Santa Ana College alumna and former Garden Grove resident Vera Jimenez didn't dream she would be a full-fledged reporter on a major TV network. At least, not until she enrolled in a journalism course at SAC and met Charles “Bud” Little, el Don student newspaper staff adviser.

 “Vera is a vibrant fun-loving person, and she just attracts people to her naturally,” said Little. “There was never a doubt in my mind that Vera would experience enormous success in broadcast journalism. As skilled as she was in print, I knew her future lay in front of the camera.”

 “I hadn’t thought about that possibility,” commented Jimenez. “But if this prized professor had enough confidence in me, I figured it wouldn’t hurt to give it a shot.”

 She continued her studies with Professor Terry Bales in the TV/Video Communications Department at SAC and was equipped with the knowledge and tools required for the prestigious positions in broadcast. To date, Bales has seen over 200 alumni secure positions in media and the entertainment business that include anchoring on ABC, NBC, CNN, Univision and Telemundo, just to name a few.

 “I flourished at Santa Ana College and can say that it is a best kept secret of success in the media industry,” said Jimenez. “Everything you learn with professors Bales and Little is exactly what you need to know in the field.”

 After graduating with her associate’s degree from Santa Ana College, Vera transferred to Cal State Long Beach and earned her bachelor’s of arts in religious studies. Her professional career began as a radio traffic reporter on KNX 1070 flying over Orange, Los Angeles and Ventura counties. If you are an early riser, you can now witness her talent on KCBS-TV, Channel 2, every weekday from 5 to 7 a.m.