In his work at a high school district in Humboldt, Jorey McComas has advice for students who are considering whether to attend a community college.
“I think it’s an excellent entry point for education,” he said. “It allows you to investigate what you want to do for less money.”
McComas came by his advice through his positive experience at MiraCosta College, which he attended beginning in 1989 before transferring to Humboldt State University. It was an easy decision for him – his grandmother, Audrey McComas, was secretary to the college’s president, and his mother, Susie Sherry, occasionally taught classes at MiraCosta for women reentering the workforce.
“It was kind of like coming home for me,” he said.
When he attended MiraCosta, McComas wasn’t yet sure of his career path, so he took a variety of classes, from weightlifting to logic to political science. He also tested his talent for acting in several plays at MiraCosta.
“I just loved being in school. I loved being part of the MiraCosta community,” McComas said. “I was just dabbling to find out what I liked. It was kind of liberating to be on that campus.”
After transferring to Humboldt State University, McComas earned a bachelor’s degree in preparation for a career as a schoolteacher. He spent two years in the Peace Corps in the African country of Cameroon, teaching high school English.
After he returned home, he lived with his grandparents in Carlsbad and worked as a naturalist for the Vista Unified School District at the Palomar Outdoor Camp, teaching children about the wonders of nature.
He returned to Humboldt, eventually moving to Eureka with his wife and two children. After earning his teaching credential at UC Berkeley, McComas taught elementary grades in the Vallejo school district before transferring to another school district and rising to principal.
After earning his master’s degree, he now works in the Northern Humboldt Union High School District as a grants coordinator and serves as part of the leadership team.
He still occasionally takes community college classes online, and one of his children is attending a community college. He is living proof of the value of a community college education.
Additionally, Jorey McComas has established a $25,000 named endowment to support
RAFFY (Resources and Assistance for Foster Youth) students at MiraCosta College, ensuring that future generations of students receive the support and opportunities they need to succeed.