Student connects with others at RCC

Among the many benefits education delivers is the realization we all are interconnected with one another, says Stephen Medina.

That message was part of his commencement address June 16 when he served as one of two student speakers. Medina, who graduated with a 3.96 GPA and an Associate Arts Oregon Transfer, will study civil engineering Oregon Institute of Technology.

“When I first came to RCC I started out being very independent. I didn’t develop connections, I was going to do it on my own,” Medina recalled. “But having been out of school for a few years, I felt a little lost. It was like I’d forgotten all the protocols and didn’t know where anything was.”
He soon connected with a TRIO, a program designed to help students succeed in community college and transfer to four-year schools. It helped him build positive relationships and he’s been a student and tutor with TRIO the past two years.

“TRIO showed me another way. Having people there, who care about me, just in case problems arise, is a very comforting thought. And being there for other people and helping them as a tutor when they’re confused is a great experience.

“TRIO has been an awesome experience. I’ve been surprised by how many good people there are at this college.” Now 23, Medina graduated in 2001 from high school in Klamath Falls. He attended Oregon Institute of Technology for a year but says he “kind of lost my way.” Working a succession of low-paying jobs: food service, factory, retail, carpentry, convinced him he was on a dead end road.

“I was trying different things in my life. But after all those jobs I decided education was important and I should get one. It might help me make beyond minimum wage.’

He first came to RCC having heard massage program is excellent and last year received a massage certificate and license. “It is an excellent, very supportive program and I learned a lot about how to learn. It’s just not something I want to do all my life. “ So he returned to complete an AAOT degree. Spring term he took 17 credits and worked two jobs.

 “My goal is to eventually design and engineer homes, said Medina. “These two years at RCC have been a really good, positive experience. I feel lucky to have been a student here at Rogue.” In his speech he plans to say that, “The most important piece of our education is the ability we gain to interact effectively with the people around us. We each exist as part of a greater whole. It may be our family, our community, or even the people we work with, but without this connection to other people, we would have little chance to utilize the knowledge we have gained.”

Graduate explored new opportunities at Rogue

Commencement offers graduates the opportunity to celebrate major accomplishments, express gratitude to families and faculty for support, and look toward the future, says Jason Anderson, who delivered the student address. “This is our day to say ‘we’ve made it.’ It’s not the final finish line, but the first of many finish lines. Our new degrees offer another opportunity at redirection and self-evolution,” he said.

Anderson’s life has been an evolving series of finding opportunities and adapting to new scenarios. Now 35 he’s graduating with an Associate of General Studies degree. His next goal is completing prerequisites for acceptance into RCC’s nursing program. Along the way he’s compiled a 3.97 GPA while raising two children and working full time as a certified surgical technologist.

Ten years ago he was employed at the former Josephine Memorial Hospital when he got laid off. To support his family he found a job installing tires at Les Schwab. “It was the kind of work I’d never wanted to do again,” he recalled. “But surprisingly, I loved it. The positive atmosphere, team orientation, and excellent customer service were inspiring.” But a serious back injury, and subsequent spinal surgery, ended that career track.

He studied business and accounting at RCC, but realized his heart was in health care.  “After back surgery RCC helped me redirect and refocus. People like Sue Orris (counselor) helped me re-find myself and make it through a tough time.” He was hired at Three Rives Community Hospital’s surgical department but kept working toward a nursing degree.

“Becoming a nurse will provide not only a significant increase in revenue, but also more responsibility and opportunity to grow,” he said.
His inspiration for working in health care stems from a serious childhood injury and the excellent care he received.  “It was such a positive experience that I wanted a chance to return someday and give back what I got as a kid. I’ve always wanted to be behind those closed door of the operating room. It’s challenging and rewarding to be involved,” he explained. “I can relate to kids when they are patients because I had my fair share of injuries and surgeries. I always encourage them to study science and math and come back to help others.”

Anderson’s favorite pastimes include time with his son, 5, and daughter, 12. Activities such surfing, art, music and biking have taken a backseat until school is finished.

When selected to speak, Anderson said he was “worried I’m too old to represent the graduates” until told the average age is 31. “This speech is an opportunity to praise the individuals who’ve reached this plateau in their lives and commend them for their hard work as they celebrate,” he noted.