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Student Perspective
ACE puts a special emphasis on developing leadership qualities in students. In fact, substantial parts of the curriculum came from corporate leadership training. Students who have graduated from ACE cohorts are participating in clubs, engaging in community service activities, and emerging as leaders on campus. We invite our ACE partner colleges to send us stories and photos of ACE alumni who are using these leadership qualities for good works at your college and in your local communities.
An interview with Charlotte Achen , former ACE student elected President of Cabrillo College Student Senate
“Enrolling in ACE was one of the best decisions I've ever made.”
- Charlotte Achen, ACE alumni
I have always been very shy and I had trouble going to school. I was kicked out of high school for lack of attendance. At that point, the future didn't seem too bright.
In Fall 2002, I entered an alternative charter school on the Cabrillo College campus. I received support there, and despite relapses of depression, they helped me graduate high school in 2005. I enrolled immediately into college, but I soon became overwhelmed. I remember needing to write a theory in a paper, but I had no idea what a theory was! I dropped out of my classes, but not knowing there was a process to follow, my transcript now has a set of W's to remind me of this time in my life. At that point I had lost confidence and did not want to return to school. It took another two years to heal and begin to rebuild myself.
In 2007 I returned to Cabrillo and with the help of the folks at Disabled Student Services, I chose a Psychology of Success class. I set small, reasonable goals and I made it through! However, I soon realized it would not work to just take a few limited types of classes, so when I discovered the DBA program (now called ACE) I decided to enroll. Enrolling in ACE was one of the best decisions I've ever made.
I was hesitant at the start of the Foundation Course because the commitment to 9-hour days for 2 weeks required a kind of endurance that was unheard of for me at that time. The intense "College Boot-Camp" has really stuck with me, to this day. During the ACE program, something began to light inside of me. When we did the project where students with the same learning style got together to create a presentation, I suddenly became assertive and wanted to have my input. Overcoming my shyness has been a constant struggle, but that was a turning point for me and I began to ask questions and participate whenever there was the chance.
When it came time to present the final social justice research project in front of 30-40 people, I remember how surprised all the students were at how I seemed so confident and didn’t show a hint of nervousness, though of course I was nervous. It really shocked my family to see how far I'd come. What I discovered from this experience was that I enjoyed speaking in front of groups. A fire was lit inside me and I realized I had a need to help other people.
Before the semester ended, I applied and was accepted into Cabrillo’s Honors Transfer Program, which meant I could take more advanced classes. I also joined the honor society, Alpha Gamma Sigma. I became involved in every possible activity I could find, logging more than 100 hours of volunteer service. Everything I had learned during ACE was beginning to take root and grow.
I took on the role of VP of Fundraising for the club and the leadership skills I learned in ACE started to mature. By the end of this semester, I had been elected president of the chapter and threw myself into many new challenges, including pushing myself to overcome my shyness. I really began to shine.
As president of Alpha Gamma Sigma, I learned the ins-and-outs of being a student leader and built more endurance. Some days I would start school at 8 a.m. and not get home until 8 p.m., even though my classes ended by noon. I ran weekly executive board meetings and a general meeting that had around 40-50 students attending every week. This really tested my abilities to communicate. I feel good about how I helped improve that organization. I also joined the Puente club, the National Society for Leadership and Success, and I helped other clubs in need. People wonder how I balanced my homework, honors courses, and club business. From the ACE program I learned time management skills and the importance of prioritizing. I also learned not to procrastinate!
I began to think about what was possible for my next challenge and received encouragement to run for president of the Associated Students of Cabrillo College, to represent the entire student body. At first I didn’t know if I was up for the job but I sought a mentor and started planning for the campaign. To get students to vote, I used all the time management, communication, and persuasion skills I had learned in the past 4 years. In the end, 1100 votes were cast with 61% in my favor, and I became student body president for this year!
The responsibility on my shoulders is huge, and as of writing this, I don't think I have fully come to terms with the duties I am taking on. As the direct representative of the students, I am making sure I become knowledgeable about what is going on at Cabrillo so I can advocate for the students at every opportunity. During this summer, I met with college administrators and began gathering as much information as possible. Members of the Student Senate met and created the goals and schedule for the coming year. We were really fortunate to get to attend a retreat led by ACE founder, Diego Navarro where we learned about our working styles and how we could communicate better with one another. As a result, we started this year more prepared and connected. Soon after the semester started, we met with students during Welcome Week and learned about their interests so we can voice students’ concerns as much as possible during the entire year!
The past nine years of my life have been a roller coaster. Despite my struggles, I have increased my sociability by 10-fold. I am still shy when not speaking with a group, but the path has smoothed out somewhat. My major is sociology, and after Cabrillo I dream to go to either Stanford or Berkley. Beyond college, I see myself in a role where I help others. This part of my life will become clear as time goes by. I know that in life, you never know what road you'll be taken down, but as long as you steer yourself back to a path that matters to you, the possibilities will be endless.
--Charlotte Achen
President of the Associated Students of Cabrillo College
You can read more at: www.cabrillo.edu/associations/studentsenate/index.html
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Andres Medina-Huezo
“I saw I was worthwhile and I could do something for myself and family… I didn’t know that I had that. [ACE] gave me the opportunity for me to grow personally and learn what I’m good at… I’m learning how to be a strong leader.”
Martha Naranjo
“I don’t know why or how but in that short period of time I felt like staying in school. I actually felt like I was someone… My mom said, ‘I see something different in you.’”
Carlos Anaya
“It’s like a family. When I finished with the program, I was more prepared to go on. I wasn’t as scared.”
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Philotheos Allison
“I thought, ‘I could use this… I need to readjust and reincorporate myself into college.’”
Tenzin Lama
“People say the first week in ACE is intense but the first weeks in the monastery are much more intense…”
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Andrew Martinez
“I had to create my own future and way here. It’s a tough thing to do in the States because there are so many traps for a young guy.”