Congratulations to the Class of 2020!

Artwork by Joshua Dayrit, VCCCD Student

We want to celebrate you! To recognize the achievements of the 2020 graduates of Moorpark, Oxnard, and Ventura colleges, and while adhering to the Governor’s Shelter-in-Place Order, the Ventura County Community College District would like to acknowledge graduates across all three campuses on our websites. While this is not a virtual graduation, we want to take this opportunity to highlight your success.

Celebrate Your Success!

Add your Grad Profile to this page by submitting your information no later than Sunday, May 3rd, 2020.

Class of 2020 Yearbook

View video acknowledgments and guest speakers on the Class of 2020 Yearbook landing page.

Graphic design of graduate, as actual student did not submit picture.

Aaron Mistry

AS-T in Mathematics
AA in General Studies-Natural Sciences
AA in General Studies-Liberal Studies


Are you transitioning into the workforce? If yes, what will you be doing?
Being a Cop
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My wife
What did you love the most about attending community college?
Attending different classes and meeting new people
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…get through that much work and gain so much experience

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Abigail Travers smiles for the camera as she shows off her Phi Theta Kappa honors society stole.

Abigail Travers

AS in Geology
AS-T in Geology
AS-T in Physics
AA in General Studies-

Natural Sciences

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
California State University, Northridge (CSUN)
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
I know it is cliché, but my parents. Especially my mom who homeschooled me from 2nd grade on. Most importantly she taught me that I could do anything if I set my mind to it, and to be U-NI-QUE!
What did you love the most about attending community college?
I really loved at Moorpark hearing the animals at the zoo in the morning when I got to campus. And of course, the amazing friends I have made!
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…survive and pass a 7:30am Calculus 3 class!

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Abraham Sassounes wearing a tux while standing in a garden.

Abraham Sassounes

Associate of Science in Business Administration

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
CSUN (California State University, Northridge)
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
Mother and Father
What did you love the most about attending community college?
Being with my friends, getting involved in fun activities, and learning about a new subject each semester.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…graduate with a degree.

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Abram Bautista poses with his basketball teammates.

Abram Bautista

AA in General Studies- Social and Behavioral Sciences

Are you transferring? If so, where?
University of California, Santa Cruz
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
Kobe Bryant
What did you love the most about attending community college?
The coaching staff and other students on campus were really welcoming
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
play on their team

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Graphic design of graduate, as actual student did not submit picture.

Adam King

AA in Anthropology
AA-T in Anthropology
AA in General Studies- Social Behavioral Sciences


Are you transferring? If so, where?
California State University, Channel Islands (CSUCI)
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
Prof. Andrew Kinkella

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Picture of Adriana Cortes with a baby dressed up for easter.

Adriana Cortes

Associate of Science in Natural Sciences

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
CSUN (California State University, Northridge)
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My parents and my daughter Roselyn
What did you love the most about attending community college?
The professors and the flexibility of classes
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…Be the first to graduate from my family

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Adriana Lazalde smiles for the camera.

Adriana Lazalde

AST in Business Administration;
AST in Film, Television and Electronic Media;
AA in General Studies-Liberal Studies;
AA in General Studies-Social and Behavioral Sciences

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
Yes but have not yet decided at this time.
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My family.
What did you love the most about attending community college?
The small class sizes and caring professors.

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Aeron Alden smiles for the camera.

Aeron Alden

AA in General Studies-Natural Sciences

Are you transitioning into the workforce? If yes, what will you be doing?
Physical Therapy
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My family.
What did you love the most about attending community college?
Friendly and welcoming atmosphere.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…excel in school.

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Aileen Amezcua smiles for the camera.

Aileen Amezcua

AST in Film, Television and Electronic Media;
AA in General Studies-Humanities;
AA in General Studies-Social and Behavioral Sciences

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
California State University, Fullerton
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My parents inspired me to persevere towards my passion as a career.
What did you love the most about attending community college?
Being close to home.

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Graphic design artwork of a graduate in regalia by Joshua Dayrit.

Alejandro Perez

AA in Anthropology;
AA-T in Anthropology;
AA in General Studies-Social and Behavioral Sciences

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Adam Greenslade flashes the peace sign at the camera.

Alex Greenslade

AA-T in Theatre Arts
AA in General Studies-Humanities
Certificate in Theatre Arts: Acting


What did you love the most about attending community college?
The friendships I’ve made along the way.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…Be who I really wanted to be.

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Alex Nicole Iverson wears a cap and gown and smiles for the camera.

Alex Iverson

AA-T in Sociology

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
California State University, Fullerton
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My dad, who pushed me to get my bachelor degree
What will you miss most from your community college experience?
I will miss the familiarity of what is expected of me in each class and having an idea of how much work I will have for each

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Alexis Landis, posing for photo outside.

Alexis Landis

Associate of Arts in Liberal Studies, Associate of Arts in Elementary Teacher Education, Associate of Arts in Social Behavioral Sciences

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
Yes, Sonoma State University
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
Family and myself
What did you love the most about attending community college?
Moorpark was one of the best things that happen to me. Moorpark made me strive to my fullest potential. I will miss all the amazing friends I’ve made and I’ll surly miss all of the fantastic professors I have encountered these past few years.

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Alexis Leites smiles for the camera.

Alexis Leites

AA-T in Psychology
AA in General Studies- Social Behavioral Sciences


Are you transferring? If yes, where?
California State University, Northridge
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
Me! As well as close friends around me
What did you love the most about attending community college?
Not stressing about the expense of classes and the convenience of the location!
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
Make it on the Dean’s List.

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Aline Abou Karroum smiles for the camera.

Aline Abou Karroum

AS-T in Biology;
AS in Chemistry;
AA-T in Child/Adolescent Development;
AA in General Studies-Liberal Studies;
AA in General Studies-Natural Science


Are you transferring? If yes, where?
I will be transferring to the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) in Fall 2020 as a Physiological Science major.

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Alisa Newhouse-Smith smiles for the camera.

Alisa Newhouse-Smith

AA in Archaeology

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
No…maybe…
Are you transitioning into the workforce? If yes, what will you be doing?
Archaeology Laboratory Technician
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My children, and John Luker, and Professor Kinkella
What did you love the most about attending community college?
That it is accessible both economically and without the Academic hierarchy that can be so daunting
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
Actually pursue my life long dream to work in the field of Archaeology

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Alison Mark poses for the camera while sitting on brick steps.

Alison Mark

AA-T in Sociology;
AA in General Studies-Humanities

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My best friend, Audrey Singgih, was the person who drove me to pursue Sociology and helped me transfer to UCLA. I’m incredibly thankful for her love, encouragement and support!
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…find something I was passionate about to pursue as a career.

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Graphic design of a graduate.

Allie Salisbury

AA-T in Child and Adolescent Development,
AA in General Studies-Social and Behavior Sciences,
AA in General Studies-Liberal Studies,
Child Development Associate Teacher Certificate


Are you transferring? If yes, where?
Yes, California Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly SLO)

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Alyssa Hernandez smiles for the camera.

Alyssa Hernandez

AA-T in Elementary Teacher Education, AA in General Studies-Social Behavioral Sciences, and AA in General Studies-Liberal Studies

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
Yes, California State University, Long Beach
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My mom
What will you miss most from your community college experience?
-Being able to live at home and not pay rent
-The friendships that I made

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Amanda Brattin smiles for the camera.

Amanda Brattin

Associate of Arts in Natural Science

Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My son Jayson, I wanted him to know its never to late to pursue your dreams and I couldn’t have done it without my sister, Jenn, helping me every step of the way. I love you guys!
What will you miss most from your community college experience?
I will miss the professors. I had some great ones on my journey at Moorpark College!

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Amanda Brooke Miles sits in a field of California poppies.

Amanda Miles

AA-T in Psychology;
AA in General Studies, Social Behavioral Sciences


Are you transferring? If yes, where?
Yes, San Diego State University
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My parents and family members, as well as myself
What did you love the most about attending community college?
Less stress of getting into a 4-year university, and getting units/classes out of the way
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…Discover my passion for Psychology

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Amanda Palacios smiles for the camera.

Amanda Palacios

AA-T in Psychology;
AA in General Studies-Social Behavioral Sciences
;
AA in General Studies-Humanities

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
Yes! California Lutheran University (CLU).
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My son.
What did you love the most about attending community college?
The sense of accomplishment.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…Go back to school after so long.

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Amanda Rose Mitchell Kent holds her Moorpark College diploma proudly.

Amanda Rose Mitchell-Kent

Associate of Arts in General Studies-Natural Sciences

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
Oregon State University
#GoBeavs! #Beavernation
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
Myself
What did you love the most about attending community college?
I loved Moorpark College from the first semester I attended. I remember going in the mornings and being able to hear the animals. Going to Moorpark gave me the opportunity to complete my prerequisites while also working through what career I wanted to eventually pursue. It also made it possible for me to work and go to school at the same time, lots of late nights but definitely worth it! Moorpark always had a relaxing and comfortable atmosphere.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…Get my degree. I originally had just planned to transfer but when my counselor told me I was super close to completing my associates, I decided to go for it! I am one of the few people in my family that has a college education and I plan to go the whole way!

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Ana Carolina Marin smiles for the camera.

Ana Carolina Marin

AA in General Studies-Humanities;
AS-T in Film, Television, and Electronic Media

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
California State University, Northridge

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Anastasia Yakauleva poses for the camera.

Anastasia Yakauleva

AA-T in Psychology;
AA in General Studies-Social and Behavioral Sciences

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
California State University, Channel Islands (CSUCI)
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My high school counselor Mrs. Oganesyan.
What did you love most about attending community college?
Studying something what I am really passionate about.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…be able to write a book! Thanks Professor Andrew Kinkella for your inspirational, interesting and super fun Archaeology class!

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Andrea Lisa Oleas smiles for the camera while posing in front of a chandelier.

Andrea Lisa Oleas

Associate of Arts in Early Childhood Education

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
Yes. Arizona State University.
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
I wanted this for myself but I also did this for my siblings and parents. I love you all so much!
What did you love the most about attending community college?
All of my professors!
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…achieve this goal. I graduated with my AA in Early Childhood Education with a 4.0 gpa.

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Graphic design of a graduate, by Joshua Dayrit.

Andrew Banks

Associate of Science for Transfer in Hospitality Management

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Angel Rubalcava smiles for the camera.

Angel Rubalcava

AA in Communication Studies

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
California State University, Chico (Chico State).
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My family.
What did you love the most about attending community college?
The friendships I made on the soccer team.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…Become the Scholar-Athlete of the year.

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Angela Giraldo smiles for the camera.

Angela Giraldo

Associate of Science in Business Administration; Certificate of Achievement in Business Administration

Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My children. I wanted to show them the importance of continuing their education.
What did you love the most about attending community college?
I loved being on campus. Being a stay-at-home parent, it was exciting to be in class and participate in the discussions.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
I never thought I would complete my degree. It was finally my time.

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Anna Johnson Gerwe

AA-T in Sociology;
AA-T in Child/Adolescent Development;
AA in General Studies-Liberal Studies;
AA in General Studies-Social and Behavioral Science

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB).
Are you transitioning into the workforce? If yes, what will you be doing?
I will be working part-time as a behavioral aide.
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My grandfather, who was one of the first school psychologists in all of Minnesota.
What did you love the most about attending community college?
Being able to form relationships with my professors.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…Be so outspoken and active in a class.

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Anna Norwalt poses for the camera.

Anna Norwalt

AA-T in Communication Studies

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
California Lutheran University
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My professor Anasheh Ghrabighi, my family, and my dance teacher Rachel Dubusky.
What did you love the most about attending community college?
I grew a lot as a person and was able to push myself more than I ever had.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
Earn a degree, take 19 units, and be a good student.

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Anthony Leon-Diaz smiles for the camera.

Anthony Leon-Diaz

AA-T in Economics;
AS-T in Business Administration;
AA in General Studies-Social and Behavioral Science

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
San Diego State University (SDSU).
Are you transitioning into the workforce? If yes, what will you be doing?
Create my own business or become a music artist.
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My Family.
What did you love the most about attending community college?
Learning to be independent and balancing work and school.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…Manage my time and balance my schedule.

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Anthony Zabala

AA in General Studies-
Natural Sciences

Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My Family
What did you love the most about attending community college?
The teachers
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…Feel that I belong

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Graphic Design of a Graduate in Regalia, made by VCCCD student Joshua Dayrit.

Antonio Diaz

Associate of Science in Criminal Justice

Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
Family and Friends
What did you love the most about attending community college?
Growing as a person

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Antonio Nunez

AA in Philosophy;
AA in General Studies-Humanities

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
What did you love the most about attending community college?
What I love most about attending community college is the fact that I get to meet dedicated mentors, staff, and students who are passionate about helping one another and making a strong community.

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April Hastings smiles for the camera.

April Hastings

Certificate of Achievement in Exercise Science: Fitness Specialist

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Aquecsali Sandoval smiles for the camera.

Aquecsali Sandoval

AA-T in Psychology;
AA in General Studies-Social and Behavioral Science

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Ariana Villalobos poses for the camera.

Ariana Villalobos

AA-T in Studio Arts;
AA in General Studies-Humanities

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
Art Center College of Design
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My mom and dad
What did you love the most about attending community college?
Meeting people with similar interests and building lasting friendships
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…get my degree or transfer to a university, but I managed to do both

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Arianna Delgado

Proficiency Award in Digital Journalism

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
California State University, Northridge (CSUN).
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My entire family who have all been extremely supportive throughout this journey!
What did you love the most about attending community college?
What I loved most about community college was the ability to explore my interests and figure out what I truly enjoy and am passionate about.

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Arisa Namioka smiles for the camera.

Arisa Namioka

AA-T in Psychology
AA in General Studies-Social and Behavioral Sciences

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
Choosing between the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) or California State University, Long Beach (CSULB)
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My female professors at Moorpark
What did you love the most about attending community college?
Being in Dynamix [a capella group] as well as the small classes and amazing psychology professors
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
Get straight A’s.

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Armando Acevedo smiles for the camera.

Armando Acevedo

AS in Chemistry;
AS-T in Physics;
AS-T in Mathematics;
AA in General Studies-Liberal Studies;

AA in General Studies-Natural Sciences

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
California State University, Channel Islands (CSUCI).
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
All of my science teachers that I have had in the past have inspired me to continue education to pursue chemistry. All of them have been kind, supportive, and wise.
What did you love the most about attending community college?
I must say I loved the size of the classes here the most. This allowed a more personal and fun class room environment.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…I never thought I could pass college level math classes! I sure proved that wrong!

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Ashley Geraldo poses for the camera.

Ashley Geraldo

AA-T in Economics;
AS-T in Business Administration

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
California State University, Northridge (CSUN).

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Asly Pena smiles for camera.

Asly Pena

AA-T in Kinesiology

Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My parents
What did you love the most about attending community college?
I made some dope friends
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
run on 2 hours of sleep

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Graphic Design of graduate in regalia.

Autumn Ramirez

AA-T in Psychology
AA in General Studies-Liberal Studies
AA in General Studies-Natural Science
AA in General Studies-Social and Behavioral Science


Are you transferring? If yes, where?
California State University, San Marcos (CSUSM).
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My mom, my sisters, Eddy Beltran and Dr. Jesus Vega.
What did you love the most about attending community college?
How much they want to see you succeed and move forward to bigger things, even though you think you cant do it, they show you a way.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
Juggle so many parts of life. I was able to work, do homework, study, and be with my family.

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Ava Cooper smiles for the camera.

Ava Cooper

AA-T in Kinesiology

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
Boise State University.
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
Two people have inspired my educational goals and they are Moorpark College’s very own athletic trainers, Cherisse Meichtry and Mariel Stegmeir.
What did you love the most about attending community college?
I loved the relationships I was able to build with my classmates and teammates.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
Get a merit scholarship.

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Graphic design of a student in graduation regalia.

Avery Joffe

AA-T in Kinesiology;
AA in General Studies-Natural Science

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
California State University, Channel Islands (CSUCI)

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Graphic design of a student in graduation regalia.

Benjamin Caudillo

AS-T in Administration of Justice;
AA in General Studies-Social and Behavioral Sciences

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
California State University, Northridge (CSUN).
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My brother.
What did you love the most about attending community college?
How smooth and helpful all the staff and professors are.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
Get this far.

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Graphic design of a student in graduation regalia.

Benjamin Hiebert

AS-T in Physics;
AS-T in Mathematics;
AA in General Studies-Natural Sciences

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
California State University, Channel Islands (CSUCI).
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
Definitely my family. With their support, I’ve never felt unable to achieve my goals. College has been just another way I can ensure my future success and make them proud.
What did you love the most about attending community college?
I loved meeting all different kinds of people, both students and faculty. Hearing about what they found interesting, what they were passionate about whether they were learning it or teaching it.

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Bethlehem Salvas

AA-T in Economics;
AS-T in Business Administration;
AA in General Studies-Liberal Studies;
AA in General Studies-Social and Behavioral Studies

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
California State University, Northridge (CSUN).
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
I am my biggest inspiration.
What did you love the most about attending community college?
An intimate class environment.

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Bianca Fernandez smiles for the camera.

Bianca Fernandez

AA-T in Psychology
AA in General Studies-Social Behavioral Sciences


Are you transferring? If yes, where?
California State University, East Bay
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
Being a mom to my two-year-old

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Bradley Imhof smiles for the camera while wearing a tuxedo.

Bradley Imhof

AA-T in Economics
AS-T in Business Administration


Are you transferring? If yes, where?
California State University, Northridge
Are you transitioning into the workforce? If yes, what will you be doing?
HP Sales Representative
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
Father
What did you love the most about attending community college?
Close proximity to my home, low cost, numerous classes offered.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
Excel at pursuing an education.

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Graphic design of a student in graduation regalia.

Brandon Archibald

AA in General Studies-Social and Behavioral Science

Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My mother
What did you love the most about attending community college?
Playing football
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…finish college.

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Graphic design of a student in graduation regalia.

Brandon Ismalej

Registered Behavior Technician Proficiency Award

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
California State University, Northridge

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Brayden Ekman smiles for camera while outside at beach.

Brayden Ekman

AA-T in Geography
AA in General Studies-Natural Science

What did you love the most about attending community college?
Excellent staff and professors

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Brendan Alvarez poses for the camera.

Brendan Alvarez

AA-T in English;
AA in General Studies-Humanities;
AA in General Studies-Liberal Studies

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My parents
What did you love the most about attending community college?
I loved the small class sizes and the encouraging teachers!
Until I attended a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…get into UCLA

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Brendan Tran poses for camera.

Brendan Tran

AA-T in Psychology;
AA in General Studies-Social and Behavioral Sciences

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
California State University, Fullerton
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My mom and dad
What did you love the most about attending community college?
The professors and the staff were very helpful.
Until I attended a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
Get a 4.0 GPA.

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Bren'Don Dwight Keeling poses for the camera.

Bren’Don Dwight Keeling

AA-T in Theatre Arts;
AS-T in Film, Television, and Electronic Media;
AA in General Studies-Humanities

Are you transitioning into the workforce? If yes, what will you be doing?
Yes, Entertainment Industry.
What did you love the most about attending community college?
The feel of a community of like minded individuals gathering for a certain goal.

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Brianna Lee Christensen poses for the camera.

Brianna Lee Christensen

AA in General Studies-Natural Sciences;
Certificate of Achievement in Pre-Allied Health

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
A nursing program at either California State University, Channel Islands (CSUCI), College of the Canyons (CoC), or Moorpark College.
What did you love the most about attending community college?
Learning about health, the human body, and tips that will help me be a better nurse.
Until I attended a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…Stay dedicated to a full-time schedule of school and work.

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Graphic design of a student in regalia, drawn by Joshua Dayrit.

Bri Arcineda

AS-T in Administration of Justice;
AA in General Studies- Social, Behavioral Sciences


Are you transferring? If yes, where?
California State University, Northridge (CSUN)
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My mom
What will you miss the most from your community college experience?
The overall atmosphere, I love Moorpark and have so many good memories there. I am the first in my family to graduate so it’s a big celebration for me.

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Brittany Acosta smiles as she takes a selfie.

Brittany Acosta

AA-T in Psychology
AA in General Studies-Social Behavioral Sciences


Are you transferring? If yes, where?
California State University, Northridge
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My mother

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Graphic design of a student in regalia, drawn by Joshua Dayrit.

Brittany Bailey

AS in Geology;
AS-T in Physics;
AS-T in Geology;
AS-T in Mathematics;
AA in General Studies-Natural Sciences


Are you transferring? If yes, where?
Yes! But still deciding on where!

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Brittany Wilson smiles for the camera while bold a bouquet of flowers.

Brittany Elizabeth Wilson

Associate of Science in Nursing

Are you transitioning into the workforce? If yes, what will you be doing?
Nursing
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My parents in the first responder services
What did you love the most about attending community college?
The cost

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Brooke Cusick

AA-T in Psychology
AA in General Studies-Social Behavioral Sciences


Are you transferring? If yes, where?
Yes, to California State University, Fullerton.
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My Parents, and my twin brother.
What did you love the most about attending community college?
The classroom size. It allows for a more intimate and personal education experience. It also allows you to connect with the amazing professors that Moorpark College has.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
master time management, and be able to maintain so many aspects of my life: such as school, work, a social life, etc. But Moorpark College has taught me how to balance priorities and allow time for everything I enjoy.

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Bryant Christine smiles for the camera.

Bryant Christine

AA-T in Political Science;
AA in General Studies-Social Behavioral Sciences


Are you transferring? If yes, where?
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
Family.
What did you love the most about attending community college?
I loved the atmosphere and the student body. The professors work hard to make classes interesting and challenging. I love being a part of the honors program, where students are encouraged to go above and beyond in their course work.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…transfer to my dream school.

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Cameron Beurer smiles with a blue sky behind  her.

Cameron Beurer

AA-T in Psychology
AA in General Studies-Social Behavioral Sciences

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
California State University, Long Beach (CSULB)
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My family inspired me to continue to pursue college as well as my friends. I wanted to continue to study psychology so I could learn more and have a job that could help people.
What did you love the most about attending community college?
I loved being able to play a role in athletics at Moorpark College as well as loving all my teachers who helped me get where I am.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
Play a collegiate sport.

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Carmen Marie Vasquez smiles for the camera, sunglasses on top of her head.

Carmen Marie Vasquez

AA-T in Child and Adolescent Development; AA in General Studies-Social Behavioral Sciences; AA in General Studies-Liberal Studies

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
California State University, Northridge
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
Ultimately, I want to help people. I want to be apart of someone’s story of improvement. Becoming a Speech Pathologist will be everything I hope when it comes to helping others.
What did you love the most about attending community college?
I loved how helpful all the staff was, from counselors, librarians, professors, tutors, etc. I loved having such a close community with everyone on campus, and the friends I have made along the way. I will never forget my experience at Moorpark College.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
I never thought I could challenge myself and grow even more. The challenges I have faced with classes and dance performances; I learned I can do anything I put my mind to. Some semesters were very hard and stressful, but I ultimately learned I would get through it and be proud of myself.

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Carrie Ezeuka smiles for the camera.

Carrie Ezeuka

AA-T in Sociology
AA in General Studies-Social Behavioral Sciences

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
California State University, Dominguez Hills
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
Jehovah God, Family, Friends
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…Transfer.

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Cassandra Lapp poses for the picture while standing up.

Cassandra Lapp

AA-T in Elementary Teacher Education; AA in General Studies- Liberal Studies; AA in General Studies-Social and Behavioral Sciences

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
California State University, Northridge (CSUN)
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My sixth grade teacher Holly Dye inspired me to become a teacher of my own.
What will you miss the most about your community college experience?
I think I’ll miss the teachers the most and the atmosphere. It was a great starting ground and the teachers helped out a lot.

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Cassidy Kelly poses for the picture in her Moorpark Raiders cheer squad uniform.

Cassidy Kelly

AA in Child and Adolescent Development, AS in Early Childhood Education, AA in Social and Behavioral Sciences, and Child Development Associate Teacher Certificate

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
California State University, Long Beach (CSULB).
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My family and my passion for working with children and learning more about what I love inspired me to pursue my educational goals.
What did you love the most about attending community college?
I loved getting involved and making lifelong friends through being a member of the Moorpark College Spirit Team!
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
Accomplish so many goals in so many areas of interest in my life!

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Cassidy Marshall poses for a picture.

Cassidy Marshall

AA-T in Kinesiology;
AA in General Studies-Natural Science

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
California State University, Northridge (CSUN)
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My family
What will you miss the most about your community college experience?
Meeting new people
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…have friends that were my parents’ age

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Cate Boone smiles for the camera.

Cate Boone

AA-T in Psychology;
AA in General Studies-Social and Behavioral Sciences

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
University of California (UC) Irvine.
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
I have been inspired by my parents and friends for supporting my goals and helping me believe in my work ethic and potential for the future.
What did you love the most about attending community college?
I am grateful for my community college experience because I was able to focus on my education and become well prepared for higher division education opportunities. I enjoyed staying at home for a few more years, around my parents and friends. I have gained more knowledge to help me grow as a person and prepare me for the future chapters of my life.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could live up to my academic potential and be able to purse further study at my dream UC school.

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Catherine Carney smiles for the camera.

Catherine Carney

AA-T in Psychology;
AA in General Studies-Liberal Studies;
AA in General Studies-Social and Behavioral Sciences

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
California State University, Northridge (CSUN)
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My parents!
What did you love the most about attending community college?
How convenient and beneficial it was for me
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…enjoy school so much

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Cecilia Nguyen beams for the camera.

Cecilia BachNguyen

AA-T in Psychology;
AA in General Studies- Liberal Studies;
AA in General Studies-Natural Science;
AA in General Studies-Social and Behavioral Sciences

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My friends and family <3
What will you miss the most about your community college experience?
I really love how many different kinds of people you can meet. The student population is so diverse and really makes for a unique college experience.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…have the opportunity to have a personal connections with staff and faculty. I want to say a huge thank you Moorpark College staff and faculty for making my experience so amazing and for teaching me so much. I genuinely hope to be as amazing as you all are someday.

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Celeste Bird smiles for the camera while wearing a Moorpark College shirt.

Celeste Bird

AS-T in Film, Television, and Electronic Media

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
California State University, Northridge
Are you transitioning into the workforce? If yes, what will you be doing?
Acting/Modeling
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My high school theatre teacher, Mr. Hebel.
What did you love the most about attending community college?
What I loved the most about attending Moorpark is all of the friends I made in the FTMA program. Working with other students to make short films and radio shows is something I’ll always miss doing at MC.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
make so many new friends!

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Celine De Guzman smiles for the camera.

Celine De Guzman

AA-T in Child and Adolescent Development;
AA in General Studies-Liberal Studies;
AA in General Studies-Natural Sciences


Are you transferring? If yes, where?
California State University, Channel Islands (CSUCI)
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My best friend Kristina and my mom
What did you love the most about attending community college?
I loved how I was able to adjust to my classes easily and how organized the professors are
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
Pass my english classes

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Cesar Zepeda is pictured with emeritus Moorpark College Nursing faculty member Argie Clifford.

Cesar Zepeda

CSU-GE Certification with focus on Nursing Science requirements

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
California State University, Channel Islands (CSUCI)
Are you transitioning into the workforce? If yes, what will you be doing?
Registered Nurse
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
Parents
What did you love the most about attending community college?
Cost effective

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Chantal Serrano smiles for the camera while standing in front of cactus plants.

Chantal Serrano

AA-T in Political Science
AA in General Studies- Social and Behavioral Sciences


Are you transferring? If yes, where?
California Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly SLO)
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
Definitely my mom!
What will you miss most from your community college experience?
Seeing my family and friends from home consistently. I also really like Moorpark’s campus and the people there.

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Graphic design artwork of a graduate by Joshua Dayrit.

Chase Woodard

AA-T in Communication Studies;
AA in General Studies-Humanities


Are you transferring? If yes, where?
University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB)

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Chelsea Mitchell smiles for the camera.

Chelsea Mitchell

AS-T in Radiologic Technology

Are you transitioning into the workforce? If yes, what will you be doing?
Yes, Radiologic Technologist
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My family

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Chelsee Lasekan smiles for the camera.

Chelsee Lasekan

AS-T in Film, Television, and Electronic Media;
AA in General Studies- Humanities

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
California State University, Dominguez Hills
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My mother
What did you love the most about attending community college?
Getting to save money and meet new friends
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
Finish college.

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Cheyenne Aganinta smiles for the camera.

Cheyenne Aganinta

AA in General Studies-
Natural Science

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
University of Utah

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Chloe Sage smiles for the camera.

Chloe Sage

AA-T in Psychology;
AA in General Studies-Social and Behavioral Sciences

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
California State University, Northridge (CSUN)
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
Myself
What did you love the most about attending community college?
It was affordable and provided me with a great stepping stone to the rest on my education.

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Chrislyn Chovanec sits in a field of wild flowers.

Chrislyn Chovanec

AA in General Studies-Social and Behavioral Sciences

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
Yes, I will be transferring to San Diego State University (SDSU).
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My parents have always valued education and encouraged me to do my best.
What did you love the most about attending community college?
Some of my professors were so amazing and they care for every student in their class. Also, the great people and friends that I made!
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…speak in front of more than 5 people and understand math, at least a little bit!

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Christian De Leon smiles for the camera.

Christian De Leon

AS in Computer Network Systems Engineering

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
California State University, Channel Islands (CSUCI)
Are you transitioning into the workforce? If yes, what will you be doing?
Network Engineer
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
[Moorpark faculty] Ed Garcia and Wendy Berg
What did you love the most about attending community college?
Most teachers care about their students.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
Obtain a college degree.

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Christina Acosta smiles for the camera.

Christina Acosta

AS in Child Development
AS-T in Early Childhood Education

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
California State University, Channel Islands (CSUCI)
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
Myself and my family
What did you love the most about attending community college?
I really enjoyed all my child development classes and instructors.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…be a preschool teacher.

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Christina Doherty

AA-T in Kinesiology
AS in Exercise Science: Fitness Specialist

Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My God and my son
What did you love the most about attending community college?
What I loved the most about attending Moorpark College was my XC peers and coaches who helped push me past my comfort zone to achieve more than I thought possible for myself (mentally and physically), Jeff Kreil who by far is a teacher who lights a fire in his students, keeps it burning, excels in his field, while showing he REALLY cares (THANK YOU), Sayhber Rawles who inspired me and challenged me to fight past my past experiences, let go, heal and grow through her dance class, and the unexpected battles I fought and won with great tenaciousness.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
Until I went to Moorpark College, I never thought I could believe and achieve as much as I have. I wouldn’t be the same woman. Moorpark College has made a huge impact in my life and those around me.

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Christine Tikotin smiles for the camera.

Christine Tikotin

AS in Child Development;
AA in General Sciences- Social Behavioral Sciences;
Certificates of Achievement in Child Development and in Child Development Associate Teacher

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Christopher Drolet smiles for the camera.

Christopher Drolet

AS-T in Business Administration;
AA in General Studies- Social and Behavioral Sciences

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
California State University, Northridge (CSUN).
What did you love the most about attending community college?
The ease of access to resources and the more personal contact with teachers.

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Christopher Flood poses for a picture.

Christopher Flood

AS-T in Biology;
AS in Chemistry;
AA in General Studies-Natural Sciences;
AS-T in Mathematics;
AS-T in Physics


Are you transferring? If yes, where?
Yes I am, I’m going to Oregon State University. Go Beavs!
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
I did, because I love chemistry (my major).
What did you love the most about attending community college?
The people I met and connections I made, I met two of my best friends at Moorpark College.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…learn to accept the fact that I have Aspergers. It doesn’t stop me from excelling so I just acted like it wasn’t there. Newsflash: it is. Now I own it. I don’t let it be a source of insecurity anymore. It’s a part of who I am, whether I like it or not. My time at Moorpark taught me that I just need to own it and not lie to myself anymore.

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Christopher Taras

AS in Environmental Science;
AA in General Studies-Natural Sciences;
AA in General Studies-Social and Behavioral Science

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
California State University, Channel Islands (CSUCI).
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My family as well as my fiancé.
What did you love the most about attending community college?
It is a very nice first transition to college. I had some truly amazing professors that I am sure I will still be talking about in the future.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…pass a math class.

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Clarissa Garza smiles for the camera.

Clarissa Garza

AA-T in Kinesiology;
AA in General Studies-Liberal Studies

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
California State University, Northridge (CSUN).

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Clarissa Knight poses for the camera while standing outside.

Clarissa Knight

AA-T in Anthropology
AA in General Studies- Social and Behavioral Sciences

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
California State University, Northridge (CSUN)
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My Parents
What did you love the most about attending community college?
I loved the ability of being able to take different classes that peaked my interests and helped me to decide what I wanted to study.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…Take classes just for fun because they sounded interesting and then later decided to pursue a degree in them.

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Claudia Jenrich smiles for the camera.

Claudia Jenrich

AS in Child Development

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
California State University, Channel Islands (CSUCI)
Are you transitioning into the workforce? If yes, what will you be doing?
Continue Teaching
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My family

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Clayton Suttles poses for a picture with a hedgehog in his hand.

Clayton Suttles

AS in Exotic Animal Training and Management
Certificate of Achievement in Exotic Animal Training and Management

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
Yes, Oregon State University.
Are you transitioning into the workforce? If yes, what will you be doing?
My plan is to work with animals in a wildlife education setting while I work toward my bachelors.
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
Thank you to my Mom, fiance, and friends who have been a constant support group for reaching my goals!
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…live my dream of working with animals. Now that dream has become a reality!

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Cole Hernandez smiles for the camera.

Cole Hernandez

AA in Political Science
AA in General Studies-Social and Behavioral Sciences

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
University of California, San Diego (UCSD)
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
Definitely my parents and grandparents, it has been a family effort!
What did you love most about attending a community college?
Close proximity to home and the ability to take a variety of courses to help identify my interests.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…attend two years of college for such a good price!

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Cori Ohl smiles for the camera.

Cori Ohl

AA -T in Elementary Teacher Education; AA in General Studies- Social and Behavioral Sciences; AA in General Studies- Liberal Studies

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
California State University, Chico (CSU Chico)
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My children
What will you miss the most from your community college experience?
The close connection with the professors.

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Cristal Contreras smiles for the camera.

Cristal Contreras

AA in General Studies- Social and Behavioral Sciences

Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My family has encouraged me to never give up.
What did you love most about attending community college?
I loved learning new subjects.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…finish college and be the first in my family to graduate.

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Daniel Bostwick poses for the camera.

Daniel Bostwick

AA-T in Economics;
AA-T in Political Science;
AA in General Studies-Humanities;
AA in General Studies-Social and Behavioral Science


Are you transferring? If yes, where?
University of California, Berkeley
What did you love most about attending community college?
Meeting people in the Math and Writing Centers in the library.

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Daniel Duarte poses in his U.S. Army uniform.

Daniel Duarte

AA in General Studies-Liberal Studies;
AA in General Studies-Social and Behavioral Science


Are you transitioning into the workforce? If yes, what will you be doing?
Police Officer for Simi Valley Police Department
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My parents
What did you love most about attending community college?
It was close to home and had a nice campus
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…attain a degree and maintain a successful military career

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Graphic image of a graduate.

Danielle White

AA in General Studies-Liberal Studies;
AA in General Studies-Social and Behavioral Science
;
Child Development Associate Teacher Certificate

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
California State University, Channel Islands (CSUCI)
Are you transitioning into the workforce? If yes, what will you be doing?
Yes, I am a behavioral therapist.
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My mom.
What did you love most about attending community college?
Saving money.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…Take 20 units in one semester.

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Graphic design of a student graduate.

David Arreola

AS-T in Business Administration
AA in General Studies-Liberal Studies;
AA in General Studies-Social and Behavioral Science


Are you transferring? If yes, where?
California State University, Channel Islands (CSUCI)
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My parents.
What did you love most about attending community college?
The professors.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…have transferred to a university.

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David Bourgholtzer is pictured with a friend.

David Bourgholtzer

AA in General Studies-Humanities

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
California State University, Northridge (CSUN)
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
Danny Devito.
What will you miss the most from your community college experience?
The price for tuition.

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Graphic Design of a graduate, drawn by Joshua Dayrit.

David Brown

AA in General Studies-Social and Behavioral Science

Are you transitioning into the workforce? If yes, what will you be doing?
Fire Fighter
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My parents
What did you love the most about attending community college?
Learning about subjects I had not had exposure to before
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…understand Philosophical Logic

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Deborah Loring smiles for the camera.

Deborah Loring

AA in General Studies-Natural Sciences

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
Yes, Western Governors University
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My mother
What did you love the most about attending community college?
Community college gave me the opportunity to afford college where I could not afford university tuition.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…Excel in math!

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Delilah Garcia poses for a photo with her dad and little brother.

Delilah Garcia

Certificate in Child Development

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
California State University, Northridge (CSUN)
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My dad and my baby brother.
What did you love the most about attending community college?
The teachers in the Child Development department changed school for me.

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Graphic art design of a graduating student by Joshua Dayrit.

Devi Tharmaraj

Associate of Science in Child Development

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Dharma Lewis smiles for the camera.

Dharma Lewis

AS-T in Biology;
AA in General Studies-Natural Sciences

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
Yes! University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB).
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My mother who raised me by herself and always reminded me that knowledge is power.
What did you love the most about attending community college?
The professors that saw my potential and never let me give up.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…fail multiple times and still come out successful!

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Diana Steffany Arreola Lerma smiles for the camera.

Diana Steffany Arreola Lerma

AA-T in Studio Arts;
AA in General Studies-Humanities;
AA in General Studies-Liberal Studies

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
California State University, Northridge (CSUN)
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My siblings
What did you love the most about attending community college?
How helpful the counselor/staff at EOPS are

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Diana Zelaya poses for the camera.

Diana Zelaya

AA-T in Elementary Teacher Education;
AA in General Studies-Liberal Studies;
AA in General Studies-Social and Behavioral Science

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
California State University, Northridge (CSUN)
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My family and friends
What did you love the most about attending community college?
The welcoming and positive environment

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Dimelza Neyra poses for the camera.

Dimelza Neyra

Child Development Associate Teacher Certificate

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
California State University, Northridge (CSUN)
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My nephew and niece
What did you love the most about attending community college?
Great teachers
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…enjoy school as much as I do now

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Graphic design artwork of a graduate, created by Joshua Dayrit.

Dylan Kolvenbach

AA-T in Studio Arts;
AA in General Studies-Humanities

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC)
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My family
What did you love the most about attending community college?
The atmosphere
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…Transfer to a reputable college for my degree

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Elisa Young poses for the camera

Elisa Young

AA-T in Studio Arts

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
California State University, Northridge (CSUN).
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
Myself.
What did you love the most about attending community college?
Being able to choose the direction I want.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…Overcome things that are extremely challenging for me.

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Emely Duenas cradles flowers in her arms while posing for a photo outside in a field.

Emely Duenas

AS-T in Administration of Justice; AA in General Studies-Social and Behavioral Science

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
California State University, Chico.
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My parents inspired and encouraged me to pursue a higher education.
What did you love the most about attending community college?
I love how supportive and helpful all of the Moorpark College staff are. I also loved being on the Moorpark College spirit team and supporting the football players and spreading school spirit.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…go to a four year university.

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Emily Kotin poses for a photo.

Emily Kotin

AS-T in Psychology;
AA-T in Child and Adolescent Development;
AA in General Studies-Humanities;
AA in General Studies-Liberal Arts;
AA in General Studies-Social and Behavioral Science

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
California Lutheran University (CLU)
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My parents inspired me by always being by my side from the beginning and helping me with my most difficult classes.
What did you love the most about attending community college?
I love that community college has allowed me to explore my interests by taking a variety of classes which led me to discover psychology!

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Emily Martin poses for the camera.

Emily Martin

AA-T in Music;
AA in General Studies-Humanities;
AA in General Studies-Social and Behavioral Science

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
California State University, Northridge (CSUN)
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
Kathy Copans, Kelly Caswell and Brandon Elliott
What will you miss the most from your community college experience?
I love how supportive and helpful all of the Moorpark College staff I will miss the community that I was brought into and so well accepted in.

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Graphic design artwork of a graduate, by Joshua Dayrit.

Emily Poghossian

AA-T in Anthropology;
AA in General Studies-Social and Behavioral Science

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)

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Emily Roman holds up a certificate while smiling for the camera.

Emily Roman

AS-T in Biology;
AA in General Studies-Natural Science

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
Yes, University of California, Davis (UC Davis)
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My mom
What did you love the most about attending community college?
Being able to stay close to home a little longer, saving money, and meeting my fwends
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
achieve straight A’s

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Erica Lopez smiles for the camera

Erica Lopez

AA-T in Psychology;
AA in General Studies-Social and Behavioral Science

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
California State University, Channel Islands (CSUCI)
Are you transitioning into the workforce? If yes, what will you be doing?
Full-time mom
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My nieces
What will you miss the most from your community college experience?
The students and faculty who made learning fun

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Erika Szaldobagyi smiles for the camera.

Erika Szaldobagyi

AS in Engineering;
AA-T in History;
AS-T in Mathematics;
AA in General Studies-Liberal Studies;
AA in General Studies-Natural Science;
AA in General Studies-Social and Behavioral Science

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
Yes, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly SLO).
Are you transitioning into the workforce? If yes, what will you be doing?
Currently a Moorpark College STEM Tutor and plan to continue until I transfer.
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
A trip I took in Chemistry Club made me realize I wanted to do more than just chemistry and that’s when I learned about engineering. After that I researched engineering majors and fell in love with Materials Engineering. The next part was taking the right courses for the degree and with help from counselors and professors I finished my AS degree in Engineering. It took 4 years, but I would not have changed any moment of it.
What did you love the most about attending community college?
Being a part of clubs!
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
be an Engineer!

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Graphic design artwork of a graduate student, by Joshua Dayrit.

Erin Montagna

AS-T in Administration of Justice

Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
Myself

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Esmeralda Gonzalez poses for her picture.

Esmeralda Gonzalez

AA-T in Sociology;
AA in General Studies- Natural Sciences;
AA in General Studies- Social and Behavioral Sciences

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
California State University (CSU) Channel Islands.
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My parents.
What did you love the most about attending community college?
Being able to create a new environment with more people and make new connections.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
Find new friends and be able to transfer to a 4- year college.

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Evan Reinhardt smirks at the camera.

Evan Reinhardt

AA-T in Journalism

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
San Jose State University (SJSU)
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
Sean Greene, Kelsey Stuart, Karen Loberg and Morgan Ellis.
What did you love the most about attending community college?
Creating lifelong friends in my area of study.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
Be proud, motivated and confident in pursuing my dreams.

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Evangeline Bautista poses for the camera.

Evangeline Bautista

AA in General Studies- Natural Sciences

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
Yes, California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) San Luis Obispo
What did you love the most about attending community college?
The thing I loved most about attending community college was being a part of the MC Spirit team and making lasting friendships through it.

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Falynn smiles for the camera.

Falynn Aliano

AA in General Studies-Natural Sciences

Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My family

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Fernando Giles sits on an inflatable CSUN chair.

Fernando Giles

AA-T in History;
AA in General Studies-Liberal Studies;
AA in General Studies-Social and Behavioral Sciences
Are you transferring? If yes, where?
California State University, Northridge (CSUN).
What did you love the most about attending community college?
How affordable and how useful the resources my campus offered me to stay on track of my educational goals.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
Learn so much from my peers as well as instructors.

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Fernando Trujillo poses in front of the Grand Canyon.

Fernando Trujillo

AA-T in Anthropology;
AA in General Studies-Social and Behavioral Sciences

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
California State University, Chico (Chico State)
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My uncle
What did you love the most about attending community college?
How nice Moorpark’s campus is and my professors
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
Excel in college, and get into a major I love

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Florina Macarie poses with a dog in her hands.

Florina Macarie

AA-T in Kinesiology;
AS-T in Nutrition & Dietetics;
AA in General Studies-Liberal Studies;
AA in General Studies-Natural Science

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
Yes, San Diego State University
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My parents and grandparents
What will you miss the most from your community college experience?
I’m going to miss being so close to home while getting a great education. I’ve loved every single class I’ve had at Moorpark College.

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Gabriela Garcia poses for the camera

Gabriela Garcia

AA-T in Sociology;
AA in General Studies-Liberal Studies;
AA in General Studies-Social and Behavioral Science

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
California State University, Northridge.
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
The people who have inspired me to pursue my educational goals are my family and close friends.
What will you miss the most from your community college experience?
Something that I will miss from my community college experience is the beautiful campus that I was able to walk around. Not only do I appreciate the campus but the teachers and counselors who helped me complete all my courses during hard times. I really appreciate and will forever remember my time at Moorpark.

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Gabriella Simone smiles for the camera.

Gabriella Simone

AS in Child Development;
AS-T in Early Childhood Education;
Certificate of Achievement in Child Development

Are you transitioning into the workforce? If yes, what will you be doing?
Yes, channel island social services
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
Mentors and teachers
What will you miss the most from your community college experience?
The staff I’ve met through the years and the supportive learning environment.

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Gary Hunanyan poses for the camera.

Gary Hunanyan

AA-T in Psychology

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
Yes, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
Me
What did you love the most about attending community college?
The people I met

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Genesis Bouchard poses for the camera.

Genesis Bouchard

AS in Business Administration

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
I will continue attending the VC colleges.
Are you transitioning into the workforce? If yes, what will you be doing?
I have been attending school as a full time employee and will continue this way.
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My very supportive husband and his own academic successes have inspired me.
What did you love the most about attending community college?
There is an abundance of communication from the colleges, nothing is ever overlooked so the students are well-informed.
Until went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
Complete all of my educational goals without going into debt or drastically change my work schedule.

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Gina Decho smiles for a selfie

Gina Decho

Certificate of Achievement in Child Development

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
California State University Channel Islands (CSUCI)
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
my children

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Graphic design artwork of a student in regalia, created by Joshua Dayrit.

Giovanna Nocera

AA-T in Studio Arts;
AA in General Studies-Humanities

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
California State University, Long Beach (CSULB)
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
Photographer
What did you love the most about attending community college?
Easy schedule

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Graphic design artwork of a student in regalia, created by Joshua Dayrit.

Hafeeza Sheikh

AA in General Studies-Liberal Studies

Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
mother and father

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Hailey Gasper poses for a photo in front of a scenic background.

Hailey Gasper

AA-T in Economics;
AS-T in Business Administration

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
Grand Canyon University
What did you love the most about attending community college?
The thing I loved most about I had the privilege of meeting some new people and overall the professors were amazing.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
Work and go to school full time while earning a degree.

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Hailey Vautin smiles for the camera.

Hailey Vautin

AS-T in Administration of Justice;
AA in General Studies-Social and Behavioral Science

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
California State University, Northridge (CSUN)

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Hallie Romero smiles for the camera.

Hallie Romero

AA-T in English;
AA in General Studies-Humanities;
AA in General Studies-Liberal Studies

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB)
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My mother, my family, and Bryce
What did you love the most about attending community college?
I actually made friends which people said would not happen, I learned genuinely good information and had helpful, understanding teachers who were enjoyable and who I am grateful for.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
Get into three UC schools! I got accepted into UCI (Irvine), UCSB, and UCSD (San Diego). I feel like I don’t deserve it.

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Hannah Gross smiles for the camera

Hannah Gross

AA-T in Anthropology;
AA-T in Sociology;
AA-T in Theatre Arts;
AA in Theatre Arts: Technical

AA in General Studies-Social and Behavioral Science

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
Point Park University
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My undying itch for knowledge
What did you love the most about attending community college?
The professors and the overall positive environment at Moorpark College
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
branch out artistically and academically as much as my professors have pushed me to

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Hannah Jones smiles for camera.

Hannah Jones

AA-T in Communication Studies;
AA in General Studies-Social and Behavioral Science

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
California State University, Channel Islands (CSUCI)
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My family and friends
What did you love the most about attending community college?
I was able to find my dream career and take classes out of my comfort zone
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
push myself academically and take multiple classes

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Hanna Labrenz poses for photo.

Hanna Labrenz

AA in General Studies-Natural Science;
AA in General Studies-Social and Behavioral Science;
Certificate of Achievement in Pre-Allied Health

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
Not yet…will be starting a Nursing program soon.
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
It has always been a goal of mine to be the first to complete a college education.

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Hannah Langbehn smiles for camera.

Hannah Langbehn

AS-T in Business Administration

Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My parents.

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Hannah Math poses for a photo.

Hannah Math

AA-T in Elementary Teacher Education;
AA in General Studies-Liberal Studies;
AA in General Studies-Social and Behavioral Science

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
California State University, Channel Islands (CSUCI)
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My family, precious educators, and myself!
What did you love the most about attending community college?
It’s small and easy for me to focus on school work!
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
Transfer to a university.

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Harrison Leon-Diaz poses for a picture.

Harrison Leon-Diaz

AA-T in Economics;
AS-T in Business Administration;
AA in General Studies-Social and Behavioral Science

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
San Francisco State University (SFSU)
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My Family and Friends
What did you love the most about attending community college?
The new people I met, and the experiences I made with those people
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
Get an A in Calculus

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Hayley Whitaker smiles for the camera.

Hayley Whitaker

AA-T in Economics;
AS-T in Business Administration;
AA in General Studies-Natural Science;
AA in General Studies-Social and Behavioral Science

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
California State University, Northridge (CSUN)
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My Parents, Brother, & Cousin Natalie
What did you love the most about attending community college?
Having Professors that believed in me & inspired me.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
Have a successful college education

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HayleyRose Hardison smiles for the camera.

HayleyRose Hardison

AA-T in Sociology;
AA in General Studies-Social and Behavioral Science

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
Northern Arizona University (NAU)
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My parents
What will you miss the most from your community college experience?
All my wonderful teachers that I had and the friendships that I made. Also participating in the mindfulness that the school had.

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Heather Rundgren

AS in Nursing

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
California State University, Dominguez Hills (CSUDH)
Are you transitioning into the workforce? If yes, what will you be doing?
Registered Nursing
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My Husband, Adam
What did you love the most about attending community college?
The close knit group of people and Moorpark College’s beautiful campus.

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Helen Munoz poses for a pciture.

Helen Munoz

AA in General Studies-Natural Science;
AA in General Studies-Social and Behavioral Science

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
Yes, but I’m still deciding where.
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My parents especially since I am a first generation college student.
What will you miss the most from your community college experience?
The different classroom experiences as well as interactions with the instructors. Being able to hear the animals from the zoo while walking to and from classes will also be missed.

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Helen Negron poses for a pciture.

Helen April Negron

AS-T in Biology;
AA in General Studies-Natural Science

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
I am transferring to California State University, Northridge (CSUN).
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My parents’ hard work and effort inspired me to follow my goals. They have always supported me, and they have never put limits on my capabilities.
What did you love the most about attending community college?
The atmosphere is relaxed, and it provides good communication between the students and staff. It is a tight knit community filled with new faces, and experiences.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
Before I went to Moorpark College I never thought I could meet so many great professors who showed me that there isn’t one specific path for educational success. Each instructor had their own trials and tribulations which taught me that all is possible through dedication and perseverance.

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Ian Bowers takes a selfie.

Ian Bowers

AA-T in Theatre Arts;
AA in General Studies-Humanities

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
University of California (UC) Irvine
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My family
What did you love the most about attending community college?
Meeting amazing new people and feeling more independent.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
Receive a B in College Algebra.

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Idan Mayer poses for a picture.

Idan Mayer

Certificate of Achievement in Child Development, Associate Teacher

Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My current job with kids for the past 3 years.
What will you miss the most from your community college experience?
From my community college experience I will miss the class setting and the learning.

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Monty Sovann smiles for the camera.

Monty Sovann

AA-T in Economics;
AS-T in Business Administration;
AA in General Studies-Social and Behavioral Science

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
Yes! CSUF (California State University, Fullerton)! or CSULB (Long Beach) if I get off the waitlist.
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My mom and my future self.
What did you love the most about attending community college?
The amount of money I saved! I’m so glad I went to MC, Debt destroy future growth. I was literally paid to go to class since my parents are low-income. I am Blessed.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
Achieve society expectation by pursuing a business degree and practice my craft for music and film creations!

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Irene Chiang poses for a picture.

Irene Chiang

AS in Business Administration

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Graphic Design of a graduate, created by Joshua Dayrit.

Jacqueline Casillas

AS-T in Business Administration;
AA in General Studies-Liberal Studies;
AA in General Studies-Social and Behavioral Science

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
Yes, California State University, Northridge (CSUN).
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My family
What did you love the most about attending community college?
Still being able to see some of my good friends.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
Understand accounting.

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Jaime Nichols smiles for the camera.

Jaime Nichols

Associate of Science in Nursing

Are you transitioning into the workforce? If yes, what will you be doing?
Working as an RN [Registered Nurse]

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James Pollock

AA-T in History

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
Yes, University of California, Berkeley.
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My wife, Michelle.
What did you love the most about attending community college?
Being involved in student government and sustainability. Making lifelong friends.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
Be admitted into a top school like UC Berkeley.

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James Gallant is covered in snow.

James R. Gallant

AA in General Studies-Natural Sciences

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
Will transfer to California State University Channel Islands (CSUCI) once I complete the Moorpark College Associate Degree Nursing Program.
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
All of the compassionate and hard working members of the medical community that I have encountered in my life.
What did you love the most about attending community college?
Saving tens of thousands of dollars compared to a university.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
Graduate With Honors.

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Jamie McAuley poses for a picture.

Jamie McAuley

AA-T in Psychology;
AA in General Studies-Social and Behavioral Science

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
Yes
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
The streets

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Janett Flores smiles for the camera.

Janett Flores

Certificate of Achievement in Child Development, Associate Teacher

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
Yes, California State University, Northridge (CSUN)
Are you transitioning into the workforce? If yes, what will you be doing?
A social worker for foster care
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My Childhood/Life Experience
What did you love the most about attending community college?
I love Moorpark, there are amazing professors
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
Graduate

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Jared Ortega takes a picture with a falcon.

Jared Ortega

AS in Exotic Animal Training Management;
Certificate of Achievement in Exotic Animal Training Management

Are you transitioning into the workforce? If yes, what will you be doing?
Falconry
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My dad Leo, Steve Irwin, and Gary Mui
What did you love the most about attending community college?
Affordable classes, great instructors
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
Work with lions, tigers, and raptors

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Jasmin Campos poses for the camera.

Jasmin Campos

AS-T in Administration of Justice;
AA in General Studies-Natural Science

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
Yes to California State University, Northridge (CSUN)
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
Myself
What will you miss the most from your community college experience?
Moorpark’s environment all the lovely people and teachers that were in the school. The counselors as well who helped me reach this goal in my life.

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Jasmine Mendez poses for camera.

Jasmine Mendez

AA-T in Psychology;
AA in General Studies-Social and Behavioral Science

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
I’m transferring to the University of California Santa Barbara (UCSB).
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My parents and grandparents have inspired me to pursue my educational goals!
What did you love the most about attending community college?
What I loved most about attending community college is how it transformed me into an independent person, offered me an immense amount of opportunities that I took advantage of, and mostly giving me a sense of direction in my career path.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
Be so confident in not only my self but in my educational goals as well.

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Jasmine Garcia poses for a picture.

Jasmine Rose Garcia

AA-T in Psychology;
AA in General Studies-Liberal Studies;
AA in General Studies-Social and Behavioral Science

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
California State University, Channel Islands
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My Mama, who worked endlessly to set high standards for my sisters and I.
What did you love the most about attending community college?
My counselor Esmeralda Camarena, who kept me on track, and my favorite professors Elisa Setmire, John Dueppen, Wes Kelm, and Carrie Geisbauer, who went above and beyond to inspire me and push me to my full potential.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
Earn straight A’s, and pass math!

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Jasmine Wiese poses with a friend.

Jasmine Wiese

Associate of Science in Nursing

Are you transitioning into the workforce? If yes, what will you be doing?
yes, Registered Nurse
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
my husband, my friends, and my two sons
What did you love the most about attending community college?
the price and quality of education
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
become a nurse

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Jasmin Chaya poses for a picture.

Jasmin R. Chaya

AA-T in Philosophy;
AA in General Studies-Humanities;
AA in General Studies-Social and Behavioral Science

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
California Lutheran University (CLU)
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My parents
What did you love the most about attending community college?
Professor are always willing to help

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Graphic design artwork of a student in regalia, created by Joshua Dayrit.

Jason Heigl

AS-T in Business Administration

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
California State University Channel Islands (CSUCI)
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
Myself

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Jazzy Carrasco poses for the camera with a basketball in hand.

Jazzy Carrasco

AA-T in Communication Studies;
AA in General Studies-Social and Behavioral Science

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
Sacramento State University
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My parents
What did you love the most about attending community college?
Playing on the Moorpark College women’s basketball team
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
Play Division I basketball

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Jeanette Ralph poses for a picture.

Jeanette Ralph

AS-T in Geology;
AA in General Studies-Natural Science;
AA in General Studies-Social and Behavioral Science

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) for Geophysics
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
Roger Putnam
What did you love the most about attending community college?
The ability to start over in Math and Science because I did not have a strong foundation in high school
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
pursue a degree in science because I struggled in math and science in high school

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Graphic design artwork of a student in graduation regalia, created by VCCCD student Joshua Dayrit.

Jean Hansen

AS in Business Administration;
Certificate of Achievement in Accounting

Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
Myself
What did you love the most about attending community college?
Family feel
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
complete this coming back as older student

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Jeffrey Hinkle smiles for the camera.

Jeffrey Hinkle

AA in General Studies-Humanities

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
California State University, Northridge (CSUN), with a Music Education major
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My high school band teacher, Mrs. Lisa Pate
What did you love the most about attending community college?
The small class sizes!!
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
Park on one end of a campus, and run to the other side in under 5 minutes!!

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Jeffrey Loredo poses for the camera while holding a camera.

Jeffrey Loredo

AS-T in Film, Television, and Electronic Media Studies;
AA in General Studies-Humanities

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
Yes, California State University, Northridge (CSUN)
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
Myself and my parents
What did you love the most about attending community college?
The great services and the amazing people
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
finish another 2 years of college

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Jemma Cowen

AA-T in English;
AA in General Studies-Humanities

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
Yes, California State University, Northridge (CSUN)
Are you transitioning into the workforce? If yes, what will you be doing?
I already work, but not within my desired field. I can’t wait to put my hard work and studying to good use – hopefully soon!
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My fantastic professors have really engaged me into wanting to understand subjects in great depths. My professors have made my learning experience so valuable!
What did you love the most about attending community college?
It’s nice to have teachers who really care about you. I’ve loved the friendly and welcoming atmosphere.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
enjoy studying – It sounds so silly, but I’ve honesty enjoyed my experience so much!

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Jennifer Cohen smiles for the camera.

Jennifer Cohen

AA-T in History;
AA in General Studies-Humanities;
AA in General Studies-Liberal Studies;
AA in General Studies-Social and Behavioral Science

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
California State University, Channel Islands
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
Myself! At 29 years old I had developed a new belief in my own capabilities, and a renewed sense of worthiness to achieve and enjoy success. I came back to school with no agenda other than to challenge myself, learn new things, and enjoy a place in the academic community. Remaining open during this process allowed me to develop my goals as I discovered new interests and aptitudes. I remain committed to this journey and gratefully look forward to whatever comes next!
What did you love the most about attending community college?
Getting to explore different subjects and try new things. Public Speaking taught me how to frame and present an argument, Art History developed my appreciation for the language of creativity, English pushed me to consider an array of perspectives and how I convey my own, History continues to help me understand my place in the world and contextualize every aspect of it. Studying a broad range of subjects may not have initially been my choice, but I savor the way it has transformed how I relate to so many things.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
Do math! Oh my goodness, I owe a world of thanks to Professor Detgen for helping me tear down the wall between math and I. I always believed I just wasn’t a “math person,” but now I know that’s simply not true. If I’m willing to put in the extra effort, have a strategy, and get help from others, not only can I do math, but having overcome this lifelong hurdle- I truly believe I can do anything!

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Jenyce Johnson poses for a photo.

Je’nyce M. Johnson

AA-T in Theatre Arts;
AA in Theatre Arts: Acting;
AA in Theatre Arts: Technical;
Certificates of Achievement in Theatre Arts for both Acting and Technical

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
Columbia College Chicago
Are you transitioning into the workforce? If yes, what will you be doing?
I will continue to look for work in my areas of acting, performance, and Media
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My Family… I want to encourage everyone to pursue higher education
What did you love the most about attending community college?
Being a Club President, performing In mainstage Productions, Spinning Live at the Radio station, Public speaking, and Producing events
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
Be a successful student. I had taken so much time off. I have learned so much!

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Jeremy Sworzyn poses with a pup on the beach.

Jeremy Sworzyn

AA in Economics;
AA in General Studies-Natural Science

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
I am applying to colleges this fall.
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My mom. She always wanted me to experience the best in life and by pursuing college I am doing exactly that.
What did you love the most about attending community college?
I loved the atmosphere of being at a local college. I also loved learning so close to home and being in a diverse student population.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
Express myself with confidence and enthusiasm.

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Graphic design artwork of a student in graduation regalia, created by VCCCD student Joshua Dayrit.

Jerry Moises Alpuche Uc

AS in Computer Network Systems Engineering

Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My wife and daughters.
What did you love the most about attending community college?
Meeting and working with different people.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
Attain a degree.

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Jessica Martinez poses for a picture.

Jessica Aislene Martinez

AA-T in Sociology;
AA-T in Communication Studies;
AA in General Studies-Social and Behavioral Studies

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
UCLA! (University of California, Los Angles)
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My mom 🙂
What did you love the most about attending community college?
I was able to save money and stay home 🙂
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
Go to my dream school!

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Jhonalyn Smith poses for the camera.

Jhonalyn Smith

Certificate of Achievement in Business Administration

Are you transitioning into the workforce? If yes, what will you be doing?
Business
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My husband
What will you miss the most from your community college experience?
Interacting people because so many race here in California. Which I enjoyed studying with them. I miss my classmates.

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Jilliane Leyba smiles for the camera.

Jilliane Leyba

AS-T in Administration of Justice

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
California State University, Northridge (CSUN).
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My mom, dad, and grandpa and grandma.
What did you love the most about attending community college?
I loved the support system that came with the tightly-knit community. It’s like a family.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
Graduate high school with an Associates Degree.

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Profile angle of Jillian Violano.

Jillian G. Violano

AA-T in Economics;
AS-T in Mathematics;
AA in General Studies-Natural Science

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
University of California (UC) Berkeley.
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My parents and Happa (grandfather). They never stopped encouraging me to do my best and supported me every step of the way.
What did you love the most about attending community college?
I loved the friends I have made along the way as we encourage each other to achieve greatness. I can proudly say that all my friends that I love and support have made it into UCLA, Cal, or both! I am very proud and grateful for the opportunity to be surrounded by such bright minds.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
Reach the goals I had for myself and push myself to go further than what I knew I was comfortable with. In my time here, I ran for ASMC, became a part of the Honors Program and President’s Leadership Forum, and eventually got into 5 out of the 6 schools I applied for. This school has pushed me to really grow my work ethic and I can confidently say this will be a skill I will definitely take with me beyond my time here.

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Jocelyn Barriga poses with a friend.

Jocelyn Barriga

AA-T in Psychology;
AA in General Studies-Liberal Studies;
AA in General Studies-Social and Behavioral Science

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
California Lutheran University
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My older brother Rickardo
What will you miss the most from your community college experience?
My friends who are transferring to different universities

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John Menorca poses with infinity stone glove.

John Menorca

AA-T in Journalism;
AA in General Studies-Social and Behavioral Science

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
Yes, California State University, Northridge (CSUN) .
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My parents, my friends, and my extended family.
What did you love the most about attending community college?
The ability to set my own pace and explore career paths in a quiet, mutually-respective environment. And meeting all the new people and friends that I’ve made, let’s not forget about that.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
Be able to pursue my academic goals and also have a life at the same time; it’s really all about finding that balance to let you tackle so many things at once. I’m glad it shaped me into the person I am today.

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John Padilla poses with a dog in front of a Christmas tree.

John Padilla

AA-T in Communication Studies;
AA in General Studies-Social and Behavioral Science

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
California State University, Northridge (CSUN)
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
The ones closest to me
What did you love the most about attending community college?
I made many memories at community college and learned a lot
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
Pass a stats class

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Jose Melo poses on a bench outdoors.

Jose Melo

AA in Elementary Teacher Education;
AA in General Studies-Liberal Studies

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
California State University, Northridge (CSUN)
What did you love the most about attending community college?
Not having to take out any loans
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
Make it to the end

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Joseph Solmor poses for a picture.

Joseph Solmor

AA-T in Theatre Arts;
AA in Theatre Arts: Technical;
AA-T in Anthropology

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
West Virginia University
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My desire to learn as much as I can in order to contribute to society as best as I can.
What did you love the most about attending community college?
The professors at Moorpark College were beyond amazing and supportive.

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Josette R. Kreeger smiles for a photo

Josette R. Kreeger

AA-T in Communication Studies

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
Yes
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
I’ve always wanted to earn my AA and BA, even though there was a 40yr gap, I dreamed of being the first female in my family to walk across the stage to receive a college degree. I want to earn it before my super intelligent 13yr old granddaughter earns her BA degree.
What did you love the most about attending community college?
Counselor, Jodi Dickey! She made my transition back into college seamless. Jodi is a true asset to MPC, a fabulous counselor, great listener and super professional. I also love the many resources that are available to students today that were not available in the 1970’s. The students were very friendly and willing to teach me the latest technology for studying.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
Learn so much in such a short time!

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Jubal Rancourt is shown from behind.

Jubal Rancourt

AA-T in Communication Studies

Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My siblings: Ginhee, Judah, Leeza, Meena, Rubee, Zara, and Jakan.
What did you love the most about attending community college?
The cost of attendance, facility/resources, and faculty/student body blew my expectations away in all manners.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
Make it this far in my educational journey. I know I have much farther to go.

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Picture of Julie Viviana Moreno.

Julie Viviana Moreno-Calderon

AA-T in Economics;
AS-T in Business Administration

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
Yes, California State University, Northridge (CSUN).
Are you transitioning into the workforce? If yes, what will you be doing?
I am already in the workforce. I am currently working for a Tech company in the Finance/Accounting department.
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
Self-motivation. I love education.
What did you love the most about attending community college?
First, I love the super faculty at Moopark College. Most of my professors were kind and diligent when I had questions. Second, I love the peaceful and gorgeous trees at the campus.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
I could graduate. This degree means a lot to me because it represents the overcoming of multiple personal obstacles. Thank you Moorpark College for helping build a better future for me and my love ones.

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Justice Harris poses for a picture.

Justice Harris

AA-T in History;
AA-T in Political Science;
AA in General Studies-Social and Behavioral Science

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
success
What did you love the most about attending community college?
Making my own schedule
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
Go to UCLA

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Graphic design artwork of a student in graduation regalia, created by VCCCD student Joshua Dayrit.

Justin Armendariz

AS-T in Business Administration

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
San Diego State University
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
Parents

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Kaitlyn Carpenter poses for a photo

Kaitlyn Carpenter

AA-T in Communication Studies;
AA-T in Sociology

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
Yes, but I haven’t decided yet. Either University of California, Berkeley or University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)!

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Kameron Cole Ziff rock climbs.

Kameron Cole Ziff

AS in Engineering;
AS-T in Physics;
AS-T in Mathematics;
AA in General Studies-Natural Sciences

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
Yes, University of California, Irvine (UCI)
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My grandpa Terry Kaiser
What did you love the most about attending community college?
People

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Karen Cristina Pech Duran poses for a picture.

Karen Cristina Pech Duran

AA-T in Psychology;
AA in General Studies-Social and Behavioral Science

Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My parents and my sister.
What did you love the most about attending community college?
The variety of classes.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
one day be a psychologist and I am very glad I got the opportunity to pursue it.

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Kari Cramer poses in a graduation cap and gown.

Kari Cramer

AS in Photography;
AA in General Studies-Humanities

Are you transitioning into the workforce? If yes, what will you be doing?
Photography
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
I promise my Dad before he passed that I would finish college
What did you love the most about attending community college?
The instructors
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
Finish college

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Karim Mneimne poses for a photo.

Karim Mneimne

AS-T in Business Administration;
AA in General Studies-Social and Behavioral Science

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
California State University, Northridge (CSUN).
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My parents in order to someday give them all they wanted.
What did you love the most about attending community college?
The learning, the friends, the experience, and the life lessons that await me at my next school that I’ve learned from my current school.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
Achieve any of my goals. I always doubted myself until my professors pushed me. Professor Baker (Anthro) and Professor Kenedy (English) had an impact on my educational career that bettered me in ways I couldn’t have imagined.

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Karina De Paz poses for a photo.

Karina Elizabeth De Paz

AA in General Studies-Social and Behavioral Science

Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
I want to thank my family for inspiring and encouraging me to pursue my graduate degree. Had it not been for their motivation and engagement, I do not think I would have ever initiated the process and I am so sincerely thankful for their support.

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Kate Hernandez poses for a picture.

Kate Hernandez

AS-T in Business Administration;
AA in General Studies-Social and Behavioral Science

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
California State University, Northridge (CSUN) 
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
Seeing how hard my parents work inspired me to pursue my educational goals

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Katelyn Robinson poses in front of a living wall.

Katelyn Robinson

AA-T in Child and Adolescent Development;
AA in General Studies-Humanities;
AA in General Studies-Liberal Studies;
AA in General Studies-Social and Behavioral Science

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
California State University, Channel Islands.
What did you love the most about attending community college?
It gave me breathing room to figure out what I really wanted. I also was able to take classes I otherwise would never have taken.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
Do art! I took 3 semesters of Ceramics and joined the art club!

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Kathryn Felt smiles for the camera.

Kathryn Felt

AA-T in Communication Studies;
AA in General Studies-Social and Behavioral Science

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
California State University, Channel Islands
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My parents
What did you love the most about attending community college?
I loved how much the professors care about the success of the students.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
Survive taking a full load of credits.

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Kayla Clough smiles for the camera.

Kayla Clough

AA-T in Studio Arts;
AA in General Studies-Humanities;
AA in General Studies-Liberal Studies

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
California State University, Long Beach (CSULB)
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My Grandmother
What did you love the most about attending community college?
having most of my high school friends with me and making great new ones too 🙂
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
Be on the dean’s list every semester

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Kellie Kurdelak poses in a graduate's cap and gown.

Kellie Kurdelak

AA in General Studies-Social and Behavioral Science

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
Southern New Hampshire University
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My Family
What did you love the most about attending community college?
The people I have met and gotten to know in my classes

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Kelly Nicole Johson smiiles for the camera.

Kelly Nicole Johnson

AA in General Studies-Social and Behavioral Science

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
Yes, California Lutheran University (CLU)
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My Mom Jeanie Johnson and my Grandfather who passed away Les Jones
What will you miss the most from your community college experience?
I will miss the help I got from Calworks. My mentor who has helped me out so much Wade Bradford and the friends I made a long the way

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Kel Stanton

AA in Film & Television Media; Certificate of Achievement in Film & Television Media Production

What did you love the most about attending community college?
My professors and peers. Ever inspiring, great to work with, and overall just great people that I’ve had the privilege of meeting.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
Enjoy going to school! I hated school growing up as a kid, I never thought I’d find myself excited to get up and go to class everyday, but well, here I am!

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Kelsey Keefer wades through a ball pit.

Kelsey Keefer

AA in Film, Television and Electronic Media;AA in General Studies-Social and Behavioral Science

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
California State University, Northridge (CSUN) 
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My Mom, who has always pushed me to do my best and follow my passions.
What did you love the most about attending community college?
Attending Moorpark gave me the chance to explore my options, save on my education, and meet a variety of amazing individuals- both professors and students, that have impacted my life and education.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
Find a community of students and professors that would impact my education and life so much.

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Keren Lopez smiles for the camera.

Keren Lopez

AA-T in Kinesiology

Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My family inspires me to continue to pursue all goals.
What did you love the most about attending community college?
Being able to meet new people, and learn something new every day.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
be able to accomplish a goal even if it was big or small.

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Kimberly Propster smiles for the camera.

Kimberly Propster

AA-T in Elementary Teacher Education;
AA in General Studies-Liberal Studies

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
California State University, Northridge (CSUN)
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
I did but my family encouraged me
What did you love the most about attending community college?
Getting the firsthand college experience

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Graphic design artwork of a student in graduation regalia, created by VCCCD student Joshua Dayrit.

Kira Nakanishi

AA in Anthropology;
AS in Business Administration;
AA in General Studies-Social and Behavioral Science

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
Yes, California State University, Northridge (CSUN)
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
Kim Namjoon
What did you love the most about attending community college?
wide range of opportunities

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Kristine Mouradian poses for a picture.

Kristine Mouradian

AA-T in Communication Studies;
AA in General Studies-Social and Behavioral Science

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
Yes, California State University, Northridge (CSUN)
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My parents are a big inspiration to me as they have both been successful due to them pursuing their higher education.
What did you love the most about attending community college?
I felt that it was a really great transition into college and I loved that I got to know the students and professors very well.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
I never thought I could excel academically, but I have been able to make the Dean’s list all 4 semesters.

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Kris Hotchkiss smiles for the camera

Kristopher Hotchkiss

Certification, Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
Yes, University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB)
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My family
What did you love the most about attending community college?
I loved being involved on campus and finding activities to be passionate about like being in Nature’s Finest Club.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
Be the President of the student body.

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Kyle Akia poses in front of a Kobe Bryant memorial wall.

Kyle Akia

AA-T in Kinesiology;
AA in General Studies-Natural Science

Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
Robin Scherbatsky
What did you love the most about attending community college?
I loved meeting new people from all walks of life and making new friends 💜
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
take and pass very challenging science classes

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Lana Assaf poses for the camera.

Lana Assaf

AS-T in Radiologic Technology

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Lexi Brown smiles for the camera.

Lexi Ann Brown

AS-T in Administration of Justice;
AA in General Studies- Social and Behavioral Sciences

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
California Lutheran University
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My mom and dad
What did you love the most about attending community college?
How affordable is it
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
Go to college for the fraction of the cost

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Lilian Arevalo smiles for the camera.

Lilian Arevalo

AA in General Studies- Liberal Studies;
AA in General Studies- Natural Sciences;
AA in General Studies- Social and Behavioral Sciences

Are you transitioning into the workforce? If yes, what will you be doing?
Yes, Ill be teaching in the near future.
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My Parents
What did you love the most about attending community college?
Its a great environment, friendly, beautiful, and the teachers are amazing. I love Moorpark College.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
I could learn about so many subjects, and want to teach.

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Graphic design artwork of a student in graduation regalia, created by VCCCD student Joshua Dayrit.

Lily Shapiro

AA-T in Psychology;
AA-T in Sociology;
AA in General Studies- Liberal Studies;
AA in General Studies- Social and Behavioral Sciences

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My family.
What did you love the most about attending community college?
I loved how I could save money while getting an amazing education. Also how I was not rushing into a four year school since I did not know what I wanted to do in the future yet.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
Get accepted into UCLA. It showed me that I can accomplish anything I set my mind to.

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Lily Berthold poses for a professional shot.

Lily Berthold

AA-T in Sociology;
AA in General Studies- Social and Behavioral Sciences

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
Not yet! Who knows what the future holds…
Are you transitioning into the workforce? If yes, what will you be doing?
I’m pursuing a career in theater while working as a baker!
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
I was inspired by myself and my loved ones to be my best and strive for academic excellence.
What did you love the most about attending community college?
I loved the wide variety of people that attended the school. I loved everyone’s dedication to their schooling.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
I never thought I could pursue a career in the arts, such as theater.

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Linda Carrillo smiles for the camera

Linda Carrillo

AS in Radiologic Technology

Are you transitioning into the workforce? If yes, what will you be doing?
Radiologic Technologist
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
Daughter
What did you love the most about attending community college?
My Radiology Class of 2020!
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
Get paid to radiate

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Lindsay Riskey poses for the camera.

Lindsay Riskey

AA in General Studies-Natural Science

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
I am continuing on into the Moorpark Nursing program in order to become a Registered Nurse. I will also be working towards my Bachelors Degree of Nursing while I am attending Moorpark College.
Are you transitioning into the workforce? If yes, what will you be doing?
I still have some schooling to finish, but eventually I hope to be working as a labor and delivery nurse or neonatal nurse.
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
Many people encouraged me along my journey and have been integral parts of my success. My husband, Brent, who took over the majority of my role at home, and 2 daughters inspired me and kept me going. My parents and sister believed in me when I didn’t. Many of my friends, some of whom are nurses, also inspired me to take hold of my future and reach for my dream to become a Registered Nurse!
What did you love the most about attending community college?
Attending college gave me so much confidence and showed me that I can do more than I thought I could!! My goals felt so far from my reality, but my amazing professors and wonderful new friends helped me achieve something I never thought I could! I love the community I built at Moorpark!
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
I never thought I would earn a college degree, especially one in science! I truly did not believe that I was smart enough for college, but I proved to myself and my daughters that you can truly do anything you set your mind to! “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13

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Lindsey Golnick poses in front of a canal.

Lindsey Golnick

AA-T in Psychology;
AA in General Studies-Social and Behavioral Science

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
University of Oregon
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My parents
What will you miss the most from your community college experience?
I will miss the campus and the professors that made my years at Moorpark College so special!

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Lorena Hernandez takes a selfie.

Lorena Hernandez

AA-T in Elementary Teacher Education;
AA in General Studies-Social and Behavioral Science

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
California State University Channel Islands (CSUCI)
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My parents
What did you love the most about attending community college?
Meeting new friends

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Lori Gold poses in a cap and gown.

Lori Gold

AA-T in Communication Studies;
AA in General Studies-Humanities

Are you you transitioning into the workforce? If yes, what will you be doing?
Teaching Cosmetology
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
Donna Shaftner
What did you love the most about attending community college?
Beautiful Campus and Great people!
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
Finish College

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Lydia Dresel poses with a bird.

Lydia Dresel

AS in Exotic Animal Training and Management;
Certificate of Achievement in Exotic Animal Training and Management

Are you transitioning into the workforce? If yes, what will you be doing?
I am currently trying to get hired in a zoo somewhere in the US.
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
I’ve been inspired by all the amazing animal caregivers and trainers that work so hard and giving every part of themselves to the conservation of Earth’s wildlife.
What will you miss the most from your community college experience?
I will miss the teachers and staff that have taken the time to give me the solid foundation I now have in the career I’ve chosen, as well as the incredible friends I’ve made along the way, both human and animals.

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Madeleine Cassady poses in front of an orange bush.

Madeleine Cassady

AA-T in Theatre Arts;
Certificate of Achievement in Theatre Arts:Acting

Are you you transferring? If yes, where?
Yes, San Francisco State University.
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My family and friends.
What will you miss the most from your community college experience?
The people that I met there.

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Graphic design artwork of a student in graduation regalia, created by VCCCD student Joshua Dayrit.

Maggie Anderson

AA-T in Psychology;
AA in General Studies-Liberal Studies;
AA in General Studies-Social and Behavioral Studies

Are you you transferring? If yes, where?
California State University, Northridge (CSUN).
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My mother, Jennifer Anderson.
What did you love the most about attending community college?
Wonderful professors that truly care. I especially learned a lot from Professor Dombourian.

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Makala Wright

AA-T in Sociology;
AS-T in Administration of Justice;
AA in General Studies-Liberal Studies;
AA in General Studies-Social and Behavioral Studies

Are you you transferring? If yes, where?
Humboldt State University.
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My foster mom, my boyfriend and my wonderful family, Rebecca, Anthony and Stefan.
What did you love the most about attending community college?
The ability to make something of myself, change into the person I am, and become more educated about what I love and want to do.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
I never really knew if I could make it to college, being a first generation college student feels amazing. Even better to be a graduate.

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Maraam Hijaz smiles for the camera.

Maraam Hijaz

AA-T in Communication Studies;
AA in General Studies-Humanities;
AA in General Studies-Liberal Studies;
AA in General Studies-Social and Behavioral Studies

Are you you transferring? If yes, where?
California State University, Northridge (CSUN).
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My Parents.
What did you love the most about attending community college?
The passion the teachers had when teaching, as well as the variety of classes I was able to choose from.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
Network professionally.

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Marc Robison poses for a photo in a tux.

Marc Christian Robison

AS-T in Administration of Justice;
AA in General Studies-Natural Science

Are you you transferring? If yes, where?
University of California Irvine (UCI).
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My Parents.
What did you love the most about attending community college?
The Comradery.

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Graphic design artwork of a student in graduation regalia, created by VCCCD student Joshua Dayrit.

Maria Aguirre

AS-T in Nutrition and Dietetics;
AA in General Studies-Natural Science

Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My parents
What did you love the most about attending community college?
All the great teachers

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Mariah Wilke poses for a picture.

Mariah Wilke

AS in Business Administration;
AS-T in Business Administration;
AA in General Studies-Social and Behavioral Science

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
Yes. I’m transferring to California State University, Channel Islands (CSUCI).
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My grandparents have been a big influence in my education and in my life overall. They always push me to strive for higher goals and have always supported me in what I do.
What will you miss the most from your community college experience?
I’ll definitely miss the people the most. My fellow classmates and my professors are what made my experience at Moorpark College so good. I’m so thankful for the years that I got to spend at Moorpark and will definitely use the things that I learned throughout my life.

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Marion Stevenson smiles for camera.

Marion Stevenson

AS-T in Business Administration

Are you transferring? If yes, where?Yes. Boise State University.
Are you transitioning into the workforce? If yes, what will you be doing?
Already working in radiology. Getting my bachelors.
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
More opportunity with a bachelors in radiology.
What did you love the most about attending community college?
The atmosphere. The weather. The staff.

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Graphic design artwork of a student in graduation regalia, created by VCCCD student Joshua Dayrit.

Marisol Gonzalez

AA in General Studies-Humanities

Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My kids, sister and husband.
What did you love the most about attending community college?
Earning a degree with the flexibility of online classes.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
Go to school, work full time, be a mom and wife while finishing up earning my degree 22+ years later.

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Marley Fleming poses for the camera.

Marley Fleming

AS-T in Business Administration;
AA in General Studies-Humanities;
AA in General Studies-Social and Behavioral Studies

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
San Francisco State University (SFSU).
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My mother Joanie.
What did you love the most about attending community college?
The sense of self betterment and responsibility that attending community college gives to a student.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
Have a healthy balance between school, work, and friends!

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Maryssa Padilla

AA in General Studies-Humanities

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
Fall 2021 – California State University, Channel Islands.
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My family they never stopped believing in me even when I didn’t believe in myself. I owe all this to them.
What did you love the most about attending community college?
I love the fact that I I was able to schedule my classes on my own time and that I was able to work full-time while completing my educational goals.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
I never thought I could be as successful as I’ve become, before even completing my degree I had learned so much more then I could have ever dreamed.

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Matthew Burciaga smiles for the camera.

Matthew Burciaga

AS-T in Administration of Justice;
AA in General Studies-Social and Behavioral Science;
Certificate of Achievement in Criminal Justice

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
I am transferring to California Lutheran University to complete my Bachelor’s Degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice.
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My desire to be a well-rounded, educated individual who is ready to face the challenges in our criminal justice system is truly what inspired me to pursue my educational goals.
What will you miss the most from your community college experience?
I will miss the beautiful campus and all of the instructors, faculty, and staff who helped me reach my educational goals.

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Mayela Garcia smiles for the camera.

Mayela Garcia

AS-T in Business Administration;
AA in General Studies-Social and Behavioral Science

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
Yes, to either California State University (CSU) Bakersfield or CSU Channel Islands.
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My daughter.
What did you love the most about attending community college?
The support I had with EOPS counselor.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
actually accomplish any of my education goals.

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Megan Chandler poses in front of a tree.

Megan Chandler

AA in General Studies-Natural Science;
AA in General Studies-Social and Behavioral Science;
Certificate of Achievement in Pre-Allied Health


Are you transferring? If yes, where?
California State University Channel Islands Nursing Program.

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Graphic design artwork of a student in graduation regalia, created by VCCCD student Joshua Dayrit.

Megan Theobald

AA-T in Elementary Teacher Education;
AA in General Studies-Social and Behavioral Science

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
California State University, Northridge (CSUN).

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Michael Kronenberg smiles for the camera.

Michael Alan Kronenberg

AA-T in Music;
AA in General Studies-Humanities;
AA in General Studies-Social and Behavioral Sciences

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
I am transferring to California State University, Fullerton (CSUF) to pursue a B.A. in Music Education: Emphasis in Choral Education.
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My teachers and professors inspired me to pursue my goal of becoming a choir teacher.
What did you love the most about attending community college?
I loved that I wasn’t trapped in my major courses. I was able to branch out and try classes I was interested in that weren’t necessarily on my degree path.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
Balance such a heavy course load, work, and a personal life.

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Michael Angelotti poses for a picture.

Michael Angelotti

AS in Game Design;
Certificate of Achievement in Game Design

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Graphic design artwork of a student in graduation regalia, created by VCCCD student Joshua Dayrit.

Michael Felix

AA-T in Economics;
AS-T in Business Administration;
AA in General Studies-Liberal Studies

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Michelle Sandin poses for a picture as a boat passes behind her.

Michelle Sandin

AA in General Studies-Humanities;
AA in General Studies-Social and Behavioral Science

Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My family and friends
What did you love the most about attending community college?
The excellent education I received and the Professors that were always helpful
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
Get a college degree

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Mikyla Vin Maglente

AA in General Studies-
Natural Science

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
Yes, to the University of California, Santa Barbara.
Are you transitioning into the workforce? If yes, what will you be doing?
After university, I’ll become an Actuary and work with different businesses in Risk Management.
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My dad always says everyday he’s excited to come into work – I want to be in a career where I can do the same.
What did you love the most about attending community college?
Making friends from all different clubs and in different departments across campus.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
Practice being a leader among my peers, and have so much fun in school again.

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Miranda Mae Schaefer

AS in Criminal Justice;
AA in General Studies-Social and Behavioral Science

Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My family they wanted a better future for me.
What did you love the most about attending community college?
The professors and the kindness of majority of people on that campus.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
Stay focused and graduate.

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Mitchell Ross stands behind a car.

Mitchell Ross

AA-T in History;
AA in General Studies-Social and Behavioral Science

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Mikey McCarron smiles for the camera.

Mikey McCarron

AS-T in Business Administration

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
Maybe Pepperdine University.
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
4 people actually my mom, me, myself, and I.
What did you love the most about attending community college?
Leaving school and eating In-N-Out everyday.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
Wake up early again to go to school.

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Monica Ambrose wears regalia.

Monica Ambrose

AS-T in Business Administration

Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My husband and two boys.
What did you love the most about attending community college?
The cost and easy to start an education again.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
Get my Associate Degree. At first I thought to get only a certificate.

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Graphic design artwork of a student in graduation regalia, created by VCCCD student Joshua Dayrit.

Najeem Nawabi

AS-T in Business Administration;
AA in General Studies-Social and Behavioral Science

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Nancy Moreno-Alonso

AA-T in Child and Adolescent Development;
AA in General Studies-Social and Behavioral Science

Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My parents inspired me to pursue my dreams. They have both done so much for me, soon it’ll be my turn to return that favor of helping them out.
What did you love the most about attending community college?
I loved that the campus wasn’t so big and the staff at every office building were so nice and willing to help.

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Natalie Sheehan smiles for the camera.

Natalie Sheehan

AA-T in Sociology;
AA in General Studies-Social and Behavioral Science

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
I’m transferring to California State University of Channel Islands!

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Graphic design artwork of a student in graduation regalia, created by VCCCD student Joshua Dayrit.

Nathan Flores

AA-T in Economics;
AS-T in Business Administration;
AA in General Studies-Liberal Studies;
AA in General Studies-Social and Behavioral Science

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
California State University, Northridge (CSUN).
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My family and friends.
What did you love the most about attending community college?
Getting a grasp of what higher education consisted of.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
Know how the brain processes information, how businesses run, and how the economy works.

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Nathan Reeves poses with his family and Minnie Mouse.

Nathan Reeves

AS-T in Biology;
AA in General Studies-Natural Science

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
California State University, Northridge (CSUN).
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My mother.
What did you love the most about attending community college?
Finding new ways of being successful.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
Do calculus.

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Nick Hastings stares at the camera.

Nick Hastings

AS in Exercise Science: Fitness Specialist

What did you love the most about attending community college?
Friendly classmates and amazing instructors.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
Get in front of a class and teach exercise.

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Nick Garcia smiles for the camera.

Nick Garcia

AA in Film and Television Media;
AS-T in Film, Television, and Electronic Media;
AA in General Studies-Humanities;
Certificate of Achievement in Photography

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
Yes, California State University, Northridge
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My Camarillo friends that always support my creative work. They motivate me to keep going. They know who they are.
What did you love the most about attending community college?
I was able find a group of people that shared the same interests as me, and helped motivate me to work at my educational goals.

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Nickon Razi smiles for the camera.

Nickon Razi

AA-T in Psychology;
AA in General Studies-Social and Behavioral Science

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
California State University (CSU) Channel Islands 
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My father who got himself through UCLA Dental School, while being a server at a restaurant at night
What did you love the most about attending community college?
That excellence is through hard work, sweat, and tears and Moorpark College is a high level academia with excellent professors and people that all push each other to achieve the highest of excellence and perfection. It’s you against you and if you can put in the work, then you can reap the rewards
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
Follow my dream of doing what I want to be doing in life, finding my own purpose and not anyone else’s. I learned to believe in myself and my capabilities in academia

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Nishka Vipul poses for a photo while wearing a Moorpark College Raiders polo shirt.

Nishka Vipul

AA-T in Psychology;
AA-T in Sociology;
AA in General Studies-Natural Science;
AA in General Studies-Social and Behavioral Science

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
Yes, deciding between the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and the University of California, Berkeley (UCB).
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My parents encouraged me to strive to do my best and were always supportive of my educational goals. They inspired me to work hard to achieve the goals I wanted.
What did you love the most about attending community college?
I love that everyone, from faculty, staff, and other students, are so supportive and willing to help you achieve your goals.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
Put myself out there and get out of my comfort zone. Moorpark College has boosted my confidence and taught me the importance of reaching out to people and forming supportive networks.

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Noah Friedman poses with friends.

Noah Friedman

AA-T in Anthropology;
AA in General Studies-Social and Behavioral Science

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
California State University, Northridge (CSUN) 
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My family
What did you love the most about attending community college?
Almost identical to the four year systems lower ed’s but way less expensive
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
Bounce back after dropping out of Cal Poly SLO

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Olie Hamm poses with a young child.

Olie Hamm

AS-T in Film, Television, and Electronic Media

Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
Friend
What will you miss the most from your community college experience?
Constant support

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Olivia Block flashes her new college apparel.

Olivia Block

AA-T in Psychology;
AA in General Studies-Liberal Studies

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
Mount St. Mary’s University
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My parents and athletic counselor Pablo Diaz
What did you love the most about attending community college?
The sense of community that I was constantly surrounded by.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
Transfer schools to play division I golf. Thank you Moorpark College Athletics!

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Paola Lozano poses for the camera

Paola Lozano

AS-T in Administration of Justice;
AA in General Studies-Social and Behavioral Science

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
Yes, California State University, Northridge (CSUN) 
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My parents
What did you love the most about attending community college?
Know that the teachers actually cared about me

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Paris Askren poses in a new Cal Poly sweatshirt.

Paris Askren

AA-T in Economics;
AS-T in Business Administration;
AA in General Studies-Natural Science;
AA in General Studies-Social and Behavioral Science

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly SLO) 
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My parents
What will you miss the most from your community college experience?
Hanging out with all the old and new friends I have made over the years

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Patricia Valle poses for the camera while wearing her Raiders Track and Field shirt.

Patricia Valle

AA-T in Kinesiology;
AA in General Studies-Natural Science

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
Yes but still undecided
Are you transitioning into the workforce? If yes, what will you be doing?
Registered Nurse
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My parents
What will you miss the most from your community college experience?
Competing for Track and Field at Moorpark College and being a part of some amazing programs the campus had to offer to us students

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Paul Gudiel poses for a photo.

Paul Gudiel

AA-T in Communication Studies;
AA in General Studies-Natural Science;
AA in General Studies-Social and Behavioral Science

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
California State University, Northridge (CSUN) 
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My teachers and parents
What did you love the most about attending community college?
the low cost and communal environment
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
enjoy the road from San Fernando to Moorpark so much!

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Paul Valencia

AS-T in Business Administration

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
California State University, Channel Islands (CSUCI)
Are you transitioning into the workforce? If yes, what will you be doing?
I hope to become a financial advisor in the near future!
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My loving parents, Oscar and Mercedes Valencia, my sister Sandra Aguirre and my girlfriend Mercy Salguero! Their love inspires me to keep on moving forward and do my best everyday.
What did you love the most about attending community college?
I love Moorpark College beautiful campus! The staff is incredible, students are friendly and our library has a really nice view on the 2nd floor. I am really going to miss hanging out in the 2nd floor of the library and looking out the window over the Academic Center building! The whole experience was amazing….
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
Enjoy learning again and be inspired by my professors liked I used to when I was a child. Professors are Moorpark College are passionate about they they teach and their enthusiasm is contagious and makes you want to learn more about the subject and study with the intent of doing some actual serious learning!

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Pola Hanna poses with mountains in the background.

Pola Hanna

AS-T in Business Administration

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
California State University, Northridge (CSUN) 
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
my family
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
graduate

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Rachel Castorena takes a selfie.

Rachel Castorena

AA in General Studies-Social and Behavioral Science

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
California State University, Channel Islands 
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My daughter, Mathew and my family. Without my parents support I couldn’t have done this. My family and friends pushed me to do this and believed in me, sometimes more than I did myself.
What did you love the most about attending community college?
I love learning and I love the amazing people I’ve met along the way.
What will you miss the most from your community college experience?
I think I’ll miss the campus itself. Every time I step on campus I’m reminded that there’s so much out there for me to learn, and I appreciate everything Moorpark has given me.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
Graduate college!

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Ramy Awad poses with a dog on the beach.

Ramy Awad

AS-T in Administration of Justice;
AA-T in Communication Studies;

AA in General Studies-Social and Behavioral Science

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
California State University, Northridge (CSUN)
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My close friend, Kimberly Lopez

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Rebecca Hathaway poses in front of a riverbank.

Rebecca Hathaway

AA in General Studies-Natural Science;
Certificate of Achievement in Pre-Allied Health

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
California State University, Channel Islands
What did you love the most about attending community college?
The amount of people in my classes, and the teachers who seem really passionate about what they are teaching us.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
Get all the classes I need and finish with my AA in two years.

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Reed Galloway

AA-T in Music;
AA in General Studies-Humanities

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
California State University, Northridge (CSUN).
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My family.
What will you miss the most from your community college experience?
I will miss the awesome music faculty and the friends I made at Moorpark.

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Regina smiles for a selfie in the car

Regina M. Alvarez

AA in General Studies-Liberal Studies;
AA in General Studies-Social and Behavioral Science

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
California State University, Channel Islands.
Are you transitioning into the workforce? If yes, what will you be doing?
I have been working full time while attending school and raising a family.
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
Myself and the dreams I had along with my best friend Lisa.
What did you love the most about attending community college?
Meeting new friends that will be forever a part of my life and seeing those people who are older like myself still going to college.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
Go back to school after graduating High School 35 yrs ago and completing college and getting a college education at 51 years old.

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Sean McCann smiles in a tux.

Richard Sean McCann

AS-T in Administration of Justice; Certificate of Achievement in Administration of Justice

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
California State University, Northridge (CSUN)
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My family and my friends
What did you love the most about attending community college?
The classes I took were interesting and meeting new people as well
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
find a major I would want to do and would like to pursue a degree in

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Riley Shapiro poses with a stuffed animal.

Riley Shapiro

AA-T in Political Science;
AA in General Studies-Social and Behavioral Science

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) 
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
Alice Paul
What did you love the most about attending community college?
My favorite part of community college was the friends I made and participating on the Forensics team

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Roselle Navarro smiles for the camera.

Roselle Navarro

AS-T in Biology;
AA in General Studies-Natural Science

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
Yes, to California State University, Northridge (CSUN) 
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My family members
What did you love the most about attending community college?
Spending time with my friends and learning in a calming environment
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
actually get used to community college

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Ruby Zamudio poses with a camera.

Ruby Zamudio

AA-T in Communication Studies;
AA in General Studies-Humanities;
AA in General Studies-Social and Behavioral Science

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
Yes, California State University, East Bay
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My very hardworking and supportive parents!
What did you love the most about attending community college?
Moorpark College was so great because everyone is passionate about what they do and they show it.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
Take so many diverse classes in a span of 3 years.

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Ryan Spires holds a bouquet of balloons.

Ryan M. Spires

AS-T in Business Administration

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
Yes, California Lutheran University
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
Professor Shannon Macias
What did you love the most about attending community college?
The people and the feeling that I belonged
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
Actually go to college, that is why I joined the military first

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Ryan Pavich smiles at the camera

Ryan Pavich

AA-T in Communication Studies

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
California State University, Northridge (CSUN) 
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My parents and friends
What did you love the most about attending community college?
Getting the chance to find the path I try want to take and meeting amazing new people
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
Actually enjoy school to some degree

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Sabrina Kennedy poses in front of an underwater painting

Sabrina Kennedy

AA in General Studies-Natural Science;
AA in General Studies-Social and Behavioral Science

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
California State University, Channel Islands 
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My Grandma
What will you miss the most from your community college experience?
My favorite professors

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Sahire Ellahy smiles for the camera.

Sahire Ellahy

AA-T in Economics;
AS-T in Mathematics;
AA in General Studies-Natural Science

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
Yes, to UCLA (University of California, Los Angeles)
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
Thinking about the advancements enabled by
What did you love the most about attending community college?
Taking advantage of internship opportunities.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
Engage well with research.

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Sai Sang Khay poses for a picture.

Sai Sang Khay

AA-T in Economics;
AS-T in Business Administration;
AA in General Studies-Natural Science

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
Yes, either Baruch College or California Lutheran University.
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
Sai Shwe Lu (My Brother)
What will you miss the most from your community college experience?
I will miss multiple classes and extra curriculum activities I have done at Moorpark College, particularly the Student Leadership Forum. I was a member of SLF which focuses on the study of the skills & characteristics of leadership. We met once a month. I learned several vital lessons about leadership from it, and at the same time,​ we shared and have a fun conversation during lunch break. It was a wonderful experience.

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Samantha Ahmadi

AA-T in Child and Adolescent Development;
AA in General Studies-Liberal Studies;
AA in General Studies-Social and Behavioral Science

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
Yes, California State University, Northridge
Are you transitioning into the workforce? If yes, what will you be doing?
I will be working for an Elementary School!
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My Parents and my sister!
What did you love the most about attending community college?
Convenience of being able to complete my upper division classes and being able to enjoy the beautiful campus~
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
Enjoy taking online classes and being able to learn at my own pace!

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Graphic design artwork of a student in graduation regalia, created by VCCCD student Josh Dayrit.

Samantha Alexander

AA-T in Studio Arts

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
California State University Channel Islands

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Graphic design artwork of a student in graduation regalia, created by VCCCD student Josh Dayrit.

Samantha Valdez

AA in General Studies-Natural Science

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
University of Las Vegas
Are you transitioning into the workforce? If yes, what will you be doing?
nursing program

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Samantha Vick smiles for the camera.

Samantha Vick

AA-T- in Theatre Arts

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
California State University Northridge
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My mom. She taught me to be strong and resilient in the face of hardship and has supported me throughout my college adventure so far. Love you, mom!
What did you love the most about attending community college?
I loved all of the first hand experience I received from the shows I worked. Everything from acting my first semester to designing and building the costumes in my last has instilled in me a pride in and love for my work. The theatre has become my second home. Everyone I’ve worked with is a part of my family and I love you all!
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
I never thought I could have a career that I’m passionate about. I love the whole process of costuming and I can’t wait to get to work and make a name for myself.

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Sam Eckert

AA-T- in Kinesiology;
AS in Exercise Science: Fitness Specialist;
AA in General Studies-Liberal Studies;
Certificate of Achievement in Exercise Science: Fitness Specialist

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
California University of Pennsylvania
Are you transitioning into the workforce? If yes, what will you be doing?
Group Fitness Instructor at Epic Fitness
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
Professor Jeff Kreil
What did you love the most about attending community college?
The amazing kinesiology program
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
have the courage to pursue Kinesiology

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Sarah Sengpiehl poses for a photo.

Sarah Sengpiehl

AS-T- in Geology;
AA in General Studies-Arts and Humanities;
AA in General Studies-Natural Science;
AA in General Studies-Social and Behavioral Science

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
I’m transferring to CSUN (California State University, Northridge)
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My father inspired me to pursue a college education. My geology teacher Roger Putnam inspired me to pursue a life in science.
What did you love the most about attending community college?
I loved finding like minded people in the tutoring center who shared the same passion and struggles of pursuing their dreams. I loved the connections I made with the teachers.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
I never thought I could get into a major that was in the science field. I always relied on being good at art and thought I wasn’t smart enough for science. Upon going to VCCCD community college, I found teachers that believed in me and helped me push past my barriers.

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Sara Morales smiles for camera.

Sara Morales

AA-T in Sociology;
AA-T in Child and Adolescent Development;
AA in General Studies-Social and Behavioral Science; Certificate of Achievement in Child Development, Associate Teacher

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
I’m transferring to California State University, Channel Islands
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My DAD!!
What did you love the most about attending community college?
The environment and the people (staff and Professors)
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
Love learning!

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Sascha Arnaud poses for a picture in a field.

Sascha Arnaud

AA in General Studies-Social and Behavioral Science

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
Yes, CSUCI (California State University, Channel Islands)…go Dolphins!!
Are you transitioning into the workforce? If yes, what will you be doing?
Yes, I’m working on getting my real estate license right now!
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My parents, they always push me to be the best that I can be!
What did you love the most about attending community college?
The teachers! I developed such great relationships with some of my professors. They were extremely helpful and were always available.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
Figure out how to “adult” on my own.

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Graphic design artwork of a student in graduation regalia, created by VCCCD student Josh Dayrit.

Savonne Chatfield

AA in General Studies-Social and Behavioral Science;
Certificate of Achievement in Child Development Associate Teacher

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Scott Mundy snaps a selfie while on the Moorpark College campus.

Scott Mundy

AS-T in Mathematics;
AA in General Studies-Natural Science I and III

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
Yes! California State University, Northridge
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
Mathematics Professor Cindy Reed at Moorpark College
What did you love the most about attending community college?
All the amazing staff and faculty that I met along the way.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
Do Calculus!

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Sean Hsing sits with other MC students at the Fall 2019 New Student Welcome.

Sean Hsing

AA-T in Economics;
AS-T in Business Administration

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
Yes, to UCLA (University of California, Los Angeles)
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My family and friends
What did you love the most about attending community college?
Aside from being able to attend with close friends from high school, meeting new people along the way was valuable to me
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
Get accepted into UCLA

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Sean Nzeribe poses for a photo outside

Sean Nzeribe

AS-T in Business Administration;
AA in General Studies-Social and Behavioral Science

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
California State University, Chico (Chico State)
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My parents!
What did you love the most about attending community college?
The intimate relationships between students and teachers
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
make life long friends here, understand statistics

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Sergio Quezadas poses for a photo.

Sergio Quezadas

AA-T in Psychology;
AA-T in Sociology;
AA in General Studies-Social and Behavioral Science

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
California State University, Long Beach (CSULB)
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My family and the staff members I worked with at the CTC and MCPD.
What did you love the most about attending community college?
The friendly professors and the overall comfortable atmosphere of the college.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
become more comfortable in socializing with others.

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Graphic design artwork of a student in graduation regalia, created by VCCCD student Josh Dayrit.

Seth Vickrey

AA-T in Sociology;
AA in General Studies-Social and Behavioral Science

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
California State University, Channel Islands
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
Dr. Arnold Bloch and Dr. Jordan Peterson
What did you love the most about attending community college?
The diversity

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Mediseh Bathaei poses for camera

Mediseh Bathaei

AS-T in Biology;
AS in Chemistry;
AA in General Studies-Natural Science

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Shaina Bell

AA-T in Psychology;
AA in General Studies-Liberal Studies;
AA in General Studies-Social and Behavioral Science

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
California State University, Channel Islands

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Shakil Matin poses with anothr person for a photo.

Shakil Matin

AA-T in Sociology;
AA in General Studies-Social and Behavioral Science

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
Yes; undecided
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
Myself
What did you love the most about attending community college?
Convenience and affordability
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
take online classes

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Shani Adi

AS-T in Business Administration

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
California State University, Channel Islands
Are you transitioning into the workforce? If yes, what will you be doing?
Recruiting
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My family
What will you miss the most from your community college experience?
The accessibility of the counseling staff and my professors

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Shannon McGee smiles for camera.

Shannon McGee

Certification of Completion of the California State University General Education requirements

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
Yes to California State University, Northridge
Are you transitioning into the workforce? If yes, what will you be doing?
Yes, Theater/Graphic Design
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My family
What did you love the most about attending community college?
I loved the people I met. The staff were so welcoming and friendly and helped me learn a lot about myself and I also made a lot of friends at Moorpark College.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
I never thought I could go to college, with money and I didn’t have a set degree I wanted.

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Graphic design artwork of a student in graduation regalia, created by VCCCD student Josh Dayrit.

Shaun Ziegler

AS in Computer Network Systems Engineering;
Certificate of Achievement in Computer Network Systems Engineering: Tech Support Specialist

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Shelby Corri poses for a picture.

Shelby Corri

AA-T in Kinesiology;
AA-T in Psychology

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
California State University (CSU) Fullerton
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My family
What will you miss the most from your community college experience?
The campus always had wonderful events and ways to meet other students. I will especially miss The coffee truck.

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Shoshannah Ingersoll poses for a photo.

Shoshannah Ingersoll

AA-T in Psychology;
AA in General Studies-Social and Behavioral Science

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
California State University (CSU) East Bay
Are you transitioning into the workforce? If yes, what will you be doing?
I will continue working full time as a Surrogate Coordinator at The Egg Donor & Surrogacy Program in Encino as I work towards my goal of becoming a third-party reproduction and adoption attorney.
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My incredible family, my surrogate family, and my work family.
What did you love the most about attending community college?
I was fortunate to have exceptional professors who took a genuine interest in my success.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
Balance my many roles and responsibilities parenting, work, college, homeschooling, leading a Girl Scout Troop, and being a surrogate.

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Graphic design artwork of a student in graduation regalia, created by VCCCD student Josh Dayrit.

Shudene Wilson

AA-T in Psychology;
AA-T in Child and Adolescent Development;
AA in General Studies-Liberal Studies;
AA in General Studies-Social and Behavioral Science

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
Yes, either California State University (CSU) Northridge or CSU Channel Islands
What did you love the most about attending community college?
The environment

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Graphic design artwork of a student in graduation regalia, created by VCCCD student Josh Dayrit.

Sophia Cortina

AA-T in Psychology;
AA in General Studies-Social and Behavioral Science

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
Loyola Marymount University
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My parents
What did you love the most about attending community college?
How much I grew as a person
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
Be a 4.0 student

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Sophia Galicia poses for the camera in her formal wear.

Sophia Galicia

AS-T in Biology;
AA in General Studies-Natural Science

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
University of San Francisco – Fall 2021
Are you transitioning into the workforce? If yes, what will you be doing?
I enlisted with the Air National Guard which is a military reserve component of the U.S. Air Force. I will be taking a gap year to complete basic military training and technical training school in order to become a Dental Assistant and serve the 146th Airlift Wing located in Port Hueneme.
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My parents have always reminded my siblings and I about the value of receiving an education. So I owe it all to their support and encouragement throughout my educational journey. I hope to continue my studies and pursue a career where I am finally able to provide for my parents in order to show my gratitude for all the sacrifices they made, so we can have a good life.
What did you love the most about attending community college?
Even though I didn’t admit it at first, I truly enjoyed staying home for another few years. I was able to remain close with my family and attend my siblings’ school events. Also, I loved meeting new people who lived in nearby cities and were close enough to attend Moorpark College. So after we’ve all transferred to universities, we would be able to meet up when we return to our respective hometowns. The community college environment has allowed me to grow as a person and prepared me for the future.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
Participate and eventually become a leader of a student organization. I always preferred listening and being part of the audience, but it’s fulfilling that I had the chance to see how it felt leading the discussion. My leadership positions in the Nature’s Finest Club, Business Students Association, and Women in Engineering, Math, and Science Club have positively impacted me as a whole through the development of skills I have acquired along the way. The individuals who were a part of my VCCCD community college experience have taught me many great things and I know we will remain in contact for years to come.

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Sophia Nuno

AA-T in Elementary Teacher Education;
AA in General Studies-Liberal Arts

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
I will be transferring to CSUN (California State University Northridge)!!
What did you love the most about attending community college?
What I loved the most about attending a community college was that it really helped me find my true self, meeting new people each semester, and I just loved how EOPS and ACCESS made me feel like home every time.

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Stefanie Ledferd poses for photo amongst pink flamingos.

Stefanie Ledferd

AA-T in Theatre Arts: Technical;
Certificate of Achievement in Theatre Arts: Technical

Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
Myself

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Sunny Haff poses for the Camera.

Sunny Haff

AS-T in Business Administration

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
California State University, Chico
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My strong and beautiful mother
What did you love the most about attending community college?
The staff is amazing and campus is beautiful
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
Push myself to my highest potential

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Suren Simonyan poses in front of a classic car.

Suren Simonyan

AA-T in Philosophy;
AA-T in Political Science;
AA-T in Psychology;
AA in General Studies-Humanities

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
Hopefully UCLA (University of California, Los Angeles).
Are you transitioning into the workforce? If yes, what will you be doing?
No idea – time will tell!
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
It was more a circumstance that inspired me, rather than an individual.
What will you miss the most from your community college experience?
The professors and the small class-room environment. I’ve attended a larger U in the past, and I must say that the quality of learning at MC was beyond that of the 4-year I went to.

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Poon Yuwawanit smiles for the camera.

Poon Yuwawanit

AS-T in Biology;
AS in Biological Sciences;
AS in Chemistry;
AS-T in Mathematics;
AS-T in Physics;
AA in General Studies-Natural Science

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
Yes, UCLA (University of California, Los Angeles).
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
The person that has been the most inspirational in my life is my aunt, Pia.
What did you love the most about attending community college?
I love how all the faculties and staffs are super passionate. There are also so many resources and support groups at Moorpark College. Most importantly, I was surrounded by so many individuals who were driven and possessed intellectual vitality, which motivated me to continue to work harder.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
gain so much leadership experiences. Moorpark College allowed me to step out of my comfort zone and embrace new experiences. I appreciate Moorpark College along with the people and opportunities it’s offered me.

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Sydney Waverek poses for a photo.

Sydney Waverek

AA in General Studies-Natural Science

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
Yes, Mayo Clinic school of medicine and science in Rochester Minnesota.
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My boyfriend pushed me to go back to school and earn my degree, my mother and sister have supported me through it all.
What will you miss the most from your community college experience?
Although i am so happy to finally move on, i will miss all the extremely supportive staff at Moorpark college.

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Tahor Graves

AA-T in Economics;
AS-T in Business Administration;
AA-T in Political Science;
AA in General Studies-Social and Behavioral Science

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
Yes, Southern New Hampshire University
Are you transitioning into the workforce? If yes, what will you be doing?
Yes, operations management
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My Father
What did you love the most about attending community college?
It allowed me to save money and figure out what I wanted to do with my life. I had no pressure rushing into a 4 year college and figuring out my path to success.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
Create so many connection with fellow students.

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Tai Urban

AA in General Studies-Social and Behavioral Science

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB)
Are you transitioning into the workforce? If yes, what will you be doing?
Chemistry tutor
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My family who are all engineers and/or in science field
What did you love the most about attending community college?
The teachers and staff were very helpful especially since I was a little anxious starting college. They made me feel at ease with the transition from high school to college
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
Finish my associate’s degree at 19 years old

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Tami Zuccolillo smiles for the camera.

Tami Zuccolillo

AA in General Studies-Liberal Studies

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
Arizona State University-Online program
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
Myself. I wanted to obtain this goal for me, to show myself that I could
What did you love the most about attending community college?
The ability to work full time, be a mom and a wife and still attend classes online

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Tanya Rivero poses for the camera.

Tanya Rivero

AS-T in Administration of Justice

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
California State University, Sacramento
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My grandma Leah
What will you miss the most from your community college experience?
I will miss the professors that have shared their knowledge and my counselor, Pam Kennedy- Luna for her guidance and support along the way.

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Tatiana Khoury poses for a photo.

Tatiana Khoury

AA-T in Studio Arts;
AA in General Studies-Humanities

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
In Spring 2021 to an art school, not sure which one yet. I’m going to apply to a bunch and then decide!
What did you love the most about attending community college?
I loved the freedom of being able to explore many different fields and medias and the encouragement and enthusiasm I received from my professors!
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
pursue a career in the art field.

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Graphic art design by VCCCD student Joshua Dayrit.

Tatiana Vargas

AA-T in Anthropology;
AS-T in Biology;
AA in General Studies-Natural Science;
AA in General Studies-Social and Behavioral Science

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My family
What did you love the most about attending community college?
The friends I made

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Taylor Cruz

AA-T in Child and Adolescent Development;
AA in General Studies-Social and Behavioral Science

Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My family and friends have always been a huge supporter of my educational goals.
What did you love the most about attending community college?
I loved creating lasting friendships and getting to learn from teachers who are passionate about about their teaching career.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
graduate with two degrees.

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Taylor Eubanks

AA-T in Anthropology;
AA in General Studies-Social and Behavioral Science

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly SLO)
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My mom, Mitsuko Eubanks
What did you love the most about attending community college?
Being able to have a flexible schedule

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Teresa Cedeno smiles for camera.

Teresa Cedeno

AS in Kinesiology

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
California University of Pennsylvania
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My parents
What will you miss the most from your community college experience?
I will miss the teachers the most. The teachers at Moorpark College have been the most encouraging and down-to-earth professors I’ve had.

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Thania Rojas smiles for the camera

Thania Rojas

AA-T in Elementary Teacher Education;
AA in General Studies-Liberal Studies;
AA in General Studies-Social and Behavioral Science

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
California State University Channel Islands (CSUCI)
What did you love the most about attending community college?
Creating new bonds with people and exploring new interests!

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Tiffany Zecua smiles for the camera.

Tiffany Zecua

AS in Child Development;
AS-T in Early Childhood Education;
AA in General Studies-Natural Science;
AA in General Studies-Social and Behavioral Science;
Certificate of Achievement in Child Development;
Certificate of Achievement in Child Development, Associate Teacher

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
Yes, California State University Channel Islands (CSUCI)
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My family but overall my parents.
What did you love the most about attending community college?
The good amount of classes that work best for any schedule.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
Focus on one career and transfer to get my bachelors degree.

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Graphic design artwork of a graduate, by VCCCD student Joshua Dayrit.

Timothy W. Aronson

AS in Optical Technology

Are you transitioning into the workforce? If yes, what will you be doing?
Licensed Optician (spectacles and Contact Lenses)
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
Instructor Ruby Garcia
What did you love the most about attending community college?
Very positive environment

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TinaMarie Robles smiles for the camera.

TinaMarie Robles

AA-T in Child and Adolescent Development;
AA-T in Elementary Teacher Education;
AA in General Studies-Social and Behavioral Science

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
California Lutheran University
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My grandpa and mother
What did you love the most about attending community college?
For me, I loved making new friends and spending quality time around campus with them. Eating food, studying in the library, and walking around means the world to me.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
Discover a career that I am passionate for.

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Tipanan Nomkuntod smiles for the camera wth the beach in the background.

Tipanan Nomkuntod

AS in Graphic Design;
Certificate of Achievement in Graphic Design

Are you transitioning into the workforce? If yes, what will you be doing?
Yes, I’ll be working on an indie game.
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My family.
What did you love the most about attending community college?
I have more friends who’s interested in the same thing as me.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
I never thought I could improve my English, but I actually improved a lot throughout the years at Moorpark College. I also have more self-confidence as well.

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Tori Wolf smiles for the camera.

Tori Wolf

AA-T in Psychology;
AA in General Studies-Social and Behavioral Science

What did you love the most about attending community college?
The community I was able to create with professors and students.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
Finish my degree and graduate after returning nine years later.

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Traevon Marston relaxes next to a large tree.

Traevon Marston

AA-T in Economics;
AS-T in Business Administration

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
Yes, either CSUN, Cal Poly Slo, or the University of Georgia
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My Uncle, Chris Hamilton
What did you love the most about attending community college?
Meeting people from around the area that went to different high schools

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Trevor Allen poses for a photograph.

Trevor Allen

AA-T in Communication Studies; AA in General Studies-Social and Behavioral Science

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
California State University Channel Islands
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My Friend Jordan
What did you love the most about attending community college?
Freedom to explore educational opportunities on a much lower cost
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
enjoy school and excel

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Troy Steele smiles for the camera.

Troy Steele

AA-T in Child & Adolescent Development;
AA in General Studies-Social and Behavioral Science

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
Cal Lutheran University
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My Mom and my Family, My Friends (you know who you are), My Professors, and My Students. With out them I probably would not have made it this far.
What did you love the most about attending community college?
Our Professors are wealth’s of knowledge that never back down from a challenging question. And the campus is really nice.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
have made it through college and attain an AA Degree, and aspired me to continue my education and get a BA degree

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Graphic art design of a graduating student.

Tyler Lathrop

AS in Criminal Justice; Certificate of Achievement in Administration of Justice

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
University of Arizona
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My parents
What will you miss the most from your community college experience?
A fun learning environment

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Valeria Miranda smiles for the camera.

Valeria Miranda

AS in Child Development; AS-T in Early Childhood Development; AA in General Studies-Social Behavioral Science;
AA in General Studies-Liberal Studies; Certificate of Achievement in Child Development

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
California State University Channel Islands
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My older sisters, Cristina and Elian, who both graduated from Moorpark College, inspired me to pursue my goals.
What did you love the most about attending community college?
I loved how small my classes were because I never felt left out.

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Veronica Mejia poses for the camera.

Veronica Mejia

AS in Business Administration; AA-T in Communication Studies; AA in General Studies-Social and Behavioral Science;
Certificate of Achievement in Business Administration

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
California State University Northridge
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My parents

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Veronica Gonzalez poses for the camera.

Veronica Gonzalez

AA-T in Kinesiology; AA in General Studies-Social and Behavioral Science

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
California State University Northridge
What did you love the most about attending community college?
I loved the sense of community that programs offered. They really did guide and help us become better students.

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Victoria Cipres poses for the camera.

Victoria Cipres

AA-T in Psychology; AA-T in Child and Adolescent Development;
AA in General Studies-Liberal Studies; AA in General Studies-Natural Sciences

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
Cal Lutheran University
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My Mom has been my inspiration because throughout my life she has always believed in me and told me If I worked hard I could accomplish anything
What did you love the most about attending community college?
I enjoyed the small classroom sizes and I also found the campus to be very pretty.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
learn so much in such a short amount of time.

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Victoria Villegas smiles for the camera.

Victoria Villegas

AA-T in Psychology; AA in General Studies-Social and Behavioral Science

Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My mom
What did you love the most about attending community college?
How much the teachers care about you succeeding.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
juggle many classes and sports

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Walter Nash poses for the camera.

Walter Nash

AA-T in Sociology; AA in General Studies-Social and Behavioral Science

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
Yes, University of Phoenix
Are you transition into the workforce? If yes, what will you be doing?
Yes, professional basketball throughout Europe
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My mom
What will you miss the most from your community college experience?
I will miss the experience of meeting new people, and having the support of Moorpark college behind you

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William Boucher poses for the camera.

William Boucher

AA in General Studies-Social and Behavioral Science

Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My mom
What will you miss the most from your community college experience?
The friendships I made and all the people that helped me for the better. I played football for two years and learned a lot along the way. My coaches and councilors helped me significantly when I needed help and I am thankful ! Go Raiders!

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Xiomara Maldonado smiles for the camera.

Xiomara Maldonado

AA in Anthropology; AA in General Studies-Social and Behavioral Science

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
California State University, Long Beach
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My big sisters

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Graphic art design of a graduating student.

Yitao Su

AA-T in Economics; AA in General Studies-Social and Behavioral Science

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
Yes UCLA
What did you love the most about attending community college?
Great Faculty and student service on tutoring

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Yusra Akhundzadah smiles for the camera.

Yusra Akhundzadah

AA-T in English; AA in General Studies-Humanities; AA in General Studies-Liberal Studies

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
University of California, Los Angeles
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
Myself and my ambition for a great future.
What did you love the most about attending community college?
It helps you get acclimated to the college environment before transitioning to a 4-year university.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
be surrounded by so many intelligent and caring professors who are always there for you.

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Yvette Gaytan smiles for the camera.

Yvette Gaytan

AS-T in Biology; AA in General Studies-Natural Science

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
Yes, UC Santa Barbara
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My sister
What did you love the most about attending community college?
The connections I made and working at the Butterfly Project at the zoo
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
pass Calculus

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Yvonne Gaytan smiles for the camera.

Yvonne Gaytan

AA-T in Psychology; AA in Sociology; AA in General Studies-Social and Behavioral Science

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
Yes, I am transferring to California State University Channel Islands
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
There are a few people who inspired me to go to school. My family, some of my high school teachers, but most importantly my twin sister! She has been with me from the very start.
What did you love the most about attending community college?
I loved the connections and friendships I’ve made with other Moorpark College students and professors.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
stay in college and get a degree.

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Zachary Holm smiles for camera.

Zachary Holm

AS in Child Development

Are you transitioning into the workforce? If yes, what will you be doing?
Working with kids at a school
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
Parents
What did you love the most about attending community college?
People I met
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
Do what I’m doing

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Self-portrait of David Heck.

David Heck

AA in Studio Art

Are you you transferring? If yes, where?
Otis College of Art and Design
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My mom inspired me by telling me to follow my dreams
What did you love the most about attending community college?
The community
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
Go into a field involving the arts

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Dillon Cox smiles for camera.

Dillon Cox

AA in General Studies-Social and Behavioral Science

Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My parents and siblings
What did you love the most about attending community college?
Learning to love learning
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
Enjoy education with the drive to be more

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Abdu Bitar poses for a photo.

Abdu Bitar

Certificate of Achievement in Pre-Allied Heath

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
California State University, Northridge
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My sister
What did you love the most about attending community college?
The campus and teachers
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
be able to accomplish what I had

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Graphic Design artwork of a student in graduation regalia, created by Joshua Dayrit.

Alejandra Navarro

AS in Child Development

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
California State University, Northridge
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My mother, Tia Lucy, and cousin Sandra.
What did you love the most about attending community college?
The professors
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
Have continued my education

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Alicia Aguilar poses for a selfie.

Alicia Aguilar

Associate of Science

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
ASU [Arizona State University]
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
Christina Embry
What did you love the most about attending community college?
learning new educations
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
getting better grades

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Alyssa Hamann takes a selfie.

Alyssa Hamann

Associate of Arts

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
FIDM [Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising]
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
Celeste and Casi Hamann

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Graphic design of a student in graduation regalia by Joshua Dayrit.

Alyssa Valles

Associate of Science for Transfer

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
California State University, Northridge
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My family and friends.
What did you love the most about attending community college?
I didn’t feel alone and out of place coming back to a community college and the professors were all very kind.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
Become a science major and take such challenging classes!

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Ashley Reeder poses for a selfie

Ashley Reeder

AA in General Studies-Natural Science

Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My kids and being able to provide more for them
What did you love the most about attending community college?
The professors that pushed me, but also kept the real life context
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
Pursue my dream of being in health care as a single mom

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Ashlyn Lewis feeds a bottle of milk to a puppy.

Ashlyn Lewis

CSU General Education Certification

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
California Polytechnic State University, Pomona – Pre-Veterinary Medicine Major
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
Moorpark College’s Dr. Jana Johnson and everyone in the Veterinary Medicine Community
What did you love the most about attending community college?
The flexibility to work towards my degree at an affordable cost while gaining hands on and real world experience that lead me to find the calling of veterinary medicine
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
Succeed in school!

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Aye Moth Moth Khine smiles while standing among snow.

Aye Moth Moth Khine

Associate of Arts

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
yes but not sure where I’m transferring yet
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
my family

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Graphic design artwork of a student in graduation regalia, created by VCCCD student Joshua Dayrit.

Breanna Trotter

AS-T in Biology;
AA in General Studies-Liberal Arts;
AA in General Studies-Natural Science

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
California State University, Channel Islands.
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My Mom. She constantly pushed me and picked me up when I was discouraged.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
Earn three associate degrees and pass calculus!

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Brianna Chavez smiles for a photo while at Disneyland.

Brianna Chavez

AS-T in Business Administration;
AA in General Studies-Social and Behavioral Science

Are you transitioning into the workforce? If yes, what will you be doing?
going to attend cosmetology school & one day hopefully open my own salon
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My family
What did you love the most about attending community college?
making new friends and getting out of my comfort zone
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
better my life the way that i have

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Graphic design artwork of a student in graduation regalia, created by VCCCD student Joshua Dayrit.

Christina Alarcon

Certificate of Achievement in Accounting

Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
myself for my family
What did you love the most about attending community college?
How effective the online learning was, and helpful and caring of the staff
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
achieve a second career

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Christopher Gurney

AS-T in Business Administration

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
California State University, Northridge (CSUN) 
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
Friends and Family
What did you love the most about attending community college?
Improving time management skills
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
Be self motivated when it came to school

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Cynthia Sullivan smiles for the camera

Cynthia Sullivan

AA in General Studies-Natural Science; -AS-T in Nutrition and Dietetics;
AS in Kinesiology;
Pre-Allied Health Certificate

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
Oxnard College for Addictive Disorder Studies or a private Nursing school
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
Myself
What did you love the most about attending community college?
It is affordable and I can take as little or as many classes as I want
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
be a good student

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Daniel Mamroth smiles for the camera.

Daniel Mamroth

Associate of Science Degree

Are you transitioning into the workforce? If yes, what will you be doing?
Paraeducator for Special Needs Children
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
Myself
What did you love the most about attending community college?
The independence
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
Go to college

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Elizabeth Emma poses with a fellow Nursing student.

Elizabeth Emma

AS in Nursing Science

Are you transitioning into the workforce? If yes, what will you be doing?
Yes, Registered Nurse
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My Children
What did you love the most about attending community college?
The life long friendships I have made

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Graphic design artwork of a student in graduation regalia, created by VCCCD student Joshua Dayrit.

Ella Blackwell

Associate Degree

Are you transitioning into the workforce? If yes, what will you be doing?
Yes, cashier
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My older sister
What did you love the most about attending community college?
Better learning environment than high school
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
enjoy a learning environment so much

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Emily Ponce smiles for the camera.

Emily Ponce

Associate Degree for Transfer

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
California State University Northridge
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My sister Diane
What did you love the most about attending community college?
The short commute

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Emily Punch poses for a picture.

Emily Punch

Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum Certificate

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
University of California, Santa Barbara OR California Lutheran University
Are you transitioning into the workforce? If yes, what will you be doing?
Wait-staffing
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
Julie Campbell (Psychology Professor) and Brian Herlocker (Philosophy Professor)
What did you love the most about attending community college?
I loved the amiable environment and the fact that I was able to dip my toes into the college experience
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
Graduate college debt free

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Evan Posner smiles for teh camera.

Evan Posner

Associate of Arts

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
Yes, to University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My parents inspired me to pursue my educational goals by always being a great support system for me.
What did you love the most about attending community college?
I was able to learn the rigors of higher education courses, as well as helping to prepare me for a four year university.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
Be able to transfer into my dream school.

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George Guevara poses in front of a bear.

George Guevara

AS in Graphic Design

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
California State University, Channel Islands or California State University, Northridge (CSUN).
Are you transitioning into the workforce? If yes, what will you be doing?
Making my own business in clothing.
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
Family.
What did you love the most about attending community college?
Learning something new and being in a learning environment.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
Learn to make a speech and paint live models.

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Hasan Maamoun is pictured in his Moorpark College basketball jersey.

Hasan Maamoun

AS-T in Business Administration

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
California State University, Northridge (CSUN).
Are you transitioning into the workforce? If yes, what will you be doing?
Working for a construction company.
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My father.
What did you love the most about attending community college?
Being a part of the Raiders basketball team for 2 years.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
Play basketball at a high level, and develop so much as a person.

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Graphic design artwork of a student in graduation regalia, created by VCCCD student Joshua Dayrit.

Ian Miller

AS in Photography

Are you transitioning into the workforce? If yes, what will you be doing?
Working as a machinist
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
Family
What did you love the most about attending community college?
Experiencing
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
Be able to graduate because of the difficulty I have had in Education

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India Torgersen poses for a photo

India Torgersen

AS-T in Business Administration

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
Yes to California State University, Northridge in the fall.
Are you transitioning into the workforce? If yes, what will you be doing?
No but I am looking into potentially getting a more professional job if my jobs prior to COVID end up shutting down.
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My parents. I had taken a lot of time off of college here and there but they have always encouraged me to pursue my dreams even when times are tough.
What did you love the most about attending community college?
I loved the flexibility it offered for those like myself who work a ton to make ends meet.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
Have an actual set educational plan to eventually finish and earn my Bachelors at a 4 year institution.

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Itai Porat smiles for the camera.

Itai Porat

AS-T in Business Administration

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
Yes, to California State University, Northridge (CSUN)
What did you love the most about attending community college?
The vibe
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
love school so much

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Graphic art design of a graduating student.

Jaz Johnson

AA-T in Theatre Arts

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
University of California, San Diego to study Playwriting, and ASL [American Sign Language]
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
Until very recently I don’t think I truly aspired to, or believed I could achieve much anything. So to name someone would be a bit disingenuous. Instead my peers, and my professors have all been kind enough to hold me up, and push me toward the goals I should have had for myself. They have taught me that I should be inspiring enough, and that I can achieve any goal I set for myself with enough hard work.
What did you love the most about attending community college?
All of the warm, eclectic, and deeply intelligent people I’ve had the privilege of meeting, and making memories with.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
Write! I came into Moorpark as a psychology major, and a couple theatre classes changed my life.

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Graphic art design of a graduating student.

Jessica Masliah

AA-T in Psychology

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
CLU [California Lutheran University]

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Graphic art design of a graduating student.

Joanna Hossini

AA-T in Sociology

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
CSUN [California State University, Northridge]
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My counselor Eddie
What did you love the most about attending community college?
meeting new people
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
handle taking so many classes at once

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Jorge Alberto Flores smiles for the camera.

Jorge Alberto Flores

AS-T in Business Administration

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
California State University Channel Islands
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
Jasmine Amirian
What did you love the most about attending community college?
I loved learning about Business and how to communicate
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
Transfer to a university

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Julie Sumera smiles for the camera.

Julie Sumera

AS in Nursing

Are you transitioning into the workforce? If yes, what will you be doing?
Registered Nursing
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My parents
What did you love the most about attending community college?
The friendships I’ve developed here. Also, everyone at the healthcare center who have been nothing but nice and caring whenever I have an appointment
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
Ever get into nursing school

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Julie M. Tannos poses for the camera.

Julie M. Tannos

AS in Criminal Justice

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
San Diego State University
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
Professor Michael Sayre, Prof. Timothy Lumas Moorpark College
What did you love the most about attending community college?
The love and care from the Professors.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
Ever complete anything to the very end.

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Kanda Bonty Jr poses for the camera.

Kanda Bonty Jr

AS-T in Administration of Justice

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
Arizona State University

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Kathryn Bauer poses on the Beach

Kathryn Bauer

Associate of Art for Transfer

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
University of California, Santa Barbara

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Kellie L. Watson smiles for the camera.

Kellie L. Watson

AA in General Studies-Humanities

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
California State University Northridge
Are you transitioning into the workforce? If yes, what will you be doing?
Special Education/Sign Language
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
Me
What did you love the most about attending community college?
The Access program was wonderful and helpful/The teachers were great and understanding
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
Get to point where I am now as a Graduate for Sign Language Interpreting

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Kelvin Hau Canche smiles for the camera.

Kelvin Hau Canche

AS-T in Business Administration;
Proficiency Award in Accounting

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
Yes, California Lutheran University
Are you transitioning into the workforce? If yes, what will you be doing?
Currently work at a small non-profit, Buen Vecino as Jr. Project Manager; also looking for opportunities in the fields of accounting and finance
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My extended family in Muna, Mexico
What did you love the most about attending community college?
The small classes and the extensive effort the college takes to improve through its programs.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
trade stocks.

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Kiana Kenik smiles for the camera.

Kiana Kenik

AS-T in Business Administration

Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My family
What did you love the most about attending community college?
I loved all the professors that I had classes with and how Moorpark College has so much to offer students. Also, can’t forget our amazing zoo!
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
I never thought I could obtain my educational while working full time but I never gave up and now here I am!

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Kirsten Girard poses for the camera.

Kirsten Girard

Associate of Science


Are you transitioning into the workforce? If yes, what will you be doing?
Yes, Welding
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My Father, Mother, and brothers. My cousin Nikki, my best friend Liz, and my friends in recovery.
What did you love the most about attending community college?
I enjoyed the creative community. The focus on student life and student needs. I appreciate learning critical thinking skills and how to apply them in my every day life.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
Accomplish so much in one day, in one month, in a few years by working diligently to reach a goal.

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Kori Gosselin smiles for the camera.

Kori Gosselin

AA in General Studies-Liberal Studies

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
Yes to California State University Channel Islands
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My parents
What did you love the most about attending community college?
It paved the way for me to transfer and it was close to home.

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Krystal Bustillos smiles for the camera.

Krystal Bustillos

AA-T in Psychology

Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
Family and friends
What did you love the most about attending community college?
Moorpark’s staff
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
actually focus and finish my classes

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Lesly Solorzano poses for a picture.

Lesly Solorzano

Associate of Arts

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
CSUN [California State University, Northridge]
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My family
What did you love the most about attending community college?
The enthusiastic teachers, very caring and motivational
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
Love going to school so much

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Luz Garces poses for picture

Luz Garces

AA in General Studies-Natural Science

Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
Friends and Family
What did you love the most about attending community college?
Surprising my self I could accomplish this goal!
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
Graduate

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Lydia Gratland poses for the camera.

Lydia Gratland

AS in Biology

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Mariana Hernandez poses for the camera.

Mariana Hernandez

AA-T in Sociology;
AS in Criminal Justice

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
Yes CSUN [California State University, Northridge]

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Graphic art design of a graduating student.

Marko Zavala

AS-T in Business Administration

Are you transitioning into the workforce? If yes, what will you be doing?
Yes, have yet to decide.
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My family
What did you love the most about attending community college?
The environment
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
Become bigger that VCCCD has helped me become.

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Graphic art design of a graduating student.

Maryam Damandan

General Education Certification

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
Yes, another community college

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Madeline Gambon smiles forthe camera

Madeline Gambon

AA-T in Theatre Arts

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
Montclair State University
What did you love the most about attending community college?
Making lifelong friends with the people around me, and reconnecting with those whom I haven’t spoken to since pre-high school!

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Meggan Brinker poses for photo.

Meggan Brinker

AS in Exercise Science: Fitness Specialist

What did you love the most about attending community college?
Having fantastic instructors

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Graphic design of a graduate.

Michelle Morales

AS-T in Business Administration;
AA in General Studies-Social and Behavioral Science

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
yes
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My family
What did you love the most about attending community college?
The new people and professors I got to meet
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
enjoy learning

Share your link (copy/paste):
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Nikki Johnson smiles for camera.

Nikki A. Johnson

AA in General Studies-Natural Sciences

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
Galen College of Nursing
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My Mother inspired me to pursue my educational goals.
What did you love the most about attending community college?
I really enjoyed the small class sizes to really get that 1 on 1 with professors and they know me as a person.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
Become a college graduate and find a passion for a career I can achieve!

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Peter Le poses for a photo.

Peter Le

Certificate of Achievement in Nuclear Medicine

Are you transitioning into the workforce? If yes, what will you be doing?
KAISER PERMANENTE
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
MY PARENTS
What did you love the most about attending community college?
AFFORDABLE
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
BECAME AN AWESOME HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONAL

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Peter Nashed poses for a photo.

Peter Nashed

Associates Degree

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
University of California, Santa Barbara
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My mom and dad
What did you love the most about attending community college?
It shapes you for adulthood and teaches you important life skills.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
do well in a math class.

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Rachel Reed poses for photo

Rachel Reed

AA-T in Psychology;
AA in General Studies-Social and Behavioral Sciences

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
California State University, Channel Islands
Are you transitioning into the workforce? If yes, what will you be doing?
Behavior Technician for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My mom
What did you love the most about attending community college?
Being able to choose which classes I took
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
Receive such good education for an affordable price

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Graphic design artwork of a student in graduation regalia, created by VCCCD student Joshua Dayrit.

Reed Gonzalez

AS in Criminal Justice

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Roco-Rogoff smiles for the camera

Roco Rogoff

AA-T in Psychology

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
Yes! I am transferring to San Francisco State University
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My life experiences and love for psychology
What did you love the most about attending community college?
I appreciated how affordable it was, and how much they offered the students – like health resources and free therapy sessions
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
Consider a major in English! But professor Wade Bradford helped me develop a new love for English classes 🙂

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Rosalyn Weihe poses for a photo.

Rosalyn Weihe

Associate of Arts

Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My kids
What did you love the most about attending community college?
It wasn’t as intimidating as I thought
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
go to college

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Sabrina Fingerhood poses for a photo

Sabrina Fingerhood

General Education Certification

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
FIDM [Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising]
What did you love the most about attending community college?
The freedom to work around my schedule
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
work two jobs and be a full time student

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Graphic design artwork of a student in graduation regalia, created by VCCCD student Joshua Dayrit.

Salma Agina

Associate of Arts

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
CSUN [California State University Northridge]

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Sandy Car smiles for camera.

Sandy Carr

AS in Radiologic Technology

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Sara Julian smiles for camera.

Sara Julian

AA-T in Anthropology

Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My grandparents are my number one supporters.
What did you love the most about attending community college?
I loved meeting new friends and teachers that have a passion for their field.

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Robert Nathanson

Associate of Arts

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
CSUCI [California State University, Channel Islands]
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My Family

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Natalie Sarah Gaikwad poses for a camera.

Natalie Sarah Gaikwad

Associates Degree

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
California State University, East Bay
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My mother
What did you love the most about attending community college?
i loved meeting so many new people and learning so many new things
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
confidently pursue higher education

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Graphic design artwork of a student in graduation regalia, created by VCCCD student Joshua Dayrit.

Monique Basto

AS-T in Business Administration

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
Yes, CSUN (California State University, Northridge)
Are you transitioning into the workforce? If yes, what will you be doing?
Yes, I will be a caregiver.
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
Society
What did you love the most about attending community college?
I loved gaining knowledge and learning something new everyday in my environment.

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Graphic design artwork of a student in graduation regalia, created by VCCCD student Joshua Dayrit.

Stanley Manning

Associates Degree

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
Yes, California State University, Northridge
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My father
What did you love the most about attending community college?
The attention to detail like a university
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
Be a college graduate

Share your link (copy/paste):
newsroom.vcccd.edu/MC2020#Stanley-Manning

Stephen Snebold smiles for teh camera.

Stephen Snebold

AS in Game Design

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
California State University, Channel Islands
Are you transitioning into the workforce? If yes, what will you be doing?
No i am studying to be a Video Game designer
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
Shigeru Miyamoto
What did you love the most about attending community college?
The professors
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
I did not think I could answer this question.

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Timothy Munson poses for a photo.

Timothy Roman Munson

AS-T in Business Administration

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
California State University, Northridge
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My Family
What did you love the most about attending community college?
The friends i have made.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
Figure out what i wanted to do with my future.

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newsroom.vcccd.edu/MC2020#Timothy-Munson

Stella Alvarez poses for a photo.

Stella Alvarez

AA-T in Psychology;
AA-T Sociology

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
California State University, Northridge (CSUN)
What did you love the most about attending community college?
Student life/activities
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
Get a degree

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Trinity Santillan poses for a photo

Trinity Santillan

Associate of Science

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
Woodbury University
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My mother
What did you love the most about attending community college?
The first time experience of being an adult. Being able to make my own decisions.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
Do it on my own.

Share your link (copy/paste):
newsroom.vcccd.edu/MC2020#Trinity-Santillan

Graphic design artwork of a student in graduation regalia, created by VCCCD student Joshua Dayrit.

Tushar Radhakrishnan

AA in General Studies-Social and Behavioral Science

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
Yes, California State University, Channel Islands
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My parents, Jolie Bernal and myself
What did you love the most about attending community college?
Learning and figuring more about my interest
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
I never thought I could succeed in anything

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Vanessa Meza poses for a photo.

Vanessa Guadalupe Meza

AS-T in Administration of Justice

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
Yes, California State University, Northridge
Are you transitioning into the workforce? If yes, what will you be doing?
I want to obtain work experience at an entry level criminal justice job and start building my professional resume for future employers.
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My mom who raised me and my brother alone working two jobs has definitely influenced my work ethic from watching the heavy toll that took on her, this motivated me to work hard for what I want. My mother inspired me to pursue higher education, she gave me her full support to follow my aspirations. Her words always gave me the drive to never give up, she’s got my back no matter what is the type of women I strive to be.
What did you love the most about attending community college?
The freedom that came with it, being around open minded individuals who are achieving educational goals like me. Being able to take classes on much more flexible schedule and being involved in a tighter knit community and getting to know students from diverse backgrounds.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
Never thought I could gain so many valuable skills and grow as person who has always been shy to someone who’s not afraid to speak her mind is something I will forever value.

Share your link (copy/paste):
newsroom.vcccd.edu/MC2020#VanessaGuadalupe-Meza

Yessenia Valadez poses for a camera.

Yessenia Valadez

AA-T in Philosophy;
AA-T in Psychology;
AS in Criminal Justice

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
University of California, Irvine

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newsroom.vcccd.edu/MC2020#Yessenia-Valadez

Graphic design artwork of a student in graduation regalia, created by VCCCD student Joshua Dayrit.

Zach Mosbey

AS-T in Business Administration

Are you transitioning into the workforce? If yes, what will you be doing?
Yes, small business owner.
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My family, especially my parents.
What did you love the most about attending community college?
Is local.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
gain so much wisdom and grow so much as a young adult.

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newsroom.vcccd.edu/MC2020#Zach-Mosbey

Graphic design artwork of a student in graduation regalia, created by VCCCD student Joshua Dayrit.

Zack Amilee

Certificate of Achievement in Accounting

Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My parents and my girlfriend
What did you love the most about attending community college?
It’s so fast and easy
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
Meet so many incredible professors and friends

Share your link (copy/paste):
newsroom.vcccd.edu/MC2020#Zack-Amilee

Alexandra Paez smiles fo rthe camera.

Alexandra Paez

AA-T in Psychology;
AA-T in Sociology;
AA in General Studies-Social and Behavioral Science

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
Yes!! Either UCSB [University of California, Santa Barbara] or UCSD [University of California, San Diego]
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My mom and the kids that I work with. They all inspired me to pursue a degree in Sociology with a minor in Psychology, with plans to become a School Psychologist for the next generations to come!
What did you love the most about attending community college?
What I loved most was the people I was able to meet, both friends and teachers. I have made lifelong friends and found teachers who cared for me and my future.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
Get a 4.0, be a part of an Honors Society, or transfer to a UC school

Share your link (copy/paste):
newsroom.vcccd.edu/MC2020#Alexandra-Paez

Jolie Adamsky poses in front of a sunset.

Jolie Adamsky

AA-T in Psychology;
AA in General Studies-Liberal Arts;
AA in General Studies-Social and Behavioral Science

Are you transitioning into the workforce? If yes, what will you be doing?
Research Analyst
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My friends and family inspired me to pursue my goals
What did you love the most about attending community college?
The opportunities, and the ability to figure out what exactly i wanted to do and explore different classes
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
i never thought i could actually enjoy school and learning

Share your link (copy/paste):
newsroom.vcccd.edu/MC2020#Jolie-Adamsky

Natalie Cabral poses outside of the LACMA.

Natalie Cabral

AS-T in Physics;
AS-T in Mathematics;
AA in General Studies-Natural Science;
AA in General Studies-Social & Behavioral Science

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
UCLA [University of California, Los Angeles], for Aerospace Engineering
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My grandfather, Dennis Cabral, amongst several other professors I’ve met at all three VCCCD campuses.
What did you love the most about attending community college?
The amazing professors that inspired me to succeed. I couldn’t have done it without them!
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
Become an engineer!

Share your link (copy/paste):
newsroom.vcccd.edu/MC2020#Natalie-Cabral

Savannah Simpson smiles for the camera.

Savannah Simpson

AA-T in Theatre Arts;
AA-T in English

Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
I have always loved theatre and performance art as well as great literature. The power the arts hold to force society to reflect upon itself is invaluable.
What did you love the most about attending community college?
Community College allowed me to affordably pursue my educational goals while still offering me a quality education with prestigious professors.

Share your link (copy/paste):
newsroom.vcccd.edu/MC2020#Savannah-Simpson

Valeria Aguilar smiles for the camera.

Valerie Aguilar

AA-T in History

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
CSUN [California State University, Northridge]
Are you transitioning into the workforce? If yes, what will you be doing?
An elementary school secretary
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
Me 🙂
What did you love the most about attending community college?
having the flexibility to study full time while working full-time.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
transfer to a CSU, 16 years after graduating high school!

Share your link (copy/paste):
newsroom.vcccd.edu/MC2020#Valerie-Aguilar

Alyssas Valdez smiles for camera.

Alyssa Valdez

AA-T in Psychology;
AA in General Studies-Liberal Studies;
AA in General Studies-Social and Behavioral Science

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
Yes, UCLA [University of California, Los Angeles]
What did you love the most about attending community college?
I loved how tight knit the community felt & how easy it was to get help.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
Attend my dream school

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newsroom.vcccd.edu/MC2020#Alyssa-Valdez

Graphic design artwork of a student in graduation regalia, created by VCCCD student Joshua Dayrit.

Annaliese Adams

Associates Degree for Transfer

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
UCSB [University of California, Santa Barbara]
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My mom
What did you love the most about attending community college?
The price and being able to attend one of the greatest communities colleges in the nation
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
Excel in subjects I struggled in

Share your link (copy/paste):
newsroom.vcccd.edu/MC2020#Annaliese-Adams

Graphic design artwork of a student in graduation regalia, created by VCCCD student Joshua Dayrit.

Brandon Pritz

AA-T in Political Science;
AA in General Studies-Social and Behavioral Science

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
California State University of Sacramento

Share your link (copy/paste):
newsroom.vcccd.edu/MC2020#Brandon-Pritz

Brittany Bradley takes a photo with a friend.

Brittany Bradley

AA in General Studies-Social and Behavioral Science

Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My parents, They both believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself. In the beginning the idea of being a graduate from college did not interest me because I always had a hard time completing anything I started, especially when it came to college courses. You both have helped me understand the struggles that later allowed to me to achieve a future better suited for me which is to be a graduate from college. You always wanted the best for me and I love you both for that! I Thanks for being the best parents a daughter could ask for!! Love you both!!!♥️
What did you love the most about attending community college?
I enjoyed the new people I met when I’m in the classroom.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
Achieve my goal to finally graduate from college.

Share your link (copy/paste):
newsroom.vcccd.edu/MC2020#Brittany-Bradley

David Riveros smiles for the camera.

David Riveros

AA-T in Film, Television and Media

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
California State University Northridge
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
The people who doubted me.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
succeed in achieving what I was most passionate in.

Share your link (copy/paste):
newsroom.vcccd.edu/MC2020#David-Riveros

Graphic design artwork of a student in graduation regalia, created by VCCCD student Joshua Dayrit.

Logan Johnson

AA-T in Sociology

Share your link (copy/paste):
newsroom.vcccd.edu/MC2020#Logan-Johnson

Miranda Anaya sits in a field outside.

Miranda Anaya

AA-T in Psychology;
AA in General Studies-Liberal Studies;
AA in General Studies-Social and Behavioral Science

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
CSUN [California State University Northridge]
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My family, they are constantly pushing me to chase my dreams and be the best I can be!
What did you love the most about attending community college?
Being able to pick and choose my schedule and do things on my own time.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
Meet so many great people that would help navigate me through my career path.

Share your link (copy/paste):
newsroom.vcccd.edu/MC2020#Miranda-Anaya

Parker Drummond poses for a picture at Dodger Stadium.

Parker Drummond

AA-T in Economics;
AS-T in Business Administration;
AA in General Studies-Social and Behavioral Sciences

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
California State University, Fullerton
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My parents and my sister, McKenna
What did you love the most about attending community college?
The Business and Economics professors were extremely knowledgeable and helpful.

Share your link (copy/paste):
newsroom.vcccd.edu/MC2020#Parker-Drummond

Graphic design artwork of a student in graduation regalia, created by VCCCD student Joshua Dayrit.

Rhea Zaib

Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum completion

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Graphic design artwork of a student in graduation regalia, created by VCCCD student Joshua Dayrit.

Owen Kohler

AA-T in Economics

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
yes, University of California Santa Barbara
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My older brother Wyatt has always been a huge inspiration to me.
What did you love the most about attending community college?
Not paying a lot for my education.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
Get into a school within the University of California school system.

Share your link (copy/paste):
newsroom.vcccd.edu/MC2020#Owen-Kohler

Illiana Lievanos poses with a dog.

Illiana Lievanos

AA-T in History;
AA in General Studies-Social and Behavioral Science

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
Yes, University of California, Santa Barbara
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My parents
What did you love the most about attending community college?
The small classroom size, communication with professors more directly
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
Transfer to UCSB

Share your link (copy/paste):
newsroom.vcccd.edu/MC2020#Illiana-Lievanos

Graphic design artwork of a student in graduation regalia, created by VCCCD student Joshua Dayrit.

Lian Greenberg

AA in Sociology

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
I am transferring to IDC

Share your link (copy/paste):
newsroom.vcccd.edu/MC2020#Lian-Greenberg

Linda Perez poses for a photo.

Linda Perez

AS-T in Early Childhood Education; AS-T in Child & Adolescent Development;
AS in General Studies-Liberal Studies

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
Yes, California State University, Northridge (CSUN).
Are you transitioning into the workforce? If yes, what will you be doing?
Yes, I am already a lead full time Toddler teacher.
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My family.
What did you love the most about attending community college?
That it is affordable and the community. I loved meeting amazing people through my classes.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
work full-time and go to school full-time. It turns out I like to be as busy as I could be.

Share your link (copy/paste):
newsroom.vcccd.edu/MC2020#Linda-Perez

BettyJean HannaBaker sings the national anthem.

Betty-Jean Hanna-Baker

AS in General Studies-Social and Behavioral Science

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
Not yet, going for another AA then hopefully transfer to Gnomon.
Are you transitioning into the workforce? If yes, what will you be doing?
I work full time and go to school full time. Eventually I will be a concept artist for a video game company, perhaps Blizzard. Or an animator if this show I have been working on takes off.
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My family. My family has always had my back, and pushed me further when I didn’t think that I could.
What did you love the most about attending community college?
Moorpark College is by far the best community college around. I love the staff, they have always been so caring and treat students like a family.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
I never thought that I could be capable of handling so many aspects in my life. From multiple majors, theater productions, work, extra curricular activities. I thought my head would pop haha.

Share your link (copy/paste):
newsroom.vcccd.edu/MC2020#BettyJean-HannaBaker

Graphic design artwork of a student in graduation regalia, created by VCCCD student Joshua Dayrit.

Kurtis Condra

AA-T in English

Are you transferring? If yes, where?
Yes, hopefully UC Davis
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
my mother
What did you love the most about attending community college?
the freedom to move at my own pace
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…
Be the first in my family to graduate

Share your link (copy/paste):
newsroom.vcccd.edu/MC2020#Kurtis-Condra