Ryan Schwantner Success Story

When Ryan first started at the Career Center of Big Bear in 2012, he had a lot on his plate. His girlfriend was four months pregnant and because of this new development; many problems arose at home, he didn’t have a stable job and needed to move on towards the next chapter in his life. 

Ryan fought through the hard times and completed Customer Service, Computer Skills and Financial Freedom, along with many Life Skill projects which helped him in his future jobs and personal financial issues. He maintained great attendance and gave everything his all. He has and continues to go above and beyond  to provide a great example of himself for his child to look up to. Ryan is bettering his life, and in turn, bettering his family’s life.

Mr. Schwantner is now working four stable jobs. He works at the Bowling Barn and The Fun Plex as a Game  and Computer Mechanic, employed at Far Sight Studios as a game tester, and is also working at West Coast Amusement as a Contract and Vending Tech.  Fueled by his passion of graphic design, he is able to work in an environment he loves. His dream jobs enable him to be able to provide for his growing family, which is now a family of four. He has two sons, four stable jobs, a home to call his own, and a broadening career path. This is Ryan’s version of success.

-Dezi Guillen

Small town, big dreams, & success!

Success Story: Michelle Lopez

Michelle Lopez is a Barstow Native that has achieved great success. Lopez has been working at both Barstow Community College and Barstow High School for more than ten years. Lopez graduated from Barstow High School however she didn’t attend Barstow Community College until several years later after she met with a counselor from Barstow Community College. He encouraged her to get a degree from and transfer to Park University once she received her degree. Lopez then went off to receive a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Psychology from Park University and a Master’s Degree in School Counseling from the University of La Verne. As soon as she obtained her Master’s she was hired by Barstow High School and then got hired by Barstow Community College when the started a summer outreach program for high school students. 

I then asked Lopez what her definition of success was and she replied, “Achieving the goals one sets for themselves and enjoying the end results. I enjoy what I do on a daily basis, which is helping students succeed and reach their goals!”

I honestly believe that Ms. Lopez’s story is a great one to share because, she pursued her dreams and was able to give back to the schools that helped her along the way. She is proof that just because you live in a small town doesn’t mean you can’t dream big and be successful.

"I know I will be there soon..."

Success Story: Janette Cuevas

(Cuevas and her two children)

This month I decided to choose someone I knew personally as my success story. This is Janette Cuevas, my cousin. Who just enrolled into our High School Completion program. Janette grew up as the only girl in a family of five so, she was constantly competing with the boys in her family. Janette started working full time at the age of fifth-teen to help pay bills around the house. However, it took a toll on her education. Soon after she started working, she dropped out of High School. Janette then went to work in the fast food industry, she also worked the reception desk at a local hotel, and even interned at a local radio station. She then started working at a local Chipotle Restaurant. In 2011, Janette gave birth to a handsome little boy by the name of Mason, then in 2013 gave birth to another handsome little boy by the name of Ian. Janette is now the manager of the Chipotle Restaurant she works in. However, she feels that not having her High School diploma is holding her back. This and her children have empowered her to go back to school and get her diploma so they could have and live a better life.

When I asked Janette what her meaning of success was she replied, “Success to me is being happy with those you love. I’m happy, but I am not yet where I want to be in life but I know I will be there soon to make a better life for myself and my two little boys!”

"Bridge to College Success!"

Bridge to College Success!

(Instructors and Students for Bridge Program 2014, Image Source:Barstow Community College Official Facebook )

Earlier this month Barstow Community College started its annual Bridge to College Success Program for recent graduates and/or graduating high school seniors in their service area that plan on attending Barstow Community College. The Bridge Program is designed to give an insight and prepare student for their first semester at Barstow Community College. During the program student's take various workshops to prepare them for college-level classes. I personally believe this program is a wonderful opportunity for student's! It not only prepares them educationally but it also prepares them for a different type of educational environment.