Interviewing Melissa Zuniga

What's your name?

  My name is Melissa Zuniga

Tell me about your background.

  Well I go to Oxnard College, I'm the youngest of three, I'm the only girl, and I have lived in Oxnard all my life. I visited Italy and France instead of having a Quinceanera. My dad had a soccer team and he took them there to train, so I went along.

What motivates you to attend college?

   My family motivates me. I have two older brothers both with Bachelor's, and my parents also graduated college, so I come from a college family.

 What is your current schedule like?

   I go to school Monday through Thursday in the mornings, Wednesday nights, and I work Monday through Fridays 12-6.

 How do you balance family, school and work?

   Well I spend time with the family on weekends, I go to school in the mornings, I go to work right after and I go to school in the night Wednesdays.

Do you have a mentor or a role model in your life?

   My eldest brother is my role model. He went from Oxnard College, to San Diego State, to CalStateUniverityCI in five years.

How would you describe yourself in three words?

  Outgoing, organized, and friendly.

   

 Where do you see yourself in ten or five years?

   In ten years I see myself with my Master's working in a high school as a teacher in the East Coast.

What's your "motto" or philosophy for succeeding in school?

   Work hard, play later. In the end it will all be worth it.

What specific things about Oxnard College do you like?

   I like that everyone is focused with their studies compared to Ventura College. Over there it is like high school all over again, everyone is concerned about this and that, but not in their own studies.

What are some areas at the college you think could be improved?

   Everything except for the new buildings.

In what ways does your culture influence your decision to come to college?

   It makes me want to get an education. You go to fast food places and all you see are the Latinos doing all the hard labor, and I don't like that.

What's been the biggest surprise about your college experience?

   My biggest surprise is that time goes on by really fast.

Do you have anything you'd like to add to this interview?

   Umm, thanks for your time.