Meet Kris Hotchkiss, ASMC President
By Lauren Rosenthal
Heading the heart and soul of the Associated Students of Moorpark College, a.k.a., all enrolled students, is a tough job, but Kris Hotchkiss is ready for any challenge thrown his way. Kris is president of the ASMC’s Board of Directors. As director of the only representative body of the students, Kris is the official link between the students and faculty; he must oversee and contribute to the board’s various tasks and responsibilities, such as advocating for students, providing for student clubs and advancing student life.
When Kris entered Moorpark College, he was solely concerned with his classes and he certainly had no interest in student government. While working at the Student Activities Office, however, he learned more and more about what MC has to offer, such as the clubs and ASMC. Intrigued by the thought of improving campus life, Kris decided to run for office. He found that getting involved with school activities improved his overall college experience: “being involved on campus is one of the most important things that you can do,” he said.
Notably, after some students voiced their discomfort at having to use gender-specific restrooms, the Board of Directors was determined to fix this issue. By providing his peers with a voice, Kris and the board helped dedicate a gender-neutral restroom on the second floor of the Academic Center.
Kris’s tale is a testament to the inspiring and enriching nature of Moorpark College’s programs. He maintains that joining clubs is an integral part of enjoying student life. Specifically, Kris is a member of Nature’s Finest Club, where his passion for the environment can bloom.
In terms of his career, Kris has no idea what he wants to do yet, but his love for leading is obvious. Inspired by his experience with the board, he knows he will definitely be heading another team someday, and he hopes to be concentrating on the environment or education.
Kris also draws inspiration from Kristen Robinson, Student Activities Specialist at MC, who serves as the board’s advisor. “She knows the answer to everything, it’s crazy! She works so insanely hard for all of us…she’s such a hard worker and she really loves her position. You can really tell how much passion she has.”
Kris describes himself as “goofy” and “creative,” both of which manifest in his work for the campus and his tight-knit relationship with his team. He finds his role as an advocate for the students incredibly rewarding and values the many lessons he’s learned from his team members and experience as a leader.
Lauren Rosenthal is a Moorpark College student and student worker with the Ventura County Community College District.
Meet Christian Franco, ASG President
By Michelle De Leon
When Christian Franco started at Oxnard College, he was searching for structure and craved leadership. He found both in his two years at OC. The college became a training ground where Christian discovered his passions and laid out plans for the next 20 years.
Christian grew up in Oxnard as the oldest of three children. His mother and aunt had attended Oxnard College and he grew up hearing about their experiences.
“They both would talk about the campus and tell me how much they enjoyed their time there. When I realized I wasn’t ready for a four-year university, I thought Oxnard College would be a perfect fit,” he said.
His mom would boast about being on the Dean’s List while at OC and his competitive nature kicked in. He wanted to achieve the same academic status she did.
Christian chose to major in political science and set out to excel in his classes. He realized that political science classes inspired his desire to get involved in student government.
“I walked by a flyer promoting the search for student government senate members for three months before I finally dragged a friend with me to check it out. If I could go back and give myself words of advice, I would tell myself to jump on every opportunity when they present themselves. Looking back now, I see a ton of opportunities that today I would have jumped on to get myself better prepared for my goals,” he said.
Christian received the ASG Officer of the Year award last fall, which encouraged him to run for Associated Student Government president. He looked up to the previous ASG president and wanted to emulate his leadership as well as his mom’s and grandmother’s.
Christian participated in the President’s Leadership Forum and worked with President Luis Sanchez on different committees. Christian takes his role as a leader very seriously and often visited President Sanchez during office hours to seek advice on how to resolve problems he was encountering.
“One of the challenges of the position is learning to resolve conflicts among members. All 24 members have different roles, aspirations and motivations. As a leader, it’s your job to not only be a role model but to help lead them out of difficult situations,” said the Star Wars fan whose favorite character is Supreme Leader. “They jokingly call me that in and around the office,” he explained.
Some of the projects Christian is most proud of during his time in student government are working to clarify the constitution for future student government members and expanding the Ambassador Program. The Ambassador Program provides students the opportunity to shadow student government board members and works as a funnel for the following election cycle.
Christian will be attending boot camp this summer and training in the fall. He plans to transfer to CSU Channel Islands in the spring to pursue his bachelor’s degree in political science. His long-term goals include applying for the Marine Corps officer school and becoming a career officer.
“I’m very patriotic and the military addresses all my passions: patriotism, political science, structure and leadership. I thought the best way to have that was by becoming a civil servant.”
He plans to retire from the military after 20 years and return to school to become a professor of political science. Christian is graduating this spring with a degree in political science and a collection of knowledge he has acquired from the leaders who continue to inspire him.
Michelle DeLeon is a Moorpark College alum and student at CSU Northridge. She works at the VCCCD District Office.
Meet Daisy Castillo, ASVC President
By Lauren Rosenthal
Daisy Castillo is the driving force behind the Associated Students of Ventura College. As a first-gen college student, Daisy was determined to make her family proud. Despite having no experience in student government prior to college, she longed to step out of her comfort zone and get involved. As a freshman, Daisy landed the position of Event Coordinator in ASVC and worked her way up from there. She maintains that providing a middle ground between the students and faculty is incredibly important for facilitating campus life; giving students a voice in significant decisions being made is a fantastic way, if not the best way, to ensure students are satisfied with their college experience. This voice is especially significant now as the community colleges navigate the tumult that is COVID-19.
Daisy’s advocacy does not rest at VC’s gates. Being a champion of the undocumented student population, she frequently speaks with community leaders and legislatures in support of policy that strengthens these students’ opportunities. Notably, she hosted a forum while the Supreme Court made its decision on whether to alter DACA, in which students could voice their interests not just to Daisy but to VC President Kim Hoffmans, the community and their peers. It was an enlightening event for all.
Going to Ventura College was the best decision Daisy ever made, she said. VCCCD offers a unique experience compared to four-year universities. Born and raised in Ventura County, staying local allowed her to expand her understanding of her culture and community.
So far, her greatest challenge has been being a minority in a position of power within the world of higher education. As a Latina, she garners much support from other Latinas in her community; however, she’s often faced with the dilemma of people who doubt her ability and decisions, citing her as too sensitive or unwilling to put her foot down. Despite the critics, Daisy confidently leads ASVC, knowing her resilience will not let her down and reminding her peers and followers of the importance of representation.
When asked what she finds rewarding about her position, she described an experience that’s stuck with her, in which a student approached her said, “I bring my daughter to these events you guys host because I want her to see that there are other Latina women in these roles and that they’re not afraid to speak up.”
Daisy is graduating and although she’s leaving VC, her experience leading students will not end there. Inspired by the various mentors who have transformed her college experience, she knows the important role counselors play in students’ lives: “I’ve always had someone there who believed in me and I want to pass that on to other students, especially first-gen students, underrepresented students and students who feel they aren’t able to do it on their own. I want to be that person there to push them and help them be successful.”
Lauren Rosenthal is a Moorpark College student and student worker with the Ventura County Community College District.