Testimonials from Honors Students
" At the outset of the planned hiking trip in the New York Mountains for the Honors History 117 class, I was a bit apprehensive. I was a bit apprehensive of my abilities to handle the hike; as well as apprehensive as to if I would like it at all. I must say that I am glad that I joined the group. We met at Kelso Junction in Kelso, California at 9:00 AM on May 13, 2006. A couple of the group were running late, so we waited for them, but while we were waiting we had the chance to tour the Kelso Museum. The museum was the old Kelso train station transformed into a museum providing information on the history of the area. From native plants to the ranches that occupied the area, the museum provided pictures, as well as explanations to the many wonderful aspects of the natural habitat of the area as well as the national preserve that they grew and lived in. We left the Depot around 9:30 - 9:45 AM, to go to the climb site in the New York Mountains. Being led by Professor James Comer, we stopped to admire the beautiful flowers of the cactus that grew on the National Preserve and the many colors that they grew in. With only a slight mishap, we finally made it to the designated climb site. With instructions from Professor Comer, we began the climb. The beginning of the climb was not that bad, but as we moved forward, the mountain began to take its upward climb. We stopped and rested periodically, so that those who needed a rest could rest and get hydrated for the next leg of the hike. At our second rest stop, a few of us actually located an abandoned mineshaft. That was a magnificent sight to see. I didn't have to rely on television anymore to know what an abandoned mine looked like, there was one right in front of me. We continued on, paying attention to the time, toward the top of the mountain. Along the way we encountered many different forms of cactus, an old 'wheel-barrow', fallen trees, and many other wonders to behold. One of the things we saw along the way was what climbers and hikers call 'ducks'. 'Ducks' are rocks stacked on top of each other, which show future climbers, like us, the best, easiest, and safest way to climb the mountain. We climbed up to about 7,000 feet, but didn't quite make it to the top, however, the view from that far up the mountain was just breathtaking. We could see for miles around. I will never forget what I saw up there in and on the New York Mountains. The climb down was not as bad as going up, and was also quite a bit faster. I am glad that I attended this history trip, for now I have a new respect for the California Desert. I believe that everyone should take a chance and go on a hiking (or mountain climbing) trip in the California Desert, because it will give them a better understanding of the place in which they live, and a new respect for history just as it did me. "
Richard Powell, History Honors Student - Spring 2006
"I began my college career in fall of 2002 after being a high school drop out for ten years. I didn't even know what an honors program was until a few caring instructors here on campus told me about some of the benefits that go along with taking honors courses. I took three honors courses that first semester and they helped me to earn "A's" in all three courses. Sure there is some additional course work to manage, but the material covered just gave me a better understanding of the material we covered in the regular class. It was like another hour of one on one instruction. With the smaller classes and personal interaction I was able to expand upon my knowledge of the subject matter and that is what college is all about. Later I learned about the transfer opportunities and other benefits that I consider to be the icing on the cake. I now have five honor courses under my belt that have helped me in achieving my academic goals before transferring to the University level. These classes have increased my understanding of material necessary to become a nurse anesthetist. Thank you to all of the instructors that recommend honors courses and to those that take the additional time to expand on the educational opportunities for the students. "
Sincerely,
William J. Lomax, Spring Grad honors student 2004
In order to start the application and eligibility process, contact Tim Adell at (760) 245-4271 ext. 2691, or by email at tim.adell@vvc.edu or write to:
Honors Programs
ATTN: Tim Adell
Victor Valley College
18422 Bear Valley Road
Victorville, CA 92392-5849