Juan
Cordova is the second-place winner of the 2006 regional Health Occupation
Students of America (HOSA) competition and is an active volunteer
at EPCC.
Working every afternoon for the Senior Adult Program, Cordova has
many accomplishments to be proud of and said to "always think
of others before yourself."
Cordova, a junior at Bel Air High School, was a member of the Magnet
Program, which trains students to enter the licensed locational nurse
(LVN) program or other medical fields. The position stands between
a physician and a nurse. He is working toward a doctorate. Cordova
manages eight classes which include AP English, algebra, physics and
dual credit history. He also completes the clinicals required for
training in a LVN position.
Cordova gets out of school at 4 p.m. and catches a ride to EPCC to
do poster layouts and flyer ads for the Senior adult program. This
program has just conducted its 12th Annual Love conference with an
estimated 900 guests participating.
Arlene Hernando, who is a receptionist in the program office and Cordova
have been a set match since the day they met.
Cordova joined the office three years ago, through the Summer youth
program, and since then Hernando and Cordova have worked on layout
designs together.
Cordova describes Hernando as a big helper in his success. Not only
has he won second place for the competition, but he's also received
a Volunteer of the Year award from Mary A. Yañez, the senior
adult program administrator.
Hernando described Cordova as a stress-reliever because when Cordova
is around the workload lightens and she can go home sooner at the
end of the day. Hernando went as far as to consider him like an “adopted
son.”
“He puts forth a lot of effort,” she said and explained
that she goes out of her way to help him because she feels this is
a crucial time in Cordova's life, where he needs a lot of support.
When asked if Cordova was essential to the production of the program,
Hernando replied “He is very much essential because he is fast…
and doesn't hesitate,” she said. “He knows what he is
doing.” Hernando explained that the office could be overwhelmed
at times, and Cordova helps to put things back on track.
Yañez said that Cordova “has been like glue with us.
The skills that he possesses match the kind of skills Arlene [Hernando]
needed.”
Cordova doesn't take all the credit and said that there were many
people in his life aiding in the support of his many accomplishments.
Cordova said his father is knowledgeable and provided him with the
drive to learn and teach others. Cordova said that his mother provided
him with the caring attitude that he has and his desire to help people.
Cordova also has two younger brothers and a sister, all of whom he
helps with their schoolwork. Cordova's plan to obtain a doctorate
in Cardiology originated from watching the John Q film a few years
ago. He explained that he would never want to see anybody in that
situation. The HOSA Competition took place Feb. 28.
