Transfer Day briefs students on future

A rare opportunity arrived at Contra Costa College on Oct. 9, allowing students the chance to receive and give back at the same time.

Both Transfer Day and the Blood Drive took place on campus with students donating blood to the American Red Cross inside the Recreation Room, and various colleges and universities having tables with information packets set up in the quad outside.

Students planning to transfer were eager to attend Transfer Day to talk to a representative of the college they are interested in attending.

“I checked out Sacramento State,” liberal arts major Kimberly Chao said. “The weather is great (in Sacramento). The campus is diverse and they have majors like psychology and sociology. This (event) is helpful because someone from the schools (is here) to show you what they offer.”

Nursing major Rosa Rustrian checked out Samuel Merritt, San Francisco State and In Roads universities. Rustrain said she specifically looked at San Francisco State University because she previously attended the school and was interested in returning.

“I wanted to get information and see what my options are,” Rustrian said. “You can ask (the representatives) questions and they offer basic stuff.”

Rustrian said Transfer Day helps students who may not be able to find out about these schools on their own.

Tom Johnson, an admissions representative for UC San Diego, said the university was committed to making sure it was well-known and having CCC students know that it is a viable option if they wish to transfer there.

“Lots of people come here with questions,” Johnson said. “People have relatives that live in San Diego. It’s a very popular city so it’s an easy sell.”

San Jose State Admissions Counselor A.J. Lee said the university was looking for a diverse group of students and it wanted them to be prepared and attend its events so students know what the school has to offer.

Lee said he provides information on admissions, majors and what students can do afterward in terms of internships and jobs.

“It’s a really positive environment. Students who have never heard of us come to our table and learn more. They just light up and it’s exciting,” Lee said. “It was a really good turnout. I didn’t know what to expect because I was by myself, but it’s nice to see students are interested.”

While students crowded around tables looking to speak with representatives, other students were inside the Recreation Room helping out the American Red Cross by giving blood.

Nursing major Kaya Hollins, who donated in the past, said it was great for the Blood Drive to be there on campus because it was more convenient for her than having to travel to Oakland where she usually donates blood.

Hollins said she chooses to give blood to help African-Americans who have sickle cell anemia and other diseases.

Jayson Rosa, who is majoring in criminal justice administration, said he has been donating blood for 12 years and through his military experience, he said, blood is constantly needed.

He said his practice is to donate blood not just to help those with diseases, but also soldiers serving abroad.

“(Donating blood) is not just for figuring out diseases. It also helps guys who fight out there,” Rosa said.

“It is a small help I can do. My mindset was to help my fellow men.”

American Red Cross technician Arlene Delfin said the organization had a shortage of blood and CCC helped cover it.

Delfin said, although the turnout was small compared to the high schools they attended, the traffic was still steady.