This content was published: September 8, 2005. Phone numbers, email addresses, and other information may have changed.
Monica Garcia, transfer student, Portland State University
Photos and story by James Hill
Monica Adriana Garcia is working on her master’s degree at Portland State University in early childhood education. When Garcia came to Portland from Bogota, Columbia in 1992, she enrolled as an international student in PCC’s early childhood education program and business administration. She said it was the college’s friendly atmosphere for international students that steered her to PCC.
“I think PCC is a great education,” said Garcia. “It sets a high standard and the instructors are good and the experience was very good. I felt I was able to participate in different areas with international clubs, such as coordinating events. I could have fun and learn at the same time. The environment is open and welcoming. The teachers have time to dedicate to students because the classes weren’t that big.”
As she is completing her master’s degree, Garcia is working as the education coordinator for the Oregon Child Development Coalition. She said it was the small class sizes and personal attention given by her instructors that have helped her succeed.
“I felt a very good connection with the PCC teachers and received great advice on what I needed to do,” said Garcia. “My experience at PCC definitely prepared me for PSU and my job. It is great to get an education with such high standards and being able to get one-on-one attention.”
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About James Hill
James G. Hill, an award-winning journalist and public relations writer, is the Director of Public Relations at Portland Community College. A graduate of Portland State University, James has worked as a section editor for the Newberg Graphic... more »