From high school to higher education, Fernanda Nava's academic journey is a testament to determination and the pivotal role of support systems. Nava graduated from San Diego High School, but it was during a visit from the San Diego City College Outreach team that her fate began to change. Encouraged to apply for the San Diego Community College Promise Program, she initially thought it was just another application to complete for a class assignment.

Before finishing high school, Nava learned that she qualified for the Promise Program, which allowed her to join the Concurrent Enrollment College & Careers Access Pathways (CCAP). Reflecting on her experience as a first-generation scholar, she said, “CCAP gave me a head start and the confidence to pursue bigger goals.” Nava particularly enjoyed the ethnic studies courses CCAP offered, including Chicano studies. CCAP, available at the San Diego Community College District (SDCCD) campuses, enables high school students to enroll in college courses either at their high school or on one of the SDCCD college campuses. These classes meet various transfer, certificate, and degree requirements, providing high school students with a jump start on their college education. Tuition fees are waived, making college more affordable.

While her peers were finishing their traditional high school days, Nava adapted to a COVID-19 virtual lifestyle, attending classes twice a week, fueled by the excitement of learning. She spent her days at City Commons, where quiet mornings and campus resources provided the perfect environment for her studies. Most of her classes were taken online through San Diego Miramar College, but she thrived in the vibrant atmosphere of the City College campus, graduating with almost a perfect score, highlighting her dedication and hard work.

Nava’s dedication caught the attention of the Outreach Department at San Diego Miramar College, where she worked for three years. In this role, she learned a lot about herself and felt the strong support from the Miramar Outreach team. They encouraged her to apply to San Diego State University, as well as the full-time Student Services Assistant position she now holds at San Diego City College. Nava’s journey continued at SDSU, while the career and transfer resources of the San Diego Promise Program and its counselors and the San Diego Community College District played an invaluable role.

“Without the student resources offered at City, particularly the Promise Application made available by our team, and the guidance from the San Diego Miramar College Outreach team, navigating the transfer process would have been daunting,” Nava said.

While at SDSU, she sometimes hung out at the Commuter Center but felt out of place. In contrast, at San Diego City College, she feels she has found a new home, as the students, staff, and her new EOPS colleagues have been very welcoming and helpful in her current role.

The Miramar Outreach Office was more than just a workplace; it defined Nava’s purpose. “It became my biggest professional support system,” Nava said. She credits her former colleagues, as well as her boss and mentor, Jennifer Pena, for her growth. “ Miramar’s outreach and Jennifer’s mentorship was life-changing. She taught me the importance of networking and professional development.”

Looking ahead, Nava is considering pursuing a master’s degree in counseling. “I want to give back and support students, just as I was supported,” Nava said, emphasizing the lasting impact of her educational experiences. Her dream job is to work as a counselor in an EOPS office, hopefully at San Diego City College.

Nava’s story highlights the critical role of support systems and resources in student transfer success. “Every student deserves the guidance and opportunities I had,” Nava added. She hopes her journey may serve as an inspiration to many young students navigating their paths through higher education. Nava concluded, “I’m looking forward to supporting EOPS students in a counseling capacity in the near future.”