes where the small class sizes means she’s able to connect with her professors and fellow students. Cassie, tell us more.
– Thanks, Alex. Growing up, I loved to build and take apart things to explore how they worked. Because of this, I knew I wanted to be in manufacturing, was unsure exactly how. After graduating high school in 2019 I started with the Kendall Engineering Program but discovered this is not exactly what I wanted. I knew I wanted a program with hands-on experience along with leading to a successful career path. So I searched for a more hands-on program and found the CNC Precision Machining Apprenticeship at Harper. In this program, you get hired by a company that pays for all your school costs in addition to paying you a wage. You go to school for eight weeks and spend the rest of the time focusing on honing your skills in the field through the job and hands-on learning in Harper’s Manufacturing labs. When I started this program I was hired by and currently work for Crafts Technology a Hyperion materials and technologies company. I am able to earn money and apply what I learned in the classroom to the real world. Small class sizes at Harper allow students ample one-on-one time with their teachers. This allows them to get to know me and support me in the classroom along within my academic career. Harper has also offered me a lot of opportunities to get outta my comfort zone and represent the apprenticeship program along with my company. For example, I met with US Senator, Dick Durbin, where I got to talk about the value of the CNC Precision Machining Apprenticeship program and my hands-on experience at Crafts Technology. I know Harper’s apprenticeship program will continue to give me opportunities so that when I graduate I’ll have a job lined up along with a relevant degree. Well, that’s it from me. Back to you, Alex.
– Wow, Cassie! How cool is it that you are able to find the perfect fit through Harper’s apprenticeship program and have a foot in the door for your job after graduation? It’s so amazing how much you’re able to learn while earning a paycheck. What a very cool opportunity. Thanks for sharing your story.
All right, let’s meet Brandon. He’s a member of the Harper Honors Program and Phi Theta Kappa, an international honors society. At Harper, opportunities abound for high achieving students to thrive inside and outside of the classroom. Brandon, the floor is all yours.
– Hey, thanks so much, Alex. What’s good, everybody? People tell me that I’m a super energetic, confident and talented guy, but it took me a long time to become this way and I’m still getting better. Thanks to Harper, I’ve got the tools to become my best. Growing up, I never felt challenged. The first thing to really push me was the theater program in high school where I discovered I wanted to be a film actor. I accomplished so much in high school but my one year at Harper has dwarfed all of it. I was afraid how I was gonna pay for college but my passion and dedication for acting got me the Distinguished Trustee Scholarship which covers all my fees and tuition. And then I joined the honors program, which connects me to people just like me that wanna see the best from each other and seek a challenge. Harper offers tons of honors courses and we have so much fun in our meetings and events. But then I joined Phi Theta Kappa a nationally known honors society that opens the door for even more opportunities. The scholarship honors and PTK mean the world to me. Thanks to them, I’ve met my goals and I’m one step closer to becoming the best version of myself. I’m so grateful for Professor Tomasian and Professor Garcia who are the honors and PTK co-coordinators and for all the friends that I’ve made here. Harper has an amazing sense of community thanks to these two programs and my confidence career and attitude have really skyrocketed. In high school, I had no idea where to begin but learning at Harper has given me a defined path to becoming the best version of myself. And if you too seek the best version of you I guarantee you, you’ll find it at Harper. Thanks so much, and back to you, Alex.
– Brandon, it sounds like you really had an amazing experience here at Harper. Thanks for sharing it with us. The Distinguished Trustee Scholarship Brandon earned is a highly selective scholarship program that covers two years of tuition and fees for local students. Approximately 40 high school seniors are awarded the Distinguished Trustee Scholarship each year. Way to go, Brandon.
Let’s meet up with Yare who found her campus family and discovered her on-air talents through Harper’s FM radio station, WHCM. She’s gonna tell us all about the award-winning radio station and give you a sneak peek into the hands-on learning opportunities available right here on campus. Yare, the mic is all yours.
– Hey everyone! Thanks Alex. My name is Yariksa, but you can call me Yare. I chose Harper because it offers lots of supports for students. I became involved with Harper Radio as soon as I learned the college had a campus radio station. I started my show called the YASMR Radio Show. I brought in two amazing co-hosts. Their names are Gwen and Jordan, two of my good friends here at Harper. Harper Radio participated in the IBS Student Media Awards a national competition in New York. My show was nominated for best Foreign Language Show and made it into the top five. Harper Radio also took home the award for best community college radio station in the nation. I am so proud to be a part of this amazing team. We treat each other like family and Harper’s home to us. I plan on getting my bachelor’s degree with the goal of becoming a nationally known radio host, or working for a Spanish new TV station. With the help of my family and friends and my supportive husband and the amazing staff and teachers I have had over the past semesters, I have become a better person, a better student and a better listener. Taking speech classes, reading biographies from amazing writers and learning history has helped me understand the world better and will help me pursue my dreams and goals. Thanks to all my supporters and to Harper for the opportunity to become one of your students pursuing my journalism career. That’s my story. Back to you, Alex.
– Thanks Yare. It’s so awesome to see how you can take your personal passion and turn them into an award-winning show here at Harper. The opportunities here are truly endless. I wish you the best of luck in your future journalism career and we’ll keep an eye and ear out for you on the airways. Take care.