Finding His Voice
Jeffrey Berrios arrived at SMC searching for more than a degree.
After graduating from high school during the COVID-19 pandemic, he spent a year trying to navigate college applications and financial aid largely on his own. The son of a Guatemalan immigrant, he lacked the guidance many students take for granted.
At the same time, he was struggling through abuse that left him isolated and uncertain about his future.
At SMC, though, Jeffrey found not only stability and confidence, but also a creative community. He discovered a passion for journalism through The Corsair, SMC’s student-run media outlet, and spent two years writing, podcasting, broadcasting, and covering campus and community events.
Known for his incisive pop culture commentaries and multimedia storytelling, Jeffrey earned multiple student journalism awards for his work with The Corsair.
He credits supportive mentors, including English Department Assistant Chair Jessica Krug and Corsair adviser Sharyn Obsatz, for helping him build confidence in himself and his abilities. Just as important were the friendships he formed.
“The sense of community is everything,” Jeffrey says. “I found my place here.”
This fall, Jeffrey plans to continue studying journalism and media production after being accepted to universities that include the University of Roehampton and University of Westminster in London. He has also applied to USC and Cal State Northridge.
Ultimately, he hopes to work in producing and unscripted entertainment, while continuing to explore podcasting and storytelling. “SMC offered a chance for me to find myself and succeed in a way I never had before,” Jeffrey says.