Gopa Patnaik
M.A., San Diego State University
B.A., CSU San Marcos
Hello my name is Gopa Patnaik. I immensely
enjoy working with the diverse student
population at Grossmont Community College.
Being a first-generation immigrant from the
continent of Asia, I am aware of the adaptation
and acculturation process. Having been a
student in
the community college system as a
reentry student I am fully aware of the
challenges and dynamics of the learning and
teaching environments here. Currently
I work as a generalist and coordinate of the Puente Project, which is a one-year
academic program utilizing writing, counseling, and mentoring components.
I work closely with students and help them assess their career and academic
goals by administering several inventories such as COPS; Myers Briggs Type
Indicator and help students go through a process of self-exploration. By helping
them clarify their own values, interests and passions, I help them acquire
self-knowledge and occupation knowledge. I also recommend students to enroll
in career decision-making classes and study skills classes. Having information
about self-aptitude and career opportunities opens up several options to consider.
If students have a long-term goal to transfer I recommend courses that are
fully transferable through articulation agreements and transfer guarantees
such as TAG, IGETC, and CSU general education plans. If a student chooses
transitional short-term goals such as acquiring an Associate degree or vocational
certificate, I help them plan their courses keeping long-term objectives in
perspective.
As a counselor I am strongly influenced by the "person centered"
approach. I establish trust and rapport with each student by utilizing the
principles of empathy and unconditional positive regard. Based on specific
needs of students I refer them to EOPS, Transfer Center, Financial Aid Office,
Disabled Student Services and other student support services.
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