Eric Shaunce used to ride what was called "Hotel 22," one of the VTA bus lines up El Camino Real that unhoused people would ride at night to stay warm. However, he turned his life around with the help of the VTA bus operator program, and various drug rehabilitation programs.
"I am an educator from Compton, CA who managed to complete degree requirements at a community college, transfer to UCLA, then later pursue graduate study at USC."
"Even though the journey gets hard, remember what you’re doing it for. You’re doing it for yourself. You’re doing it for those that paved the way for you."
"I've been drawn to helping others, especially those who have faced obstacles and/or are learning another language, like many of the students in EOPS."
"I graduated from San Jose State University with a BA and started working at the Santa Clara County Office of Education. Six months later, I accepted a job at Mission College, where I have the opportunity to interact and connect with students who come from diverse backgrounds."
"My journey included the many typical educational paths: that of the immigrant student fighting to assimilate, the disgruntled student rebelling against cultural pressures and expectations, the driven student pursuing education as a means to a better life."