Each spring semester, students across the Peralta Community College District begin preparing for what comes next. For many, this includes applying for financial aid for the upcoming academic year, awaiting transfer decisions, and preparing for graduation, all while managing final exams. It’s a busy and often demanding time, requiring focus, patience, and careful planning. To those preparing to graduate, transfer, or both, congratulations on reaching this milestone.

by Vila Phetsilasack, Merritt College Class of 2025 Graduate

This is a story of resilience, a refusal to let someone else’s prophecy become my reality.

I came to the U.S. at 13 years old, stepping into a life that was supposed to offer opportunity. But early on, someone said, "Raising someone else’s child is a bad idea." That wasn’t just a comment, it became a curse they tried to fulfill. Every barrier thrown at me felt like it was placed there to prove them right.

Extended Opportunities Program and Services (EOPS) is a program meant to help you as a student succeed on your academic journey. If you are in need of financial help, EOPS offers aid in the form of book grants, fee waivers, or even free supplies (backpacks, notebooks, binders etc.). EOPS even offers academic help to you for no extra cost.

At the beginning of March, Peralta Community College District sent out an announcement about a survey hosted by The RP Group. The main goal of their survey dubbed “2025 Real College California Survey” is to get input from all community college students here in California. It is a research project aiming to give students a chance to voice their opinion on how their college has assisted them on their academic journey.

by Cassandra L. Hernandez, College of Alameda student

The Fall Semester was quite the introduction to life as a college student. My whole life I had been told that college would be much easier than high school. Of course, all good things take a little effort to absorb. While college has been stressful, I look forward to many things, including graduation!

by Cassandra L. Hernandez, College of Alameda student

Being in high school or a freshman in college, all you hear about is what major you are considering. It is a daunting thing for most as this is what dictates what will come out on your diploma and what classes you will be taking. For others, they already have a few choices or one set choice in mind as they have a pretty clear idea of their dream career. For a concerning minority, they choose a random major they believe will be the “easiest” or genuinely don’t have anything in mind. Whatever the situation students may be in, at some point they will need to declare a major.

by Cassandra L. Hernandez, College of Alameda student

Many people go to universities for the “college experience” when programs such as UMOJA can provide just as rich experiences along with opening up new doors and connections to cultures and opportunities. UMOJA, like any other student support system, aims to assist the students who join its program. Where UMOJA stands out though is in the experiences they give to their scholars who join and how deeply connected they are to the African Diaspora community.

by Cassandra L. Hernandez, College of Alameda student

“Salaam” or “peace be upon you” is a common greeting in many Islamic countries. Here at College of Alameda, it means just that and a supportive community waiting for you! SALAAM is a learning community aimed at helping students from Middle Eastern, Southwest Asian, and North African cultures. SALAAM offers similar assistance to EOPS, but that is because SALAAM and many other support student systems are part of EOPS. If students are already part of EOPS, they are more than welcome—and are encouraged—to join SALAAM.

by Cassandra L. Hernandez, College of Alameda student

Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOPS) is one of the many services that College of Alameda has to offer. In fact, EOPS is a very academic institution in California. Originally part of the infamous Civil Rights Movement, it was signed in Senate Bill 84 and has helped millions of California residents get the education they deserve despite the disadvantages they face.

by Cassandra L. Hernandez, College of Alameda student

At College of Alameda, every Tuesday, students line up with their IDs in hand to receive bags of food and lunches, all for free! Tasty Tuesday is part of our Basic Needs services and goes on from 11:30am to 1:30pm. They’re located at the F-Buildings either outside or inside and provide you with your very own tote bag to help carry all the produce they have to offer.