Porterville College Kicks Off BIG Fall Semester with Welcoming Atmosphere
Under bright and sunny skies, the Porterville College campus has come back to life with excitement, new beginnings, and vibrant energy as students returned for the first day of the Fall semester.
Faculty, professors, and staff rolled out the welcome mat across the quad, kicking off a two-week Welcome designed to help both new and returning Pirates feel supported from day one.
Starting early morning on Monday, resource tables and information booths buzzed with activity. Near the parking lot, student worker Andrea Devora and Michelle Miller-Galaz greeted classmates and helped them locate their classrooms. Devora, a sophomore double-majoring in Political Science and Administration of Justice, advised newcomers not to be afraid to ask questions. Miller-Galaz added essential first-day advice: “I suggest they introduce themselves to their professors, and make a friend in class.”
Throughout the quad, students took advantage of essential supplies and guidance. Matthew Aquino and the Student Services team distributed notebooks, highlighters, PC planners, and portable flash drives. Cynthia Morales, pursuing her degree in Hospitality Management, noted how helpful the quad setup was: “These resource tables really take the edge off with all they have to offer.”
The first day brought together a diverse group of students with ambitious goals. Beverly McFarland, a student and mother studying child development, shared her pride in returning to education to do more for herself. Transfer students Ariely Campos and Baola Linares—who is tackling an 18-unit schedule—navigated first-day nerves and excitement side by side. Biology student Rogelio Nunez remarked, “This is a beautiful college and a nice place to be,” while aspiring engineer Angel Santiesteban expressed how impressed he was with the campus atmosphere.
For many, returning for the fall was a celebration of community. Returning students Brandy Booth and Juan Altemarano warmly greeted Fine Arts professors Jackie Buttice and Diran Lyons.
Meanwhile, Luis Gonzalez, a visually impaired political science major, encouraged fellow students to connect with tutors and instructors, noting, “The best way to get up the ladder is to advocate for yourself.” Samantha Singh, an alumna of Granite Hills High School studying Literature and Art, captured the spirit of the day: “I’m really excited to be back on this new journey and make friends.”
As Dr. Clementina Macias, Vice President of Student Services, highlighted, the start of the semester and the ongoing Welcome Week activities are all about making sure students have access to the programs and support they need to thrive. “We are all excited to see them at PC,” she said.
With classes officially underway, the PC community is poised for an inspiring, engaging, and successful semester ahead.
