Santa Ana College veteran Jonathan Medina.
Veterans Resource Center Gives Marine a Boost Towards Law School
Jonathan Medina, 25, never thought college was for him. He felt differently after visiting the Santa Ana College Veterans Resource Center (VRC).
Countless resources and services offered to the college’s large community of veterans not only made college possible for the Tustin resident but also supported his academic and personal journey each step of the way.
After serving in Japan with U.S. Marines, Medina returned to the states suspecting that he “wasn’t smart enough” for college. Center staff convinced him otherwise.
“Honestly I don’t think I’d be where I am today had I not gone to Santa Ana College,” he says. “When I came back to Orange County I was referred to SAC because it has a more well-established veterans program.
“The support of the veterans center never let me give up on myself,” Medina adds. He received strong support from faculty members as well. “I let my teachers know that it was my first time returning to school and said I wasn’t sure I could keep up. My teachers made sure that I didn’t fall behind; they would check with me frequently to make sure I wasn’t overwhelmed.”
He earned his A.A. degree in political science this spring. He plans to transfer to Cal State Long Beach in the fall and eventually attend law school.
“SAC helped me with resources throughout the community, and the access to those resources,” he explains. “They hosted a mentorship program with Irvine Valley College. There are veterans’ workshops nearly every day; they give us legal and financial literacy advice.” Without the workshop on the G.I. Bill, Medina notes, he might not have budgeted wisely.
He credits Brenda Estrada, Ed.D., VRC director, for listening and becoming a mentor. “She took the time to listen to what I was saying,” he recalls. Suddenly he felt like he was on exactly the right path toward a college degree and the career he wanted. “With a good support system, anything is possible. We are our own worst critics.”
As a first-generation college student, Medina enjoys the college environment. “Attending SAC is the best decision I ever made.”
