NAME:
Mark Demers

AGE:
27

HOMETOWN:
Wilimington, CA

MAJOR:
Medical Imaging

LBCC ORGANIZATIONS, CLUBS OR SPORTS AFFILIATIONS:
Supplemental Instruction 

 

Q: How long have you attended LBCC?

A: About two years.

 

Q: Why did you decide to attend LBCC?

A: Originally, I was interested in nursing but then I learned about the DMI program and it felt like a better fit. I went to L.A. Harbor College, L.A. City College and then here just to get a feel for which would be the best place. The LBCC area is great, especially on the Liberal Arts Campus. There is a very warm atmosphere here compared to the other colleges, which felt a little more clinical and isolating which I didn’t think would be good if you’re going into the medical field.

Q: What were your expectations when coming to LBCC?

A: I thought I was better prepared to jump right back into school, but I quickly learned I needed to reevaluate my study habits.

 

Q: What does LBCC mean to you?

A: It means new opportunities. Not just possible employment or degrees, but in every facet of life. 

 

Q: Who is your role model?

A: My grandfather is the type of person I aspire to be, and Terry Pratchett is the type of human I aspire to be. There is a distinction there, but maybe only in my brain. 

My grandfather always had persistence, despite huge life setbacks. He was born into poverty and was sort of a self-made man. There is something extremely admirable about that. He has always been extremely positive despite those setbacks, which is something that I struggle with. It’s easy to become discouraged when something comes into your path. So that’s something I’ve tried to take from him and synthesize into my own life and personality.

I think Terry Pratchett’s outlook on life is wonderful. It was intelligent and erudite while still retaining a sense of humor, which I think is hard to do. When you are able to point out society’s flaws like he does in his satirical works, yet still be like it’s OK despite those things, it’s refreshing. It’s not something you see in literature too much anymore. It’s more cynical now. I think it’s easy to be cynical. It’s hard to be positive.

 

Q: What is your biggest passion?

A: It sounds kind of corny but education. Not always in an academic setting. Sometimes the best education comes from experience or independent learning. I read a lot and am always looking for some new concept to understand. 

 

Q: In what way have you made an impact at LBCC?

A: In my time as a Supplemental Instruction leader, I have seen students who were ready to quit or accept failure, completely turn it around and find their own passion for learning. Being able to help foster that in my own small way is important. 

 

Q: How has LBCC shaped you into your best self?

A: I found a new confidence in public speaking. I am the quiet guy in the back of the class typically, but my experience as a Supplemental Instruction leader has helped me develop my verbal skills in ways I never anticipated. 

 

Q: What advice would you have for new LBCC students?

A: Use all the resources at your disposal. There are so many amazing programs and departments around campus that go underutilized. Like the tutoring centers and classes like Computer & Office Studies Application Software (the COSA series) that help people with how to use the programs on the computer to take advantage of their classes. We have Student Health Services centers so if someone has a headache they can go and get Tylenol or Motrin and they are ready to go. They can also get checked out for certain things.

There are so many opportunities on campus to improve one’s education that students don’t know about, or they know about but don’t make the effort to use. I think that’s a problem. We have students with disabilities who don’t go to Disabled Students Programs & Services (DSP&S) and get the assistance they could use. Letting students know those things exist goes a long way.

 

Q: If there is one thing LBCC has taught you, what would it be?

A: To take ownership of my education. I am responsible for the value I get from my time in school. 

 

Q: Where do you see yourself in the future?

A: Working in the medical field and continuing a lifelong dedication to education.

 

Q: What is one thing you would change about your experience here at LBCC?

A: I would like to be more active in the extracurricular activities the campus has to offer, like the clubs or organizations, but I never find the time.

 

Q: What are your professional goals?

A: To work in medicine and eventually work in education. I think the two are not mutually exclusive. 

 

Q: What do you plan to do after you leave LBCC?

A: I plan to start working and preparing for more advanced degrees and certifications.