SWC News Center
The Unknown Becoming Home: SWC Creates a Safe and Welcoming Environment
By: Celina Paras - October 4, 2025
I decided to attend Southwestern College (SWC) because I had been exposed to my family and friends, who have attended Southwestern College during their academic journeys. I felt that this was the right fit for me because it was a way for me to ease into the college environment straight out of high school. It was after joining the Bayan learning community that I was able to find a community where I can be myself.
Prior to joining Bayan, I was unsure if I would make any connections or if I was even ready to be in college—especially after entering as an undeclared major. However, Bayan alleviated those anxieties and helped me not only find connections with other students who felt the same way I did, but also connect to my Filipino culture and figure out who I am.
Additionally, Bayan helped me grow, build more confidence in myself, learn about the mixed ideas surrounding true Filipino culture, and most importantly, what has been changed through the eyes of Americans of Philippine descent. Through Professor Joseph Allen Ruanto-Ramirez’s class, I was able to figure out my major—Cardiovascular technology. With Professor Crystal Alberto, I was able to learn more about myself through activities, research, and potential careers that can fit you as a person. Overall, becoming a better writer and researcher focused on helping Filipino students succeed in college through Professor Henry Aronson.
Bayan also pushed me to become more open and social. Before Bayan, I had social anxiety and was scared to speak to anyone. After joining, I was able to connect with 30 people for an entire school year. As first-years in college, each of us faced similar feelings, and that shared experience helped us succeed in our classes together. Bayan is a space to create lasting friendships, built to support you throughout your college journey.
The learning community also gave me an opportunity to speak on my experience in the program at the Asian Pacific Americans in Higher Education (APAHE) conference. I was able to present on how the program supported me as a student by showcasing one of my projects from Professor Ruanto-Ramirez’s class. My assignment talks about how food can tie into memories using my mother’s experience immigrating to America from the Philippines, as well as the hardships she dealt with. I used Sinigang, a Filipino dish, as a way to bring up difficult topics, provide comfort, and explain how sour the soup is to the hardships yet tasty and flavorful. This articulates how even through hardships, you can make good out of the situation and be a better version of yourself.
Bayan is a great place as a first-year student—comparing my feelings about college from last year to now, I realize how thankful I am to be part of this program and for the impact it has had on my life. Just one year ago, I did not know many people attending SWC, thought I would be struggling alone, and had thoughts of dropping out because I believed I was not prepared, all fears I no longer experience. I cannot express how grateful I am for the professors who care deeply about their students, help them succeed in their academic journey, and give them opportunities to thrive. For me, Bayan has become a place where I can build community, have a space for everyone to feel welcome, and where Filipinos are visible.
After completing the program, I plan on finishing my pre-requisites and intend to transfer to join a cardiovascular technician program. Down the line, my ultimate goal is to be a Heart Echo Technician as I continue to live a healthy and stable life in San Diego.