HoC: Rocio Garcia
Humans of Chaffey
Photo of: Rocio Garcia
Rocio Garcia is a guidance counselor and professor at Chaffey College. She teaches Guidance-3, a course that allows students to discover possible career opportunities and prepares them for a successful life. Outside the classroom, one can run into her guiding students at the Chaffey College GPS center in Chino.
Growing up, Garcia had multiple mentors who helped her reach absolute success in academia. Receiving this support inspired her to pursue a career in the field so she can do the same for future generations.
Garcia says, “In my profession, I have the opportunity to do just that, helping students achieve their academic goals and guiding them throughout the process.”
Although she loves what she does, Garcia did have interests in other majors when attending UC Davis. She envisioned sociology and psychology as possible career paths she could endeavor. Nonetheless, Garcia would have been great in either field she was intrigued in, but at the end of the day, her heart was in education.
Garcia says, “I believe that education provides the most valuable pathway of opportunities for students. I value being part of an academic setting which provides great opportunities for student success.”
She mentions Ricardo Diaz, a counselor at Chaffey College, who inspired her to be a counselor.
“I value his commitment and advocacy to ensure the success of students.”
She also revisits her own academic journey and shares that she had wonderful counselors and professors who guided her along the way and she is honored to do the same today.
When asked what her main goal for her students is, Garcia said:
“In academia, my ultimate goal is to see students succeed, helping students to achieve their academic and professional goals.”
She likes to create a classroom setting in which her students feel welcome and can fully engage in their learning and ask questions without hesitation.
So much is changing in the academic world because of COVID-19. Schools are closed all over the country. With classes being fully online, there’s definitely challenges for both students and professors. Garcia states:
“The changes we are experiencing have truly been a transition for everyone. I value how we have all come together as a college to support the success of students and of one another. The online experience has given us the opportunity to learn and develop new ways to support student success.”
Although going back to the classroom is what everyone is yearning for, Garcia says the online experience has given us the opportunity to learn and develop ways to support student success. She sees the value in both teaching online and in-person, so choosing a favorite is tough to say.
It seems hard to juggle personal life with being a counselor and professor. When asked how she manages her time, Garcia has one simple tip to having a balanced life. Her advice is to be organized with your time at all times as it will provide you with a better mindset.
Having a positive impact in a student’s academic and future success is very exciting for Garcia, she states:
“In teaching, I am inspired every semester by students’ drive as they pursue their career choices.”
It is quite clear that Garcia is passionate in education; she wants to see all of her students reach for the stars and will do as much as possible to help them get there. Garcia has one piece of advice she likes to tell her students,
“Go after your dreams, with grit, hard work, and determination.”