“ I know what just a little support and guidance can do in transforming people ’ s lives . It changed mine profoundly .”
— CHARLIE MORALES ’ 13
His advisor at OASIS recommended counseling , so Morales went to CAPS — Counseling and Psychological Services for students . “ I was hesitant at first due to my ego . It took a while for me to realize it was therapeutic , which eventually equipped me with the tools to deal with issues of self-esteem and trauma ,” he says . “ It was consistent reinforcement from my fraternity , from OASIS and CAPS and my mentors , Wayne Yang and Willie Brown — that ’ s what made all the difference in my life .”
Willie Brown was a biology professor who taught the college success course Methods of Inquiry . “ Professor Brown taught me the fundamentals ,” says Morales , “ note-taking , the importance of going to office hours , but beyond that , he helped me rebuild my self-esteem . He helped me take myself more seriously and practice self-care .”
K . Wayne Yang , then a professor of ethnic studies and now provost of Muir College , had a similar influence on Morales , though tied more to his academic discipline : “ My ethnic studies advisor , Yolanda Escamilla , encouraged me to meet with Wayne , and between them both , they listened to what I had to say ; they demonstrated that they cared and helped me see ethnic studies as a way to heal from all that I was going through , to find my purpose inside those classes . I began to see society from a different lens — it was a pivotal point in the way I thought about the world .”
Over the years after graduation , Morales kept in touch with Yang . “ I was working a few jobs ,” Morales says , “ kind of lost , honestly , when Wayne invited me to an ethnic studies conference and planted the seed by recommending me to work with youth . I was reluctant at first , but I eventually came around to the idea .”
Morales started working in his old high school district in the Bay Area , coaching and substitute teaching , then took the next step toward an advanced degree in educational counseling at USC , graduating this past August . Morales is now a counselor at San Jose City College , where he also teaches a college and life success class —“ I teach them the fundamentals , pretty much everything Willie Brown taught me ,” he says .
He also serves as a coordinator for Skyline College ’ s Herman @ s Connection to College program , a Latinx empowerment program that brings college classes to high schools . And once a week Morales speaks to youth in juvenile detention centers , hoping to turn around the lives of those who are dealing with the systematic obstacles and social toxins that he once faced .
“ I ’ m honored to do this work ,” Morales says . “ I see it as a social responsibility because I know how much one can benefit from having support from adults who care . I ’ ve been there , and I know what just a little support and guidance can do in transforming people ’ s lives . It changed mine profoundly , and I work relentlessly to be that same catalyst in someone else ’ s life .” As that support passes on , it ’ s just one way in which everything that may have been for Morales turns into what could be for others .
Learn more about UC San Diego Student Support and Success initiatives at tritonmag . com / studentsupport
Morales ’ s mentors share what student support and success means to them :
“ Our ethnic studies advisor Yolanda Escamilla connected me with Charlie , concerned that he was going to drop out . We met at the Cross Cultural Center and I remember saying , ‘ One day , Charlie , you ’ ll be in my position talking to a student who needs you there .’ Now that he is , it exemplifies what that kind of support makes possible for students — Yolanda knew him , cared about him and connected him with others . Now he ’ s doing the same for more students — they are lucky to have him , and so are we .”
— K . Wayne Yang , Muir College Provost
“ In the decades I taught the ‘ Methods of Inquiry ’ course , I found student success hinges on three things : confidence — if not your own , then borrowed from someone who believes in you ; purpose — knowing why you ’ re going to college in the first place ; and excellence — a collection of habits that allow you to be your best . Once students learn these qualities , they will follow them everywhere in life .” — Willie Brown , Biology Professor Emeritus
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