Colleges / Campus scene : FULLERTON : Taking Education to the Streets

Enrique (Kiki) Zuniga goes to high schools, elementary schools, junior highs, prisons and neighborhood garages to push people into thinking about college degrees and bettering their lives and communities.

The 21-year Fullerton College counselor and education instructor said he is always teaching others to become teachers--in his classroom, his office or wherever he finds a need for his message: “Aim to make a difference in society.”

“The need is out there,” said Zuniga, 56, who decided to become a teacher in 1969. “If more people would donate some of their time to help others, maybe we could eliminate some of the problems that face us, like gangs and homelessness.”

One of Zuniga’s students, Jimmy Ramos, credits Zuniga for inspiring him to open a makeshift school in front of his Fullerton home, where he offers free English classes to his neighbors and anyone who wants to learn.

Ramos said the school has given him a great sense of satisfaction and accomplishment because his students tell him they are learning a valuable skill that is helping them earn better jobs and increase their self-confidence.

“I’m doing this because when I came here, I knew no one and the only person who helped me was Kiki. He believed in me, and now I want to help others in return,” said Ramos, who emigrated from Mexico several years ago, arriving in Fullerton with health problems, no job, no home and no money.

When he was at his lowest, Ramos said, Zuniga instilled a desire to keep going and gave him determination. “This man gives everyone he knows the will to strive for a better life.”

Zuniga, who was forced to attend a racially segregated elementary school in La Habra 45 years ago, was recently honored by Fullerton College and its students for his dedication to his job and the time he spends as an unpaid “inspiration builder.”

“[He] is one of the most dedicated educators I’ve ever met. He carries the torch, lighting the way to success,” said college President Vera M. Martinez. “He is most generous and devoted to helping young and old people realize their potential.”

Jerry Padilla, a longtime colleague and ethnic-studies instructor, said, “Kiki always thinks of the students first. He always puts the students ahead of his own career. That’s why they think so highly of him. They know he’s a good, good person.”

--COMPILED BY MIMI KO CRUZ