Persistence Pays Off: A Journey from RCC to Yaamava Entertainment

Gustavo Garza, an alumnus of Riverside City College (RCC), exemplifies the power of persistence, the value of hard work, mentorship, and honing in on the opportunities provided by Riverside City College (RCC).

Gustavo attended RCC from 2018 to 2020 as a Music Education major and returned in 2023 to focus on Audio and Music Technology. He gained crucial skills and experience in live sound and concert production with guidance from faculty like Jennifer Amaya and Richard Sheldrake.

“My experience at RCC was crucial to connecting me to my new position at Yaamava. I give thanks to Professor Amaya and Professor Sheldrake. … I was instructed very well and was given opportunities to learn, grow, and gain experience in the field while also excelling in the classroom . . . I’m glad to call them mentors!”

His journey to securing a position at Yaamava Entertainment was not straightforward.

"I was fortunately recommended and applied in November 2023, but I didn't get the job. I applied for two positions and was denied both," Gustavo shared. "I was let down but continued moving forward because no matter what happens, we can't let ourselves stay down for too long. After the NAMM show, I followed up with the entertainment manager at Yaamava. That follow-up put me back on the radar and landed me the job."

Gustavo’s hands-on experience includes managing sound at the NAMM Show and RCC’s Spring Talent Show. These roles, along with off-campus gigs and self-study, prepared him for his new job at Yaamava Entertainment, where he will handle audio and visual setups for live events. Gustavo starts at Yaamava at the end of July and is in the final stages of acquiring the necessary gaming license and attending orientation.

“RCC prepared me very well,” Gustavo reflected. “The instructors are all professionals who do their best to improve students' chances in their desired fields. They taught me everything they could, and it was my job to put it into action.”

Gustavo's journey is a powerful reminder that persistence is key to achieving dreams. His advice to recent graduates is simple:

“Show up, do your absolute best, and take criticism constructively. Remember, the first 'no' is not always final, and supporting your peers can lead to incredible teamwork and opportunities.”