SWC News Center

From High School to Higher Ed: Options Middle College High School Opens Doors at SWC

By: Stephanie Kingston

In a bold move to transform lives and broaden access to higher education, Southwestern College (SWC) has welcomed Options Middle College High School (Options MCHS) to its Chula Vista campus. This collaboration with the Sweetwater Union High School District (SUHSD) is designed to (...)

From the Border to the Stage: Former ASO President Alicia Gan Inspires at Binational Commencement

By: Alicia Gan

You probably didn't expect someone like me to be up here. And you might be wondering, does she even know Spanish? Bueno resulta que hablo 3 idiomas. Cantonés en mi casa, español en la escuela, y ahora inglés también (...)

A Life-Saving Legacy: Elizabeth Sisco Parada Recognized for Heroic Action and Service

By: Ko Inouye

On May 3, 2025,  Education Center Specialist, Elizabeth Sisco Parada was honored with the California School Employees Association (CSEA) San Diego Field Office (SDFO) Unsung Hero Award, a distinction that recognizes classified professionals who quietly and consistently go above and beyond in service to their campus communities (...)

From Uncertainty to Purpose: My Journey as a First-Gen DACA Student

By: Daniel Estrada

Who am I?

My name is Daniel Estrada, a former Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) student, and I am a first-generation college student. My journey to Southwestern College (SWC) has been a metamorphosis experience: a path of growth, transformation, opportunities and rediscovery (...)

SWC student, Jose Jackson, Reflects on Belonging at Juneteenth Flag Raising Ceremony

By: Ko Inouye

As the Juneteenth flag rose into the sky at Southwestern College (SWC), student speaker Jose Jackson took a moment to reflect on what the day—and the college community—means to him (...)

Navigating the Unknown: A Latino Student's Journey Through Higher Education

By: Kevin A. Vizcarra

I was born in National City, United States of America (U.S.A.), but due to my family’s circumstances, I spent my entire childhood and adolescence in Tijuana, México. I grew up immersed in Mexican culture, convinced my life would remain there, surrounded by friends, my volleyball club, (...)