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Harbor College President Dr. Linda Spink congratulates Luis Gomez on his graduation.

Los Angeles Harbor College Political Science major, Luis Gomez, has been elected Student Trustee by the Los Angeles Community Colleges Board of Trustees.  The Lomita resident began his new, one-year post on June 1.

              Following a stint in the military, Gomez thought he might become a Spanish teacher, like his sister.  But after taking courses at LAHC and talking to an instructor there about his future, he changed his major to Political Science, got involved in student government, became Associated Student Organization (ASO) President and traveled to Sacramento to assist in the passage of AB982, the state bill that allows individual community college district boards to impose a health fee on financial aid students.

              “Since more and more students were receiving fee waivers, many community college health centers were losing revenue and cutting services,” Gomez said.  “The minimal charge was necessary to keep California’s student body healthy.”

               That Sacramento experience left Gomez with a taste for lobbying, although his goal is to lobby for the Veterans of Foreign Wars.  He is a life member of the organization.

              “The most memorable day of my eight years in the military was the day my drill instructor first called me a Marine,” Gomez said.

              “This is the same guy who’s been yelling at you for three months and now, he calls you brother.”                                                                     

             Although he’s been to nearly every continent except Antarctica – traveling to Japan, Afghanistan, Thailand, Australia, Singapore, Sinkap Island, Brunei, Kuwait, the Philippines and Iraq, earning an honorable discharge and Purple Heart  – that day at boot camp is Gomez’ most memorable and emotional moment. 

              His graduation from LAHC was memorable, as well, since he’s had to squeeze in classes while working a full-time job to help support his wife Karina and three children; Jr., Alejandro and Maya.

              “I still have two semesters to take a few units toward transferring,” Gomez said.  “It’s quite an experience and I can’t wait to transfer to a university – maybe USC or UCLA – where I can get a Bachelor’s degree.”

              As the Student Trustee, Gomez will lead meetings of ASO Presidents from the nine Los Angeles Community Colleges: Los Angeles City College; East Los Angeles College; Los Angeles Harbor College; Los Angeles Mission College; Los Angeles Pierce College; Los Angeles Southwest College; Los Angeles Trade-Technical College; Los Angeles Valley College; and West Los Angeles College.

              He will then report any concerns to the Board of Trustees and represent the colleges' students at the bimonthly board meetings.