NorthWest Arkansas Community College Program Helps Students

STAFF PHOTO FLIP PUTTHOFF Eduardo Martinez, left, and Eva Jauregui, take part in an exercise Tuesday involving questions written on beach balls during the Learning, Improvement, Fun and Empowerment program at NorthWest Arkansas Community College in Bentonville.
STAFF PHOTO FLIP PUTTHOFF Eduardo Martinez, left, and Eva Jauregui, take part in an exercise Tuesday involving questions written on beach balls during the Learning, Improvement, Fun and Empowerment program at NorthWest Arkansas Community College in Bentonville.

BENTONVILLE -- Dreams are the difference between ordinary people and extraordinary people, Todd Kitchen told high school students and recent graduates at NorthWest Arkansas Community College this week.

"Ordinary people have extraordinary lives when they follow their dreams," said Kitchen, college vice president for learner support services.

At A Glance (w/logo)

Summer Program

This is the third year NorthWest Arkansas Community College has hosted its Learning, Improvement, Fun and Empowerment program. Students from Bentonville, Rogers, Springdale, Pea Ridge, Arkansas Arts Academy, Farmington, and Fayetteville participated in the three-day program.

Source: Staff Report

Kitchen was one of several speakers during the college's LIFE summer program this week.

"LIFE stands for Learning, Improvement, Fun and Empowerment, and that's what I hope (the students) leave with," said Codie Ryan, global communities assistant director.

The three-day program is used to encourage high school students to pursue higher education, Ryan said. Most attendees will be the first generation in their family to attend college. Many have the emotional support at home, but don't have the guidance to navigate the college process.

The program began Tuesday and ends today. Sessions included lessons about financial aid, scholarships, the application process and what college life is like. Motivational speakers encouraged students to set goals and affirmed their ability to achieve them. There were games and team building activities, as well.

Kitchen told of overcoming a childhood of poverty and being the first in his family to graduate college. His message connected with Ximena Vargas, a recent Springdale High School graduate.

"He had his struggles just like I have mine, so anything is possible," she said.

Vargas has eight siblings. Her parents moved to Springdale from Mexico in 2000 to pursue a better life and future for their children, she said. Vargas was 5 years old at the time.

Vargas said she plans to get an associate degree from the college then transfer to the University of Arkansas to get a bachelor's degree in social work.

"I'm the first (in her family) to graduate from high school, and hopefully I'll be the first to graduate from college," she said.

Vargas was one of about 130 students who attended this year's program, Ryan said.

Students are divided into teams ranging from 15 to 35 per group and lead by a mentor who is a current student at the college. Many mentors have gone through the program, Ryan said.

The mentors recruit students for the program and work with them in high school and during the summer program.

"They're really the key to the LIFE program," Ryan said.

Jesus Monter was one of seven mentors this year and also was a founding member of the program. He graduated from the college in 2013 and now studies marketing at the University of Arkansas.

Higher education empowers people to make decisions in their life rather than letting life happen to them, he said.

"I've had different students that thought they couldn't go to college, but after this program, they're enrolled," Monter said.

It's heartwarming to see students and their parents realize that higher education is available, he said. He's seen parents cry with gratefulness.

"They tell you, 'Thanks to you, I can see my son going to college,'" Monter said.

Xanat Nissenson and Janelle Rice, recent Bentonville High School graduates, knew they wanted to attend college and will be the first in their families to do so.

Nissenson is enrolled at the college and plans to later transfer to the University of Arkansas to study communications. Rice is enrolled at the University of Arkansas to study math and business.

Rice said she's enjoyed connecting with others at the program. Everyone is in a similar situation, she said.

"It's just really encouraging," she said.

Both said they recommend the program to other high school students.

"When it comes to education, you have to be selfish and put yourself first," Nissenson said. "If not, you're not going to get anything done."

NW News on 07/03/2014

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