Student Spotlight: Giancarlo Fernandez

If given the chance, political science major Giancarlo Fernandez would tell every incoming El Camino College student to get involved on campus right from the start. Join a club, get a job on campus, play on a team, and participate in a student support program – these are just some of the ideas he proposes.

Fernandez took his own advice and is a member of ECC's Associated Students Organization, the director of diversity for the Inter-Club Council, and a student ambassador. He is also a member of the Alpha Gamma Sigma honor society, First Year Experience, and the Honors Transfer Program, in addition to completing the college's Student Leadership Institute. Timing, he said, is key.

"You don't want to wait until your last year or semester to join, because these college relationships can shape your future, and El Camino College is home to amazing students and faculty," he said. "Without First Year Experience and the Honors Transfer Program, I wouldn't be on track to reach my goal of transferring in less than two years. The counseling services and workshops offered from these programs are preparing me to be a competitive applicant to the most prestigious schools."

Fernandez decided to enroll in El Camino College after graduating from West High School because he wanted a little more time to explore his education and career options.

"I chose El Camino because as a first-generation college student, I didn't feel ready to transfer directly to a four-year university straight out of high school," he said. "I knew El Camino College was going to introduce a supportive local community that wants to be a part of my success. El Camino made the transition from high school to college very easy, which has motivated me to pursue higher than a two-year degree."