FULLERTON : Students Study College’s Offerings

A taste of life at Fullerton College on Wednesday persuaded Gabriela Calderon to apply for admission.

The 18-year-old Anaheim High School student joined hundreds of other Orange County high school seniors at the college, where they toured the campus and learned what courses, activities, clubs and services are available.

“I always wanted to go to college, but I didn’t think I could because I thought it would be too hard to get it or cost too much,” said Calderon, who plans to sign up for Fullerton College’s Police Academy. “Now I know I can come here because there’re counselors who will help me pick my classes, and it’s only $13 a unit.”

Ody Ommanney, 18, of Troy High School in Fullerton, said he was amazed to learn how many courses the college teaches.

“They offer so much, it’s crazy,” he said. “They have the tiniest little subject to the most complicated. I’m going to come here next year because I want to be an audio technician and they have the courses for it.”

The high school students, many of whom said they will attend Fullerton College in the fall because of its closeness to home, were treated to a musical tribute to rock ‘n’ roll by one of the campus performing dance troupes, a hot dog picnic and a pep talk by students and faculty.

“If you’re ready for Fullerton (College), definitely, we are ready for you,” Fullerton College President Vera Martinez told the high school students. “All this college asks is for you to be ready to be who you want to be. . . . Know that you’re bright, know that you’re curious and know that you matter, because you do.”

A panel of college students gave advice on succeeding on campus and encouraged the seniors to join clubs and become involved in student government.

“It’s pretty nice here,” said student leader Herbert Alamo. “You don’t have anybody to tell you what to do, but you have to be responsible and have self-determination.”