EARLROY PRIDE June 24, 1997
Since age five I have explored and tried to understand things and events that pertain to my immediate and global environment. Analytically describing myself with words such as rational, precise and intellectual would be a precise, rational and intelligent choice of words. I am optimistic yet cautious, acquisitive yet domineering, introverted yet sociable, extroverted yet modest and impulsive yet reserved.
I was born and raised in Southern California. I have four children ages 10, 6, 3 and 18 months. I graduated from Palo Verde High School in June of 1979, and have worked at various jobs throughout the years.
The Spring semester of 1985 I enrolled at Palo Verde Community College (PVC) and continued on in the Fall. Due to an employment change (promotion) my work schedule conflicted with my existing educational schedule (both full time) I withdrew from school, not knowing I had to formally withdraw I was placed on academic probation. In the Fall of 1988 I petitioned to return to school, and was readmitted. In 1993 I was diagnosed with a severe degenerative joint disorder that will require a partial/total hip replacement.
I enrolled again for the Fall 1995 semester as a full time student working part time as a tutor/note taker for Extended Opportunities Program & Services (EOPS) and Disabled Students Program & Services (DSP&S). In the Spring 1995 I received a letter from the President/Superintendent stating I had achieved an 3.812 GPA which placed me on the Presidents list. Ms. Susan Black, DSP&S Coordinator, coordinated and started the DSP&S Peer Counselor service at the end of the Spring 1996 semester and promoted me to senior Peer Counselor where I have had the opportunity to help my peers and myself achieve our academic goals. The different difficulties that each individual faces in their daily endeavors have me redefining words such as respect, perseverance and character.
I have worked with clients at the Valley Resource Center (VRC) of which PVC offers a course for Developmentally Delayed Learners and have made numerous new friends at VRC. Through many workshops and meetings I have attained enough of a foundation to train new Peer counselors that DSP&S employ. A certificate of Appreciation was presented to me for the efforts above and beyond the call of duty as a DSP&S Peer counselor in September 1996 by Ms. Susan Black.
In the Fall of 1996 the Black Student Union was reactivated and I was selected as interim vice-president. Due to the BSU interim President resigning, I became the BSU interim President. In February I coordinated the cultural activities for Black History/Women Month and helped organize and implement the ABLE club at PVC. The ABLE club, which is an acronym for Advocates for Better Learning Experiences, is dedicated to promoting academic success, accessibility and enrichment towards education and promoting awareness and understanding of events and issues in the disabled community and all students at PVC.
In May of 1997 I had the honor to be one of the speakers at the annual Cinco de Mayo celebration and also participated in an EOPS sponsored parody for their annual District Meeting.
I recently graduated with an A. A. Degree. At the graduation ceremony I was presented with the "Sophomore Man of the Year" award, Lions club scholarship and the first recipient of an ABLE club scholarship.
:
epride@ics.uci.edu