Humans of New York is a project that was first started in New York City. Brandon Stanton, the creator of this project, walked around New York City, and would ask random people on the street personal and intense questions about themselves and record their responses. He then went on and turned these individuals' stories into a book. This piece is inspired by that project, but was done here at Chaffey College, at the Rancho Campus, during the event, Club Rush, that was held on Aug. 31st, 2022.

By Michelle Montes

Humans of New York is a project that was first started in New York City. Brandon Stanton, the creator of this project, walked around New York City, and would ask random people on the street personal and intense questions about themselves and record their responses. He then went on and turned these individuals' stories into a book. This piece is inspired by that project, but was done here at Chaffey College, at the Rancho Campus, during the event, Club Rush, that was held on Aug. 31st, 2022.

While walking through Chaffey College’s event, Club Rush, I found someone relaxing on a bench while eating ice cream. They were a bit hesitant, but after explaining my project, they agreed. Here is a take from a current student on a random individual who is new to Chaffey College.

Not everyone has plans for the future after high school comes to an end, but Rubith “Ruby” Cruz, was not this person. She was ready to attend the school that she had planned and was excited to attend. Ready for what the future held ahead, Ruby was ready to take on any obstacles that came into her path.

Life can throw unexpected challenges which may lead us differently than planned. Plans that were discussed during her senior year were changed at the last second. Ruby found herself stuck in a hard place. Feeling like she had no one to turn to and discuss her problems, she tried facing them all alone.

Having herself set on going to her dream school, Ruby was so sure of going to this school that no other school could compare. She had to go to that particular school, it was in fact her dream school. Ruby was then faced with the reality of whether or not affording school was still a possibility.

This is an issue that millions face daily, and I found myself relating to Ruby Cruz. I was crushed when the realization hit me that the school of my choice was out of reach due to financial hardships, and so was Ruby.

Not wanting to be a burden to her family and pry about going to her dream school, Cal State Fullerton, Ruby decided to not speak on the subject anymore. The pressure of dealing with this was slowly hurting her. She knew she wanted to attend school and receive an education, so she did some research.

Living in the Inland Empire area, Ruby chose to attend Chaffey College. She had heard of the school but had never taken a tour or even seen pictures of the campus. Ruby's dream school had been and continues to be Cal State Fullerton, but the opportunity for her was not possible at the time.

"I was not ready for any of this to happen," stated Ruby while gloomily explaining.

Financially, going to this school would be a better option for Ruby. Ruby felt heartbroken, and the decision still resonates with her to this day.

She explained how she tries her best to not feel regret and look toward her future. She realizes that her financial hardship was out of her control, so therefore she is trying her best to let go.

Although Ruby is healing from the past, she is deciding it will not fully be let go from her mind and heart until she can transfer over to her dream school Cal State Fullerton.

She is now attending Chaffey College and learning from her experience that took her course to a new path. This is her first semester at Chaffey College and she is currently a full-time student looking to major in Communication Studies. Ready to make new friends in school, she decided to join a few clubs such as the Chaffey Media Club and the Lavender Coalition to help her.

Ruby is eager to learn new information about her major, plan out her career, and see what steps are next to help her achieve her goals.

"I am looking forward to making friends, and honestly I am excited to actually learn on what I want to study--my major." It was pleasant to see Ruby full of smiles while speaking about the plans she has.

While Chaffey College has been treating her well, one of the biggest struggles she has faced was finding her classes. Chaffey College is about 13 acres, which makes Ruby’s difficulty finding her classes understandable.

After doing this project, a clearer realization came about how everyone has their own journeys in life but can still share similar stories with others. It can be difficult to not let the obstacles that are faced contribute to bigger chaos.

All of our lives are unpredictable, and if there is anything we should learn from our past is to keep going after being thrown off track because the future awaits for better days.

Humans of Chaffey: A Stranger