Looking Beyond the Present Instructors reminisce on their time as City College students
By VERONICA GAETA The term “Millennial” describes a generation of people born plugged into technology. It defines a society brought up to believe that they could accomplish and succeed in anything that they set their minds on. This demographic has different characteristics from previous generations. Millenials are drawn to culturally diverse environments and are tightly scheduled multi-taskers. In this generation’s lifetime, they are predicted to have up to eight different careers, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics http://bls.gov/nls. It’s no wonder. Millenials were raised in a country cultivated from a society that strongly believes in education as a requirement. They also have the benefit of having more highly educated parents than previous generations. In light of these facts, it makes sense that the carefully chosen path is not always the path taken. It is easy to see how a student can decide to change their career path or to drop out of college completely when faced with the pressures of satisfying society. The rising cost of a college education and the natural daily trials and tribulations of life can be oppressive. According to a study from Harvard University, nearly half of the students who enter U.S. colleges and universities drop out before receiving their desired degree. “Education at a Glance”, a report done by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, lists graduation rates within the United States as last among 18 other countries. In comparison, Japan has an 89 percent graduation rate, and Poland a 61 percent graduation rate, which may be an eye-opening statistic for some. With rumors of educational funding in jeopardy, one thing remains clear: support for education is crucial for the future of the United States as a powerful nation. Attend any class at San Diego City College, and inspiring people are not hard to find. Former students of San Diego City College have their own stories about overcoming adversity. They understand what it is like to walk in the shoes of a full-time student and employee, and know firsthand what it is to be a wife, a mother, a husband or father, all while attending school. From student to coach Take a stroll around the campus and over to the athletics department. There, students can meet Aaron Detty, the head baseball coach for the San Diego City College Knights. “It has always been a lifelong desire of mine to become a teacher and help people,” Detty said. Detty began attending San Diego City College in 2000 and graduated in 2002 with an associate degree in Selected Studies. To further his education, he continued at UC San Diego, where he received a bachelor’s degree, then transferred to Azusa Pacific University, where he received his Master of Science in Physical Education. In 2009, he was hired as an adjunct professor at San Diego City College. Detty currently teaches Applied Kinesiology, Individual Conditioning, Aerobic and Core Conditioning and Weight
Photo by DONNA MARANTO
Coach Aaron Detty motivates his students during a talk on Nov. 20.
Training. Detty is also a certified personal trainer. “I have always been determined and have had a passion for teaching and loved school,” Detty said. He reminds students at City College to “look beyond the present” circumstances and realize that an “education opens doors and creates opportunity.” While the nation’s recession is causing layoffs and devastating downsizing, America’s middle-aged and older generations are re-entering or just beginning college. The United States Department of Education revealed that in 2010, 25 percent of students nationwide are over the age of 30. It is reasonable to believe that there could be fears associated with returning to college at an older age. All fears aside, City College students are surrounded by those who have broken those barriers.
See Beyond, page 12 Winter - Spring 2014 | Legend
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