He furthered is education by obtaining a Bachelor’s degree in psychology from San Francisco State University in 1970 and a Master’s degree in Counseling (School and Marriage, Family & Child emphasis) in 1974 from Sacramento State University. Ultimately Mar felt that his parents played an important role in creating a drive for success that stuck with him as he pursued his career, but the counselor he met with played an important role in choosing to put his dreams first.Īfter that meeting, Mar changed his major to psychology and went on to graduate from Sacramento City College. Mar was raised by what he calls “Old Chinese” parents with a culture very familiar with fulfilling the parent’s desires academically and professionally, which caused an immense amount of stress and pressure when it came to decision making. To think of what I wanted was very foreign to me.” “You think of other people and fulfilling what their desires are. “She asked me the question, ‘What do you love to do?’ and this really paused me because in Chinese philosophy I don’t think that way,” Mar said. Mar said that even today, he remembers how impactful meeting with a helpful and kind-hearted counselor was for him. This led him to meet with a Sacramento City College counselor to explore his options. He said he worried that if he continued into the profession things would collapse. Straight out of El Camino High School, Mar was accepted to the University of California, Berkeley to study engineering, but declined the offer and instead enrolled in Sacramento City College.Īs an engineering major, Mar said he felt like he was a bit misguided and was struggling with some of his required courses. Those two will give you happiness in the future,” he said reflecting on how one encounter with a counselor at Sacramento City College changed his entire perspective on higher education. “Students mainly need to hear to follow their heart and to follow their curiosity. American River,” believes his work as a counselor, and helping students gain clarity and direction, was fulfilling his destiny and true passion. Retired American River College counselor James Mar, also known as “Mr. James Mar Alum & Emeriti / 2019 / Shown with fellow alum Luba Pislar / American River Collegeįor students entering college for the first time, usually the main goal is to discover purpose and go on to find success. "The memorable moments for me were when I got to watch each student fulfill their dreams and find what truly makes them happy." With a few years of experience under her belt, she then plans to take the investigators exam. “I can get through the day because I know I have somewhere safe to sleep at night.”īrittany expects to finish her degrees in Paramedics and Fire Technology in a few years, and then hopes to get hired at a Fire Department. Without that boost, I wouldn’t have been able to stay in school full-time and work full-time,” says Brittany. “I encourage anyone who needs it to apply. It allowed her to stop stressing and be able to focus on school. She applied for a grant from the Veteran Student Emergency Fund and was awarded $450 to help her buy food and move into safe housing. Not many colleges have that.”ĭespite the support she received from the Veterans Resource Center, Brittany unexpectedly found herself homeless and faced with the choice of paying bills or buying food. Veterans Resource Center helps students all the way through. I wouldn’t still be in school without him. She credits much of her success so far at ARC to Mike Robinson and the Veterans Resource Center. changed the way I thought about the world, the way I thought about myself as a person.”Īfter Brittany returned home, she decided to enroll in American River College, in large part because of the large veteran population. “I didn’t think I was going to be able to go to college, I didn’t think I would be able to get through college, so I joined the Marine Corps, ended up blowing out my knee and came home. "I can get through the day because I know I have somewhere safe to sleep at night."īrittany Tipton Student / Fire Technology and Paramedic / Veteran / American River Collegeīrittany Tipton didn’t believe she was cut out for college.