How the LHSS Engagement Center Helped Bishop Hairrell Turn His Life Around

Bishop Hairrell's path to Riverside City College (RCC) was anything but conventional. Raised in Loma Linda as the oldest of six children, Bishop spent much of his early life taking care of his siblings, often putting his own needs and goals aside. School was never his strong suit; while some subjects came easily, his grades were mostly below average, and higher education wasn't part of his future plans. After high school, Bishop drifted from one job to another, spending stretches of time unemployed, waiting for the next opportunity. Then, in 2020, the pandemic upended his life and pushed him to make a critical decision—one that would ultimately lead him to RCC.

For years, Bishop worked as a truck driver, but when COVID-19 hit, the industry's challenges became too much. He left his job and was out of work for nearly a year. In 2021, a serious medical issue landed him in the emergency room after he lost vision in one eye.

“I was diagnosed with inflammation behind my eyes. The cause is still debated, but it resulted in permanent damage to my vision," Bishop recalled.

This was the wake-up call Bishop needed. After months of recovery, he realized that waiting for life to improve wasn’t an option anymore. He needed to take control of his future. That’s when he decided to pursue his education at RCC.

The turning point for Bishop, however, came not just in the decision to return to school but in the discovery of the Languages, Humanities, and Social Sciences (LHSS) Engagement Center at RCC. The center quickly became more than just a resource—it became his anchor.

"The LHSS Center provided me with something I hadn’t had in a long time: a sense of community and belonging," Bishop shared. "I wandered in one day, unsure of what to expect, but it didn’t take long before I found myself surrounded by support I didn’t know I needed."

The LHSS Engagement Center connected Bishop with tutors who broke down complex subjects, professors who offered one-on-one support, and counselors who helped guide his academic journey. It wasn’t just the academic help that made the difference, though—it was the human connection. The employees, particularly Educational Advisors Doug Johnson and Tony Ortiz, became pivotal figures in his life.

"Tony and Doug are the heart of the center. They welcomed me in and built a community I could rely on. Whether it’s helping me find a tutor, connecting me to a counselor, or just having a conversation, they’ve always been there," Bishop said.

For someone like Bishop, who has long struggled with a speech impediment and challenges in understanding emotions, the personalized support from the LHSS team members made all the difference. They gave him the space to ask questions and work through issues, even when it meant staying after class to fully understand a concept. The center provided a safe space where he could grow, not only academically but personally.

"The LHSS Center gave me confidence," Bishop explained. "For the first time in a long time, I felt like I was capable of succeeding."

Now a history major, Bishop’s academic achievements have been a far cry from the student he once was. He has maintained nearly all A’s and is determined to pursue a master’s degree in history. His long-term goal is to work in a museum, combining his passion for history with a career that allows him to share knowledge with others.

Looking back on his journey, Bishop acknowledges that his success would not have been possible without the support of the LHSS Engagement Center.

“I went from feeling lost and disconnected to finding a place that helped me not only academically but personally. The center gave me hope when I needed it most."

For students facing difficult circumstances, Bishop offers this advice:

"Don’t be afraid to fail. It’s going to happen, but each failure teaches you something. And more importantly, don’t hesitate to ask for help. Find your support system, whether it’s friends, family, or places like the LHSS Center. You don’t have to do it alone.”