Veronica Carmona

My Citrus Story- Veronica Carmona

As if they are now, and later they shall be.

  Even though it has been years, I still remember my first day at Citrus College in the spring of 2006. I knew returning to school would be difficult. To even dream of achieving my ambitious goals seemed unrealistic. After all, I was a single mother with three children. Even more intimidating was the fact that I would be the first person in my family ever to attend college. I also struggled with time management and study habit issues.

Not surprisingly, there were times when I felt confused and lost. Nevertheless, I soon discovered that Citrus had special programs for struggling people like me. I signed up for Extended Opportunities Programs & Services (EOP&S) because I needed help managing a full-time job and a full-time school schedule. My counselors helped me focus on what was most important. I took a huge leap and quit my job. Not long after, I found a part-time job in EOP&S, where I was able to help other students facing similar challenges. In a very short time, things began to radically change. Not only did I learn strategies to be a better student, I became the Latino Unidos Student Association Club president, and served on the Associated Students of Citrus College student government board as a commissioner.

In May of 2008, I gave birth to my fourth child, and a month later graduated  from the Honors Program. I transferred to Cal Poly Pomona, where I will complete my undergraduate studies in Nutritional Science and become a registered dietitian. Soon, I will have my degree and attain my ultimate goal of helping improve the health and wellness of people in need.