Hancock Community Tells Students "You Got This AHC"
APRIL 27, 2020-- For Allan Hancock College students, the COVID-19 outbreak and subsequent statewide shelter-in-place order changed nearly every aspect of their daily lives, including their education. Unable to come to the campus, Hancock students began the spring term adapting to the “new normal” of learning how to access their classes and important student support services remotely.
As these students rose to the challenge of continuing their education amid the disruption of the outbreak, dozens of members of the Hancock community cheered them on via social media, posting videos messages of encouragement and support on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter using the hashtag #YouGotThisAHC.
“We know this has been a challenging time for many of our students and we want them to know that the Hancock community will always have their back. Everyone at Hancock is dedicated to helping them succeed,” said Hancock Superintendent/President Kevin G. Walthers, Ph.D. “It’s very heartening to see so many Hancock faculty and employees reaching out to reassure our students that we are still here for them and committed to their success.”
The #YouGotThisAHC videos were submitted by Dr. Walthers and a wide range of Hancock faculty, staff, administrators and Hancock student leaders in English, Spanish and American Sign Language (ASL). Assistant English Professor Melanie Brunet told students that they inspired her with their perseverance, while Custodial Supervisor Jesse Carlon encouraged them to stay focused on their goals. Student Health Services Coordinator Alex de Jounge offered helpful self-care tips, while Assistant Music Professor Nichole Dechaine filmed herself singing Josh Groban’s “You Raise Me Up” to raise student’s spirits.
A full playlist of all the #YouGotThisAHC videos is available on the college’s YouTube Channel, and members of the community are encouraged to join the conversation and post their own message of support for Hancock students on social media using #YouGotThisAHC.
Social media isn’t the only way Hancock’s faculty, staff, and administrators are showing their support for students and their community. Staff and student volunteers have safely handed out pre-bagged food to more than 23,000 individuals during biweekly emergency food distribution events at the college’s Santa Maria campus and Lompoc Valley Center. After their current season of plays and musicals was canceled due to the pandemic, members of the Pacific Conservatory Theatre’s (PCPA) costume department sewed more than 200 masks for students and community members.
Hancock Associate Professor of Machining and Manufacturing John Gerrity is also using his skills to lend a helping hand. Gerrity is currently manufacturing hundreds of “ear savers.” These simple devices allow nurses, healthcare workers, and first responders to wear protective masks for long periods of time without causing irritation or soreness on their ears due to the mask straps.
Hancock remains committed to serving students and the community during this challenging time. The college will continue to offer classes remotely this summer. Learn more about the college’s response to COVID-19 at www.hancockcollege.edu/covid
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Photo Caption: Staff from Hancock’s Academic Resource Center filmed a message of support for students as part of #YouGotThisAHC.
