The TecoGuide Podcast

Karina Gutierrez of TecoGuide introduces writer and former union organizer Filiberto Nolasco Gomez for an honest conversation about his academic and career path.

Filiberto's story is one of counter-storytelling, driven by his working-class, first-generation roots in Montebello. Growing up with scarcity and unsupportive parents, his need for accountability led him to organize. After attending Pitzer College and building community wi...

In this episode of our Transfer Basics Series, we speak directly to first-gen, transfer-bound students and their families about the most affordable path to a bachelor’s degree: starting at community college and transferring to a university. You’ll also hear an invitation to professionals—especially first-gen and transfer alumni—to share their journeys and mentor the next generation.

You’ll learn how the right guidance, tools, and c...

We spotlight the story—and hard-earned wisdom—of Professor G, a California Community College counselor and professor who has spent two decades guiding students through the transfer maze.

A Goal That Cuts Through the Noise

Professor G’s philosophy is clear: “It really doesn’t matter where you graduate from—what matters is that you graduate.” His entire counseling practice—and the TecoGuide platform—are built around this core belief.

In this episode of Tecoguide, Alejandra will tackle a topic that often provokes more anxiety than midterms: choosing a major.

Why Picking a Major Feels So Daunting

Many students worry that declaring the “wrong” major will lock them into an unwelcome career path. The good news? The average student changes majors at least six times before finding the right fit. In other words, exploration is not failure — it’s part of the process.

Co...

We unpack the community-college Registered Nursing (RN) pathway in California, spotlighting the exact steps, timelines, and pitfalls first-generation and transfer-bound students need to know.

Demand for nurses is soaring nationwide: the pay is high, the work is deeply rewarding, and you literally save lives. Yet the road to the RN license is anything but simple. Every nursing program in California is impacted—industry shorthand for...

n this series, Professor G joins Dr. Figueroa Ramírez to explain every step toward becoming an elementary-school teacher (T.K.–6) in California. This first installment lays the academic foundation: choosing a major, meeting state competency rules, and timing your outreach to universities.

1. Any Major Can Lead to Teaching—Plan Intentionally

While traditional pathways such as Early Childhood Education, Human Development, Child Devel...

Hi, I’m Vanessa, a TecoGuide content creator, and today I’m sharing key tips to help you understand the real cost of attending a California community college—and how you might even attend for free.

Understanding California Community College Tuition

In California, community colleges charge a standard fee of $46 per unit to all California residents. This cost structure is consistent across the state’s public community colleges, makin...

We’re diving into an important but often misunderstood part of the California college experience: how to successfully enroll in and take courses across multiple community college districts. Whether you're exploring different programs or trying to build a flexible class schedule, this knowledge can save you time, money, and stress.

California’s 72 Community College Districts

California is home to 72 community college districts, each...

Hi everyone, I’m Vanessa, a content creator here at TecoGuide. I’ll be sharing essential pro tips on transferring from a community college to a four-year university—a strategy that can help you save thousands and stay on track for graduation.

Yes, You Can Transfer from Community College—Here’s How

One of the most common questions we hear is: Can I really transfer from a community college to a university?

The answer is YES. As a com...

“What should I bring to my first college class?”

The College Class Checklist: What You Must Bring

Starting off strong means being prepared. Here's what every student should pack for their first day of class:

1. A Backpack or Book Bag

It may sound obvious, but a sturdy bag is essential. You’ll need something reliable to carry your supplies across campus—especially if your classes are spread out.

2. Writing Instruments

Bring pens, pe...

If you’ve ever felt unsure about how to choose classes, who to ask for help, or how to stay on track to graduate, this guide is for you.

Why Seeing a College Counselor Is Crucial

Advice from Professor G: Visit Counselors Often According to Professor G, one of the smartest moves a student can make is seeing a college counselor regularly—and seeing different counselors for different kinds of advice. Every counselor has unique insight...

I'm Vanessia, a TecoGuide content creator. I’ll walk you through some essential pro tips on how to pay for college—without breaking the bank.

Two Main Ways to Pay for College

When it comes to paying for college, students typically have two options:

1. Pay out of pocket, which means covering tuition and fees with your own money or family savings.

2. Apply for financial aid, which is the smart and accessible path for most students—es...

If you're a college student who didn’t perform well in some of your courses, don’t worry—you’re not alone. I’m Vanessa, and in today’s feature, I’m sharing pro tips to help you recover from low grades and get your academic journey back on track.

Understanding Your Options: What to Do About Bad Grades

Getting a D or F in college doesn’t have to derail your entire educational plan. You have a couple of key options that can help you r...

Are you thinking about enrolling in a California community college? You’re in the right place. In this post, Vanessia from the TecoGuide team shares practical, pro-level advice to help you start your California Community College application with confidence using CCCApply.org.

Step 1: Go to CCCApply.org

The application process begins by visiting the official California Community Colleges application portal: CCCApply.org. This centra...

Starting college is an exciting milestone—especially for first-generation students navigating the journey with limited guidance. If you’ve just been accepted into a community college, congratulations! But now you may be wondering, what’s next?

Step 1: Get Your Student ID

Your college journey officially begins once you receive your student ID. This unique identifier gives you access to critical resources and systems—so make sure to ...

We’re breaking down one of the most frequently asked questions by students and families: Do I need a certain GPA to get into a California community college? The answer may surprise you.

No GPA Requirement to Start Your Journey

When it comes to initially enrolling at a California community college, there is no specific GPA requirement. That’s right—you don’t need to meet a certain GPA just to get started. This open-access model is o...

What Is a Metamajor?

A metamajor is a broad group of related majors that share similar foundational courses or career interests. Colleges often organize degree programs into these categories to help students explore options within a field before choosing a specific major. This approach makes it easier for students to stay on track, reduce excess units, and transfer more efficiently.

Rather than picking an exact major immediately, s...

As a new student exploring college pathways, you'll hear many terms—financial aid, scholarships, and grants. These are more than just buzzwords; they’re tools that can make your educational journey financially possible. One such tool is the California Promise Grant, and this blog post will guide you through exactly what it is, who it benefits, and how to apply.

What Is the California Promise Grant?

The California Promise Grant is a...

Why Fast and Affordable Education Matters

In today’s economy, many students are navigating higher education under immense pressure—financial hardship, work responsibilities, and family obligations. The traditional four-year university path isn’t always accessible or appealing. For students asking, “What can I study quickly and affordably that will actually lead to a good job?”—there is a powerful answer: Computer Information Scienc...