Q: Could you introduce yourself? 

A: Hi everyone! My name is Flor Vargas (she/hers). I am a Southwest Studies major with a Chicanx/Latinx studies minor. I participated in the Bridge program my first year, and have been a mentor for the last three. 

Q: How did you learn about the Bridge Scholars Program?

A: I learned about the Bridge Program through the fly-in program that CC offers. They fly out low-income people of color to come tour the school. Through this experience, I learned about the resources that are provided for first-generation, low-income students like myself. I am really thankful for this experience as I got to see what CC was like prior to deciding to come here.  

Q: Why did you choose to participate in the Bridge Scholars Program?

A: I am the first in my family to attend college, so I really wanted as much preparation as possible. Also, when I visited CC through the fly-in program my host and I really connected. She talked about the friends and experiences she had through Bridge and highly recommend it. 

Q: How did the Bridge Scholars Program help your transition to college and your first-year here at CC?

A: I think the Bridge Scholars Program did a great job of preparing me academically and socially for my life at CC. Academically, it prepared me for the amount of homework we had every night. The professors really emphasized the importance of collaboration between students. They also talked about the social scene on campus and this ultimately really helped me find my place on campus. I will always cherish the meaningful relationships I created through the Bridge Scholars Program. 

Q: As a Bridge Mentor, what are your relationships with your mentees like? How have your experiences in Bridge and being an underrepresented student here influenced your mentorship with them?

A: I think as a Bridge mentor, you take turns wearing many hats. You serve as a mentor, a financial aid assistant, a tax accountant, a chauffeur, a crying shoulder, an advocate, and most importantly a friend. I think that CC is such a unique place with its distinct challenges and the relationships you build with each mentee are one of a kind. I think sharing certain lived experiences such as being low-income, first-generation, and a student of color really helps this program create everlasting bonds. 

Q: What were some of your most memorable experiences as a Bridge student and Bridge mentor?

A: As a Bridge student, one of my favorite memories was meeting past Bridge students. They would usually invite you to lunch or dinner. It was nice knowing that other peers had experienced some of the same feelings. I really loved how much of a community I was able to build through this program. As a mentor, I think helping any mentee through a stressful situation is really rewarding. As someone who also went through the program, it can be incredibly overwhelming and stressful. For a lot of people, it's their first time being away from home and transitioning into the adult world.  

Q: What is a piece of advice you would want students to know as they are considering participating in BSP?

A: Doing the Bridge Scholars Program really sets you up for success! I cannot recommend the program enough. It helps you find your people and familiarizes you with the resources available on campus.