Nestled in the Santa Clara River Valley is a haven for learning—Ventura College’s East Campus in Santa Paula. There, Sabrina Canola-Sanchez, Maria de la Luz Flores, Maiya Rodriguez and Beatriz Zizumbo, among many others, take the guiding principles of Ventura College to heart each day: students come first, and collaboration, communication and mutual respect are integral to the campus environment.

This dynamic quartet represents 60 years of personal commitment and professional experience to serve a student body that’s nearly 80 percent Latino and largely comprised of re-entry adult students and students who are the first in their family to attend college. “It’s such a rewarding experience working with the students and seeing their influence on their siblings and family as a role model and inspiration to others,” says Sabrina Canola-Sanchez, who’s been the administrative assistant at the East campus since 2008.

“We’re a one-stop shop,” says Rodriguez. She mentions how the dedicated team provides personalized attention to about 1,000 students each semester, helping them navigate class schedules, financial aid and graduation requirements, among other things.

Ventura College Foundation Ambassador Canola-Sanchez notes that she has seen first-hand the impact of the Foundation’s programs on the lives of the students. “The Textbook Lending Library, scholarships and Promise Program are important resources to assist students at both Ventura College and the Ventura College East Campus.” Without it, many of the area’s students wouldn’t be able to go to college due to the expense, she says. The Foundation’s Textbook Lending Library, where students can check out up to three textbooks for the whole semester, is also critical to student success at the campus, she says.