Beach Voices: Summer Bridge and EOP opened doors 'I never even knew existed'
In 2006, I was admitted to Cal State Long Beach through the Educational Opportunity Program and the Summer Bridge Program, an opportunity that changed my life.
As a first-generation college student from a low-income, single-parent household in Compton, the dream of attending college always felt distant and difficult to achieve. As a teenager, I longed for the opportunity to attend a university and pave the way for the rest of my family to pursue higher education. But without guidance, resources or role models who had navigated the complexities of higher education, the path forward was daunting — full of obstacles that could have easily derailed my dream.
It was through EOP that I not only made that dream a reality but also built the foundation that would eventually lead me to earn a J.D. and an MBA from the University of Illinois College of Law and the University of Michigan Ross School of Business.
Summer Bridge was my first introduction to college life, and it became one of the most defining experiences of my academic journey. Designed to help students transition from high school to university, Summer Bridge provided an academic head start, mentorship and a built-in support system even before the fall semester began.
More than just a program, Summer Bridge was a lifeline ensuring that students like me, who might have otherwise struggled to adjust, had the tools, support and community needed to thrive.
And it worked. Not only did I graduate cum laude from CSULB, but I also completed the University Honors Program, a feat that once seemed unimaginable.
EOP was more than just a support program — it was a family. It provided critical resources, mentorship, counseling, and financial assistance that allowed me to not only graduate, but to do so in just four years. EOP gave me the confidence and tools to break generational barriers as the first in my family to earn a college degree.
Being part of EOP meant having a team of mentors and advocates — Art, Jorge, Harrelson, Irma, Homa, Hillina, Adrian, Andy and so many others — who saw potential in me that I hadn’t yet recognized in myself. Their unwavering belief in my abilities fueled my determination to achieve more, and their mentorship didn’t stop after graduation. Even 15 years later, I continue to draw strength, wisdom and pride from the lessons they taught me and the relationships we built.
EOP also gave me my first professional job, where I developed invaluable skills that shaped both my personal and professional growth. It taught me resilience, leadership and the importance of giving back, values that have guided me throughout my career.
It was through EOP that I became an advocate and mentor for first-generation and low-income students, using every opportunity to speak, guide, and encourage others to pursue higher education. Because once you are a first-generation college student, you are forever a first-generation college student. The same applies to being a low-income student — the barriers you overcome to achieve your education define the magnitude of your success.
EOP allowed me to be the first in my family to rewrite our story, to open doors I never even knew existed, and to stand proudly as a CSULB EOP alumnus. I owe so much of who I am — the man I’ve become and the professional I’ve grown into — to the transformative power of the EOP Program and the incredible people who made it all possible.
Titus Potter ‘10 earned his Bachelor of Arts in political science and a Legal Studies certificate from CSULB. He is now an attorney and corporate counsel for Crisis24, a risk management and security firm.
Beach Voices is an occasional feature that allows members of The Beach community – students, faculty, staff and alumni – to share their firsthand experiences. If you would like to be considered, email submissions labeled “Beach Voices” to Strategic Communications.
