Behind the Scenes at Yuba College: What You Don’t Know

Over the past month, I’ve had the privilege of visiting both the Woodland Community College and Yuba College campuses to find out what I don’t know, and what an eye-opening and inspiring experience it has been! Interacting with faculty and students has been nothing short of amazing, and I’m more hopeful than ever for the future of our current and upcoming generations. During my time on campus, I witnessed firsthand the passion and drive of our students and professors alike. I'm truly encouraged by the talent and enthusiasm that fills the halls of our colleges every day.

One of the highlights of my visit was attending a Creative Writing class at the Woodland Campus. It was so refreshing to see students and their professor engage in such open, respectful dialog about short stories, with each person sharing their unique perspectives. The diversity of thought was incredible, and it was encouraging to witness the students approach literature with an openness that made the entire discussion come alive. It’s this type of environment, where different viewpoints are not just accepted but celebrated, that makes learning so enriching.

I also had the chance to attend a Botany class and a Criminal Investigations class at the Marysville Campus. Let me tell you, I had an absolute blast! In the Criminal Investigations class, I was volunteered to participate in an interactive simulation that mimicked real-life law enforcement scenarios. It was an eye-opening experience, and the students had so much fun while learning! This kind of hands-on learning tool is exactly what helps students connect theory to practice in such a meaningful way. And the Botany class? I was in my element! With a three-hour lab, it could have been a long session, but it flew by in the blink of an eye. The students were so engaging and open to sharing their thoughts on how we can improve the campus experience, and I couldn’t help but admire their passion for the subject and their education.

The most powerful part of my visits was the candid conversations I had with the students. They shared insightful feedback on what we can do to improve, and also expressed their deep appreciation for the faculty and resources available to them. Their voices are invaluable, and I’m grateful to have learned from their perspectives. That’s what makes these visits so meaningful—understanding where we can do better to create an even stronger and more supportive environment for our students and faculty. Your input matters, and I truly want to hear from you!

I want to extend my gratitude to Union President Travis Smith for being so welcoming and open during my visits to the campuses, as well as to the professors who so graciously allowed me to step into their classrooms. Your support in letting me engage with both students and faculty has been invaluable. The opportunity to witness firsthand the dynamic learning environments you’ve all worked so hard to create has been an incredibly enriching experience. I appreciate your willingness to share these experiences with me and your commitment to fostering a culture of openness, collaboration, and growth. The Administration and the faculty’s dedication to their students and their craft is evident in every classroom I have been to, and I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to learn from all of you. Your combined efforts make the Yuba Community College District a place where students can thrive, and I look forward to continuing our work together to support and enhance the educational experience for everyone.

Next, I’m excited to visit the Lake County Campus and continue this journey of learning and growth. I’m incredibly proud to work alongside such a talented group of educators, administrators, and students, and I am more committed than ever to making our Yuba Community College Family the best it can be. Whether you're a faculty member, student, parent, or community member, I encourage you to reach out. Let’s work together to make a difference and create the best possible educational experience for everyone involved! Your voice can shape the future—let’s connect and keep the conversation going!

Contact: jgarcia2@yccd.edu