Students weigh transfer options at college fair

Gavilan College students searched out their university options Thursday at College Transfer Day.
The college fair, held at the Gilroy campus, gave students a chance to look at transfer options for four-year institutions. The fair brought over 28 college and university representatives to speak to students. Universities and groups at the event included University of California Santa Cruz, Palo Alto University, Grand Canyon University, California State University of Monterey Bay and the United States Army.
Humboldt State University Bay Area Regional Admissions Counselor Tisa Johnson said events like the college fair offer students a chance to find out more about the Northern California school.
“Humboldt is 57.1 percent first generation,” Johnson said. “I think a lot of students coming in have never been through the college experience or have family who have gone through it. It’s important for them to connect with a school that welcomes them, understands the struggle and supports them.”
Students gathered in a multipurpose room and thumbed through pamphlets provided by the institutions.
Student Maria Ynzunza said she hopes to transfer to University of California, Berkeley for its architecture program.
“When you come here, it’s a real advantage. We can ask all the questions we want,” Ynzunza said.
Gavilan College Career Transfer Specialist Jacquelyn Richburg said the event is important for students because it gives them a chance to see options.
“It’s important that they can be able to have the opportunity to investigate, ask questions, have mentors and move forward with that so they can make decisions on their goal,” Richburg said.