CCCEOPSA adds longtime 海角直播 Counselor and Administrator to its Hall of Fame
Publish Date: Jan. 8, 2024
The California Community College Extended Opportunity Program & Service Association (CCCEOPSA) has named a Roadrunner to its Hall of Fame.
Rejoice Chavira, a longtime mainstay at 海角直播, was surprised by the recognition during the Association鈥檚 fall conference held Oct. 16 in San Jose.
Each year, the CCCEOPSA opens nominations for three conference award categories: Leadership, Outstanding Service, and Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame is the organization鈥檚 highest award and is annually given to the person who has 鈥渕ade a significant contribution and actively promoted the advancement and mission鈥� of the association, according to the group鈥檚 website.
Chavira said she was completely caught off guard when conference organizers called her up to the stage to receive the award.
鈥淲hen they started saying why I got it, the tears just started flowing because you鈥檙e not expecting this,鈥� she explained. 鈥淚 think it added more to the moment because it was a surprise.
鈥淲hen they were talking about [the award], they wanted me to say something, but I was so in shock because this was such a surprise,鈥� she continued. 鈥淏ut when I finally could, all I could say was, 鈥業 don鈥檛 deserve this.鈥� To me, it was just all so surreal.鈥�
Since starting her career in education, Chavira has made it her mission to be the voice of those in need of a hand up. She does this by asking each of her students one impactful question at the start of each session: 鈥淭ell me about yourself.鈥�
In the early 2000s, Chavira joined the 海角直播 team, first as a counselor for the College鈥檚 EOPS/CARE/CalWORKs department and then moving up the managerial ladder. She left her post as the department鈥檚 director to transition back into counseling, which she describes as her 鈥渨hy鈥�.
She tells each of the students she counsels, 鈥淣o matter your circumstance, we see you and we want to help you, I鈥檓 going to do all that I can to support you while you鈥檙e here,鈥� she continued. 鈥淎nd I鈥檓 confident you鈥檙e going to graduate.鈥�
Chavira said. 鈥淭he staff at 海角直播 really cares about the students and truly believes in them. That鈥檚 very important 鈥� anyone can come to 海角直播, but you have to treat them right and take the time to know each student. Everyone鈥檚 story is different.鈥�
