Joseph Nguyen is a third-year student majoring in computer science at Norco College. Initially, he had planned to attend Riverside College, but after the pandemic, he decided Norco was the better option due to its proximity to home. To his delight, many of his friends also attend Norco, which has allowed him to easily meet up with them and share notes for various classes.
A typical day for Joseph begins with preparing for his shift at The Corral, where he works before heading to class. He collaborates with Chef Antonio to plan and schedule his shifts around his academic responsibilities. This balance between work and study is something Joseph has gotten quite good at.
One of Joseph’s most memorable experiences at Norco was helping out with a Friday event where a group of middle school students visited the college. Chef Antonio had called on Joseph to assist with preparing food for the event, and he remembers how enjoyable it was working alongside the team to prepare hamburgers for the students. This hands-on experience in the kitchen stands out as a highlight of his time at Norco.
For Joseph, being a Mustang means accomplishing goals. His college experience has evolved from just a place to take classes to an opportunity to build connections with peers and mentors. His job at The Corral has played a significant role in shaping this realization, and he’s received plenty of advice along the way to help guide him as he prepares for his transfer.
Joseph’s advice to new Mustangs is simple yet impactful: "Interact with people in this school, befriend lots of people." Building relationships has been key to his success, and he encourages others to embrace the college community fully. As Joseph continues his journey at Norco, he’s sure that the lessons and connections he’s made will pave the way for future success.