STUDENT PROFILES

Kelli Bartel, Fire and Emergency Technology Student

Kelli Bartel is a great example of “dreams do come true!” As far back as she can remember Kelli always dreamed of finding a career, that challenged her mind and body, but most of all allowed her the opportunity to help others.

Kelli has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Organizational Management / Public Administration from the University of Colorado at Boulder. Soon after, she volunteered as a firefighter in Colorado and then moved out to California to pursue her dreams of pursuing a degree in Fire Science at El Camino College.

Kelli believes that El Camino College's Academy opened her eyes to the realities of the demanding, but truly rewarding career of a firefighter. “If it wasn't for my time spent learning what it takes mentally and physically, I would not have been as prepared” Kelli said. Kelli’s perspective of her own abilities, attitude and perseverance were tested continuously throughout the Academy.

During the Academy, Kelli worked a full-time job and attended part-time at the El Camino College Fire Academy and graduated as a proud member of Class 115. Kelli also joined Santa Ana's Reserve Academy and served as a volunteer Reserve Firefighter along side a 24-hour crew for over six months until she was offered the position as a Los Angeles City Fire Fighter and is currently training at their Drill Tower.

Kelli’s goal is to graduate from the Los Angeles Fire Department Academy in June 2008 and learn all the intricacies of the job; while working alongside some of the most knowledgeable firefighters in the world.

Her advice to anyone preparing to become a firefighter, man or woman, “is to look deep within yourself and as much as you think you have prepared, you probably aren't prepared enough. One is never completely ready for everything, so just keep on keeping on, push yourself even more! But most of all, don't ever let them persuade you to quit!"

Sandra Nunez, Construction Technology Student

Sandra Nunez is a Construction Technology and Architecture major, who is an inspirational woman to her peers at the WIT program since Fall 2004.  Sandra juggles many responsibilities while attending El Camino College as full-time student. She works part-time as a Program Assistant at the WIT Program and is a single parent of three; two teenagers (ages 16 and 17) and a 21 year old who is also a student at El Camino College.  Sandra is the first generation in her family to attend college and will be graduating in Fall  2007 with an Associates of Arts degree in Construction Technology.

"I plan to become a business woman in the construction industry by establishing my own contracting firm and dedicating a significant portion of the profits toward developing a successful youth program that assist single mothers to succeed with their educational goals and become more self-sufficient.  The WIT Program gave me the support I needed and inspired me to dream.  I would like to do the same for other women like me.”

Sandra aspires to be a positive role model for other women in her industry and loves to motivate others with her energetic personality. Her long term goal is to transfer to Cal Poly Pomona and earn a Bachelor degree in Architecture. As an architect, Sandra’s dream is to design her own live-in boarding school for troubled youth.

Evelyn Garcia, Administration of Justice Student

Evelyn Garcia, future Probation Officer for juveniles at El Camino College will be transferring to Cal State Los Angeles to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice.  Evelyn’s strong time management skills allows her to be a successful full-time student and mother of a two year old. Evelyn works two part-time jobs, and still maintain a 3.92 G.P.A.

Evelyn enrolled at El Camino College in Fall 2005 as a Liberal Arts major, but one day she saw a banner for the Women in Industry and Technology Program and stopped by the center to talk with the Program Manager. Soon after, she was inspired to change her major to Administration of Justice.

Evelyn has taken 17 units per semester, works with the campus police department as a Police Cadet, and she’s an active member of WIT. As a Police Cadet, she always finds the time to give tours to groups of students who are interested in joining El Camino College or the WIT Program.

“My whole perception of life has been changed as a result of attending El Camino College.  My biggest achievement has been earning a 3.92 G.P.A. and receiving a scholarship from El Camino College.”

Evelyn was recently awarded $5,596 from the Joy Bender Memorial Scholarship for Spring 2007 for her academic success.

For more information contact:

Idania Reyes, WIT Program Coordinator
Technical Arts Building, Room 104B
Monday - Thursday 8:30am - 4:30pm
(310) 660-6780
ireyes@elcamino.edu