EDDIE ARRANGO Age 32
Eddie entered GCC out of high school where he was an “at risk” student.
Admittedly, he was unfocused and distracted. He failed many classes, and was
dismissed five times. He finally became interested in real estate, returning
to GCC to earn a certificate in that program and spent the next six years
working mostly with foreclosures and then switching to commercial real
estate. He finally realized that without a college degree, he had reached a
ceiling in his career. He returned to GCC in ’01, retaking all the courses
he had previously failed. This time, with the dedication to succeed, he
started earning A’s. With the encouragement of GCC counselor Kevin Meza,
Eddie was asked to serve as president of the newly reorganized OLHE
(Organization of Latinos for Higher Education) on campus. He is responsible
for establishing a “buddy” program for high school kids, as well as outreach
for “at risk” youths. His hope was to provide mentorship for other students
that he unfortunately lacked years earlier.
Eddie completed his A.A. at GCC, juggling raising a family, working, and
pulling a full academic load. He transferred to USC in Fall ’03, entering a
3-year program to earn his B.A. and Masters in Policy and Planning. He still
works with real estate in his “spare” time. His future plans are to work in
the private sector, possibly consulting for best use and economic
redevelopment projects. Eddie says that it took him 12 years to become
focused, and considers himself fortunate that GCC kept the (revolving) door
open for him.
|
