First-generation, non-traditional student Paul Medina was elected by his peers last spring to serve as Associated Student Government (ASG) President for the 2022-2023 academic year. Medina is drawn to advocacy and student leadership and hopes to be a role model by sharing his experiences at Compton College and encouraging other students to get involved. “I want to help shape a more positive narrative that details what an outstanding institution Compton College is today,” he said. “It’s a small, cohesive college where you can connect with the administrators, faculty, and staff, and people get to know you by name.”
A resident of the East Los Angeles area, Medina is a 2004 graduate of Abraham Lincoln High School. He worked for many years in the ambulance industry while attending another community college off and on. At that time, Medina shared his desire to pursue a new career direction with a coworker who recommended he give Compton College a try. Medina eventually enrolled at Compton College in the fall of 2021 to pursue his career goals.
Medina’s current academic focus is African American studies and sociology. He would like to transfer to either Columbia University or Georgetown University, while concurrently enrolling at Howard University, to pursue a bachelor’s degree in computer science with an emphasis in cyber security. He then plans to pursue graduate degrees and attend law school. His career goal is to work in foreign affairs/international relations or another public service field. “I have great interest in cyber security and want to see more people of color represented in this important field,” said Medina. “I believe we need to interrupt the current way of doing things and make these types of careers more accessible to all.”
Earlier this year, Medina was appointed to serve a short term as the Compton Community College District Student Trustee for the spring 2022 semester when the position was left vacant. He wanted to become the student trustee to serve as a representative student advisory voice to the Board of Trustees to help support enrollment management and promote student-centered decision-making. “During the spring semester, I decided to run for ASG President because I realized my work is not done and I have the goal of spreading the word about why Compton College is an excellent choice and encouraging students of all ages to attend to improve their quality of life,” he said.
He chose Compton College for its smaller campus environment and reputation for offering financial and many academic support resources that help students succeed, especially those from historically marginalized communities. “Compton College displays a passion for its students,” he said. “I have participated in many events and activities offered by Compton College that enhance the educational experience and personal growth.” Some of these activities include STEM Center engineering workshops, a summer gateway program at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) Clark Atlanta University, the annual Men of Color Conference, an A2Mend Conference, and a UC and CSU Tour hosted by the Compton College Transfer Center.
“Compton College offers an extremely supportive environment for all of its students and there are many student success stories born at this campus,” said Medina. “I believe, to many people looking from the outside, the City of Compton and the college have an incorrect reputation as a result of negative moments in history. All of my extracurricular leadership efforts both at Compton College and within the community college system are my way of giving back by sharing what a quality college this is, and advocating for improved educational outcomes for all students, especially students of color.”
In 2021, Medina was elected as a regional affairs director with the Student Senate for California Community Colleges, interacting with 14 campuses during a one-year term. This year, he was appointed to serve on the AB 928 Associate Degree for Transfer Intersegmental Implementation Committee for the California Governor’s Office of Planning and Research for a three-year term beginning in August 2022.
About Compton College’s Associated Student Government
Compton College students elect their Associated Student Government (ASG) officers annually. Through weekly meetings that are open to all students, the elected officers coordinate student activities, determine how ASG funds will be allocated, and represent student views on important Compton College issues.
There are currently some positions open on the student council for the 2022-2023 academic year! Compton College students interested in gaining valuable leadership experience are encouraged to email the Office of Student Development (Room R-61) at [email protected], or visit the ASG webpage to apply: http://www.compton.edu/studentservices/student-development/asg/. The eligibility requirements to hold an ASG office include enrollment in 6 or more units, a minimum GPA of 2.0, and completion of fewer than 70 units at Compton College.
“ASG has lots of great activities planned for students this year, which is the first year of in-person activities and events on campus since the start of the pandemic,” said Medina. “I encourage all students to reach out to members of the Associated Student Government for help and we can direct you to the services you need. Also, stop by the Office of Student Development if you want to get involved; there are plenty of opportunities on and off campus to get more experience with things you are interested in or are passionate about.”
