Chaparral 2024-2025: Making Connections with Garfield Site Representative Andres Cruz

Garfield Site Representative Andres Cruz shared what changes he is seeing as the Garfield Site Representative:

Chaparral: What is the biggest change you have made in your position?  Andres Cruz: The biggest change I have made is to make myself more accessible for the Garfield community. I am at Garfield once a week, every Thursday from 2pm to 3pm, conducting outreach for the Guild, meeting new teachers, answering questions, and making sure the Garfield community knows that the Guild is here to serve them. It is critical for me to listen to as many different perspectives a spossible, so I can learn to be continue advocating for non-credit at the Garfield Campus. 

Chaparral: What is one new thing you are looking forward to in your position this year?
Andres Cruz: Noncredit continues to grow, so I am looking forward to making new connections with newly hired employees and reconnect with colleagues. I always look forward to learn something new from my colleagues and find new ways to stay connected and move forward to a common goal that will increase student success. Some of the greatest achievements I have experienced in this position has been when I connect with colleagues to serve the GCC community. 

Chaparral: What advice as Garfield Site Representative would you give to someone who is nervous or anxious about changes at GCC?
Andres Cruz:  It’s okay to feel nervous. We are here to support you and help you experience a positive experience at Garfield. We have been nervous for a long time while witnessing part-time teachers without affordable health care, but there is a Tentative Agreement aiming to change that in 2025. We have been anxiously waiting for a raise, and the Guild has worked tirelessly to make that a reality in 2025. The message I have is that when you feel nervous about changes or uncertain about the future, come to the Guild meetings,, get informed, ask questions, and get involved.