Meet Juan Pablo Carreon | General/Academic Counselor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Juan Pablo Carreon and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Juan Pablo, what are you inspired by?
Growing up in a single parent, low-income, and first generation household in the city of El Monte inspired me to do better. I witnessed my mother’s hard work for 25+ years. She would get up at 4am to prepare her lunch, our bags for day care, and take us to her friend’s home to take care of us. I remember her carrying my baby brother and walking us a few blocks away. She would work 12-14 hour shifts 5 days of week to make ends meet. Although, we didn’t have much, my mother provided us shelter, meals, and the clothes we needed to get us through our early years of life.

My mother is my biggest inspiration and I am forever grateful for all that she did for us. She is the reason I pursued a college education. Seeing our financial challenges and environment we grew up in, pushed me to do better. I was able to graduate from Pasadena City College; transferred to UCLA where I received my Bachelor’s of Arts in Sociology & Chicano/a Studies double major. My experience in high school and at UCLA motivated me to become a college counselor at the community college. I have been an academic counselor at Pasadena City College for the last 7 years. For 6 years, I was able to serve as the Counselor/Coordinator for the Puente Project. Puente is a transferred based program which services low-income and first generation college students from Latino/a backgrounds. Puente changed and saved my life. It provided me with a dedicated counselor and mentor who guided me through my educational journey. Years after, I have been able to do the same for 100’s of Pasadena City College students. My family and my students continue to inspire me daily.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I have been in higher education for over 20+ years. The last 7 years have been very rewarding. I have been serving in roles of Financial Aid Counselor, Puente Project Counselor/Coordinator, EOP&S Counselor, and most recent Men of Color and Academic Counselor. I lead my work with Carino (Spanish word for CARE) and Corazon (Spanish word for heart). When assisting students and working with my colleagues, I genuinely care about their overall needs and interests. Leading with my heart provides me the opportunity to be empathetic and understanding. My personal experience as a former community college student guides me in supporting my students. I can share what I overcame and the successes I have gained through the years.

There have been men/femtors throughout my educational journey (Frank, Santi, Alfred, Stephen, Joy, Rebecca, etc) who cared and guided me through my professional journey. They assisted me with work opportunities, build my resume and cover letter, and most importantly have been great friends. When I needed financial stability, they were there to assist me in applying to jobs. They also provided the avenue for me to be successful in both undergraduate and graduate schools. There are very few Chicano’s from the city of El Monte that have graduated from college; specially Graduate School. I received my Masters of Science in Counseling – School Counseling from California State University, Long Beach (CSULB).

I would like the world to know that things were not easy growing up in a one bedroom apartment, single parent household, gang/drug community, but I was able to overcome these challenges by pursing a higher education and with the support of my family, friends, men/femtors. Anything is possible with the right support, resources, and positive influencers.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Our week trip would consist of going on hikes and long walks. I really enjoy the outdoors so we would include a day hike to the Claremont Loop in Claremont, California. After this 5 mile hike, we would go to downtown Claremont to have some delicious food and drinks. We would go to Eureka! Claremont. I would order a delicious cheese burger and fries after that tough hike. We could order different types of drinks ( soft drinks, beer, etc) depending on the interests.

After lunch, we would go home to relax for a bit. We would then check out the movies that are at the movie theater and go check out a movie. I also love sushi, so we would go support our local community by visiting Sushi Sawa in Azusa. After dinner, we would either play some PlayStation or card games. Depending on the mood. This would only be day 1.

The outdoors are my favorite pastime, I would include playing some street basketball in the local basketball courts. This would be a great way to start the day. We would then go to Santa Monica after to each some time at the beach, shops, and to get out of town. I would look to see if any concerts are available at the Hollywood or Greek Theater.

Day 3 would include visiting an amusement park ( Magic Mountain, Disney, etc). I really enjoy roller coasters so would prioritize magic mountain. If they are brave enough, will encourage to go sky diving.

Palm Springs, Yosemite, Santa Barbara, Temecula could also be part of the itinerary. I am definitely a foody so would have sushi, pizza, Thai food, burgers, Mexican food (street tacos), and last but not least hit up a Dodgers game or Lakers depending on the season.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First and foremost, I would like to thank my mother Carmen Lopez for raising three amazing men all on her own. She is my Femtor and I cannot thank her enough for all that she has done for us. I would also like to thank my wife/partner Cristina Cardelas for being a huge part in my life success. For being patient, understanding, and caring of my educational and professional growth. She has been through my good and bad times for the last twenty years and has always been by my side.

I would like to thank the Puente Project for changing my life both as a student in college and also as a Professional Counselor at Pasadena City College. It has given me the privilege to serve hundreds of community college students from low-income and first generation backgrounds. These students have shaped the way I see life, how to inspire and continue to service my community, and provide an avenue of hope.

Instagram: peety_pablito

Linkedin: Pablo Carreon

Twitter: @peety_pablito