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As 2024 marches on, it's now been four years since the COVID-19 pandemic began. From “only two weeks” in March 2020 to months and years, the lockdown had its own impact on everyone, especially students. With schools closed and the abrupt switch to online learning, students like Estuardo Sanchez had to adapt to constant change.

Sanchez, who describes himself as outgoing and dedicated, graduated in 2023 with a degree in criminal justice. Any student who pushed through the COVID-19 pandemic knows that it required perseverance more than anything. Sanchez understands that well, adding, “I just really had to stay more focused [online]. I wanted to continue my education and not let COVID-19 stop me in that aspect and just continue my task.” 

For a transfer student like Sanchez, going to college in spite of the challenges was more than just an accomplishment for himself, but an example for his whole family. As a first-generation college student, he wanted to leave a legacy for his younger siblings: “I just really want to set an example for my brother and sisters. Like if I can do it, they can do it. It's not an easy path, it's not an easy process, but towards the end of the course, it'll be worth it. So I wanted to set an example like, ‘just don't give up on your dreams and always believe in yourself.’”

For many students, COVID-19 was a trial by fire in their academic life and the switch back to in-person was more than a relief, allowing them to focus on building a sense of community on campus. For Sanchez, he found a home in the Gaining Access 'N Academic Success program, known as GANAS. GANAS aims to help freshmen and transfer students of Latin descent transition smoothly to life at East Bay. 

In the program, he got to know other people at East Bay with similar interests outside of the classroom. Sanchez said, “Sure, we have different degrees, different majors. But I felt that we connected as first-generation students from our families.” GANAS was more than just a campus group — it was a family of people who could find common ground and thrive as a community. 

While at East Bay, Sanchez was able to grow his passion for helping the community, especially as a volunteer for Fresh Lifelines for Youth (FLY). Acting as a mentor to at-risk youth, Sanchez hoped to provide a new example for young people in his community, saying, “It's better to treat these youths to get the better help…so they won't end up in prison for their whole life, especially through their adulthood.” In another volunteer position at Latinos for Education, he helped college hopefuls stay on track. 

On both opportunities, Sanchez says, “I was in their position. So I just thought to myself, why not [volunteer]? … I do feel like it kind of connects to both, because if they're in education or prison, we can help them, like achieve their goals at a young age. So I really do want to work with youth. It's always been my dream.” With a passion for volunteer work and helping youth in his community, Sanchez looks toward his future and hopes for a career as a probation officer.

To current students, Sanchez highly recommends putting yourself out there and taking initiative, saying, “Don't just take classes and just go home. I think it's better to get to know your classmates and also try to do internships or volunteer work.” 

Though those early pandemic days are in the rearview mirror, the lessons students like Estuardo Sanchez learned through it, the love for their community and those in it, are ones that will last a lifetime.