Girls Inc. provides taste of Vanguard

Christine Carrillo

Stepping onto the Vanguard University campus and walking into the

open arms of its students, faculty and administrators, a group of

girls from Girls Inc. of Orange County got a taste of what the

Christian college is all about.

Seventeen students from Costa Mesa and Estancia high schools spent

Wednesday at the school, during their spring break, as part of Girls

Inc.’s ongoing efforts to “encourage girls to take risks and master

physical, intellectual and emotional challenges.”

For the second year in a row, Vanguard hosted a career day

specially established for the Girls Inc. youth. University officials

educated them about their collegiate opportunities at Vanguard and

elsewhere, as well as the best way to get there.

“They had the opportunity to see that going to college is

multifaceted and not just about academia,” said Rosanne Freilich,

director of the university’s career center. “I think it’s nice that

we can do these partnership activities with the community. ... It

really gives them a feel for what this campus is about.”

Starting off their day with morning chapel and a performance by

the Vanguard orchestra, the girls continued their visit with a tour

of the campus, lunch with students in the dining commons and ended

with an informative presentation by administrators, faculty and

students touching on all aspects of college life.

“The most important thing [about college] is that where you’re

happy is where you’re supposed to be,” said Soha Heidari, a sophomore

at Vanguard. “You guys are going to be more than just somebody. Don’t

let anyone stop you. Don’t let money stop you.”

The goal of college day, hosted by Vanguard’s career center and

women’s caucus, is to show local students the real possibilities that

lie before them while erasing some of the misconceptions they may

have that might deter them from continuing their education.

“It’s important for them to prepare for their future,” said Orleda

Roa, Girls Inc. volunteer coordinator for community outreach. “We’re

trying to give them [information] they may not get at school or they

may not get at home. We’re trying to help them get there.”

And for some of the young girls, the efforts of the university and

the organization were a success.

“When I came, it really opened my eyes,” said 15-year-old Carmen

Navarrete, a Costa Mesa High sophomore. “I hope to be here in two

years.”