My journey to and through my first years at a university did not come without its challenges. As a first-generation college student, navigating the ins and outs of college life was difficult, confusing, and oftentimes discouraging. I remember distinctly my first year of college wanting to drop out and heading to the counseling office to ask about withdrawing. It was that very day that a counselor took the time to help me see what I couldn't. The kindness and inspiration I felt that day and after, changed my life. I have worn many hats over my 17 years working in higher education at CLU, CSUCI, and now at Oxnard College. It is with deep appreciation that I try to pay forward the advocacy and careful guidance I received so many years ago. Our Oxnard College students are incredible and it's an honor to serve in this role and watch our students flourish in their educational/career pathways and make a difference in our community. I am inspired each and every day by our students, so proud to be a Condor!

When I'm not in the office, I enjoy plenty of outdoor time with my husband and our two growing boys who keep us on our toes! We also love to spend time with our extended family, and look forward to our summers at the beach.

My name is Melissa Garcia and I'm an academic counselor for Oxnard College. I attended Santa Barbara City College after high school where I received an Associates Degree in Liberal Studies. I transferred to Cal State Long Beach where I pursued a Bachelors Degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Sociology. After receiving my bachelors degree I started working for the Santa Barbara Unified School District and discovered my passion for working with students.

As a first generation college student, I appreciated the guidance and support that I received from teachers/counselors, and that's why I decided to pursue a Master's Degree in Educational Counseling from the University of La Verne. I strive to assist, motivate, empower, and advocate for our amazing students every  day. I see myself in our students and commend each one of them for being enrolled at Oxnard College as it will lead to bigger and better opportunities for them, their families, and their community.  
Proud to be a Condor!

Growing up I hated school. I never imagined that I would one day work to obtain a Master's level degree and work in higher education. My disdain for education changed as I saw firsthand the more education I earned, the better career opportunities I could find. I went from my first job out of high school working long and rigorous hours in a lemon packing house in Santa Paula to now having a nice office, being a tenured professor(I didn't even know what this meant growing up) and making a difference in my community. I work at OC to now help YOU find your path to success, let's go!!!

When I'm not working I enjoy spending time with my spouse and four kids. I love to travel to warm tropical places and like to vacation in Palm Springs lounging by the pool. When time permits I try to get out and play golf or go to our local beaches for sun, ocean and a stand up paddle board sesh.