A reservation for college

By Zenobia Gerald

Michael Thao's journey to the University of California, Davis, began in a fourth grade classroom at Fairbanks Elementary School.

"What I remember is the teacher asking, 'What time is it?' And we would answer, 'It's almost time for college,' " says Thao.

College was years away, but that didn't matter. Thao knew he was part of something special even though he didn't quite understand the entire concept of the Reservation for College (RFC) program. But he understands now.

"All my life I've had doubts about whether I could go to college, so I'm really excited," says Thao. "I've made that first step. I'm going to Davis. The second step is to go all the way, to graduate and become the first in my family to complete college."

Thao is one of six Grant Union High School graduates who was in that Fairbanks classroom. All are now freshmen at UC Davis. They were recently honored at a Reservation for College Chancellor's Achievement Award Recognition Ceremony at Grant Union High School.

Fifteen RFC students actually gained admissions to Davis, but nine chose other universities like UCLA and UC Berkeley.

Thao says Reservation for College is responsible for getting all of them where they are today.

The program began nine years ago when UC Davis partnered with the former Del Paso Elementary and Grant districts to help guide students and their families on a path toward college from the fourth grade to high school graduation.

From Fairbanks, the students went to Martin Luther King Jr. Technology Academy and then Grant Union. Part of the program included a curriculum developed by UC Davis and taught by the students' teachers. They learned why education is important for success in life and the path they had to follow to achieve admission to the university.

Michael Thao, Julie Ekkaphanh, Jary Lee, Tammie Lo, Shoun Thao and Lia Vang were all with the program from the beginning. Their education at UC Davis is paid for by a combination of scholarships and grants.

"Everything has gone by so fast," says an ecstatic Vang. "I can't believe we've made it this far. I had a lot of doubts along the way. I procrastinated at times, but there were a lot of good moments. My family, friends and counselors were a big help."

Both Thao and Vang say they don't remember much about the program at Fairbanks. But by the time they got to MLK they were going on field trips to UC Davis and meeting with Reservation for College representatives on a regular basis to discuss grades, study habits, and classes they needed for college.

"By the time I got to Grant everything started to come together," says Thao, who plans to major in film studies. "I really started to understand more clearly what was at stake. But I still struggled during my freshman year. My grades slipped. The Reservation for College representatives and school counselors worked with me and told me if I get into UC Davis I wouldn't have to worry about how to pay for my education. When I started thinking about that, no financial worries, it really motivated me to do better."

The students are still in awe of all they have been through.

"I'm ready. I feel open and free," says Thao. "I made it, qualified for admissions to UC Davis and they're paying for my education. I don't have to worry about loans and debts. My mom and dad are so proud. So am I."

"I'm speechless," says Vang. "I'm both confused and excited. Reservation for College is a really good thing and everyone just kept telling us to keep our eyes on the prize, UC Davis. This is just great."

All the students say they hope to return to Grant Union throughout the year to share their college experience with approximately 85 other students who went to Fairbanks Elementary and also made a reservation for college.

"We are now ambassadors for Grant Union, our community and our families," says Shoun Thao. "As ambassadors we have an obligation to graduate from UC Davis in 2012, be future leaders and return to our community to share and make available to others the opportunities that were given to us. I hope to give back by being a part of and supporting college outreach programs and address issues that prevent students from pursuing a higher education."

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