Resourceful. Independent. Strong.
Jovan Moreira, a 26- year-old culinary arts major, is going onto his eighth consecutive year at Mt. SAC and is determined to receive his certificate.
Moreira was born and raised in Compton, California up until he was eight-years-old. He then relocated to La Puente, California with his foster family, and at age 14 he was diagnosed with post traumatic stress disorder and visual processing disorder.
Moreira never let his diagnosis define him and continued to work hard at school and use school resources to help support his academic career.
Mt. SAC’s Next Up/REACH program, which aims to connect with foster youth students and aid them while they pursue their careers, has been a big help to Moreira.
“The REACH program has good connections and resources because they give me new information and have events for us to talk to each other,” Moreira said.
The Next Up/REACH program offers services such as counseling, technology loans, housing assistance and much more. Moreira takes advantage of their academic counseling services, free school supplies and priority registration.
While the Next up/REACH program helps Moreira academically, the Center for Black Culture & Student Success Center helps him feel more connected to his peers on campus.
“I feel safe and welcomed when I go to CBCSS. I have made a lot of friends there since I first started school,” Moreira said.
The community and events at CBCSS is part of the reason why he chooses to persevere through all of his hardships and is patiently waiting until it is his turn to receive his certification.
The ACESS program provides counseling and accommodations for students with disabilities, and is also Moreira’s favorite program.
“It really helps me continue my path and reach my goals.They give me progress reports and more time on tests,” Moreira said.
The provided accommodations are key factors in why Moreira feels confident going to class. The extended time given to him during midterms and finals, provides him peace of mind knowing he will be able to turn in his tests successfully.
Moreira’s academic career at Mt. SAC is nothing short of inspiring. The perseverance, grit and honesty he continues to demonstrate each semester is truly admirable.
As Moreira reflects on his time at Mt SAC, he is appreciative of all the available resources and how easily accessible it is.
“I like the good people at Mt. SAC who have helped me and I know I can do anything I put my mind to as long as I pray,” Moreira said.
