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 landing page.
Christopher Arambula
Degree or Certificate Earned
Film, TV & Electronic Media Arts Transfer AS-T
Are you transferring? If yes, where?
CSUN
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
Family and friends have been a big inspiration for me to pursue my educational goals. Professor Lawson has pushed me to go all the way in Film.
What will you miss the most from your community college experience?
I will miss the people the most from my community college experience. Throughout my time at community college, I have met countless people, many of which have inspired or contributed to my growth in some way. Community college for me was a place of growth educationally and personally. My growth would not have happened if it wasn’t for the people I met along the way.
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Jeffrey Ryan Gugala
Degree or Certificate Earned
Gen Studies: Natural Science
Are you transferring? If yes, where?
San Diego State University
Are you transitioning into the workforce? If yes, what will you be doing? Commissioned as a Navy Nurse
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
Myself
What will you miss the most from your community college experience?
The comfort of knowing the campus and the friends I’ve made throughout my time here, especially the ones in anatomy and physiology.
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Lorenz Gido
Degree or Certificate Earned
General Studies – Arts and Humanities
Are you transferring? If yes, where?
UC Irvine or UCLA
What will you miss the most from your community college experience?
I will always remember my professors! Teresa Bonham got me my first job at the Writing Center with Kari Tudman, Anitra Lawson’s classes were always fun, and I definitely feel robbed of time with my acting class with Natasha Martin and my classmates! Wishing them all the best.
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Angeline Cesar
Degree or Certificate Earned
Natural Science
Are you transferring? If yes, where?
No, I will be applying to Dental Hygiene programs in the local area
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? As a first generation college student I was inspired to be the role model for my siblings. Also, I have first responders nurses who are working hard throughout this pandemic which inspired me to work in the health field.
What will you miss the most from your community college experience?
Community college is a small community which I love because it gave me a chance to get to know professors and staff on a personal level. I am going to miss the Oxnard College’s First Year Experience program the most because they provide me a place that I could call a home away from home. I would not be where I am today without the workshops and job opportunity given to me by the program. Thank you Dr. Eliseo Gonzalez and the rest of the FYE team for enlightening my experience at Oxnard.
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Imelda Rojo Cedillo
Degree or Certificate Earned
AA Deaf Studies, AA Social and Behavioral Science, AA Arts and Humanities
Are you transferring? If yes, where?
No but applying in Ventura College Nursing Program.
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? My husband and my children.
What did you love the most about attending community college? Teachers and staff encouragement to the students.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could… finish getting my Associates or any education.
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Mario Angel Olvera
Degree or Certificate Earned
Sociology-AA
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? My parents.
What will you miss the most from your community college experience? Everything.
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Kyle Nashawaty
Degree or Certificate Earned
Business Administration AS-T
Are you transferring? If yes, where? San Diego State University
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? My Father, Edward Nashawaty.
What will you miss the most from your community college experience? I’ll miss the small class sizes.
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Kimberly Acosta
Degree or Certificate Earned
Spanish
Are you transferring? If yes, where? Yes, California State University Channel Islands.
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? My mother.
What will you miss the most from your community college experience? The amazing Counselors, especially those from the EOPS Program. Also, I will miss running for Oxnard College”s Cross Country team.
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Cindy Sirary Jasso
Degree or Certificate Earned
Dental Assisting Certificate
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Nikolai Miles
Degree or Certificate Earned
AA-T Anthropology
Are you transferring? If yes, where? CSUCI
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? The long stream of educators I’ve been gifted with over my academic career inspired me to pursue educational goals. It is more a matter of what inspired me rather than who, since there are so many to choose from. I strive to do my part to help make the world a better place and to do so first requires an education.
What will you miss the most from your community college experience? What I will miss the most from my community college experience is the closeness. Educators and students form bonds over learning that amount to so much more than merely a classroom setting. Ventura County Community College District has aided my growth and gave me the tools to continue striving towards my goals successfully.
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Gary Sarcione
Degree or Certificate Earned
FTVE / Film, AS-Television & Electronic Media
Are you transferring? If yes, where? No, I’m heading straight into the work force. I’ve already worked in production of several films. Once the corona virus stay at home orders are lifted, I know I’ll be able to continue finding work in the film industry with what I’ve learned with my Oxnard College degree.
Are you transitioning into the workforce? If yes, what will you be doing? Seeking work in film and television production
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? My wife urged me to attend the FTVE program and work in an industry that fuels my passions.
What did you love the most about attending community college? Though I was mainly a student at Oxnard College, I did attend classes @ Ventura College and Moorpark. I was constantly amazed at the quality and commitment of instructors and professors at all three schools.I was constantly amazed by the the high caliber instructors and professors working.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…I never thought I could pass college level mathematics and algebra courses, but I did! I never thought I could pursue my dream of working in film this late in my professional career, but the FTVE program at Oxnard College and the guidance of Professor Anitra Lawson has made it all possible.
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Giselle Ambriz
Degree or Certificate Earned
AA-T Sociology, AA Social Behavioral Science, AA Social Behavioral Science/Counseling
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? My sister and parent’s support.
What did you love the most about attending community college? I really enjoyed the helpful resources at OC.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could… achieve big things.
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Guillermo Gutierrez
Degree or Certificate Earned
AS-T Film, Television & Electronic Media
Are you transferring? If yes, where? CSUN
Are you transitioning into the workforce? If yes, what will you be doing? No
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? My Parents.
What did you love the most about attending community college? My peers and faculty.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could… fly as high as I am capable of.
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Hannah DiGiacomo
Degree or Certificate Earned
Associate of Science in Dental Hygiene
Are you transferring? If yes, where? No
Are you transitioning into the workforce? If yes, what will you be doing? Yes, I will be practicing as a Registered Dental Hygienist.
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? I was inspired to go to college by family because no one had ever gone. I wanted to obtain a degree in order to achieve a successful career.
What did you love the most about attending community college? My favorite part of community college was my professors. I learned a great deal from them and will always cherish the knowledge they instilled in me.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could… handle such a heavy workload and be successful at it.
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Marvin Martinez
Degree or Certificate Earned
AA / General Studies: Social and Behavioral Sciences
Are you transferring? If yes, where? No.
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? Professor Pitones.
What did you love the most about attending community college? Attending Professor Pitones class.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could… see myself graduate.
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Princesa Martinez
Degree or Certificate Earned AA-T Psychology & CSU-GE Certification
Are you transferring? If yes, where? CSUCI
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? My family and friends.
What did you love the most about attending community college? All the amazing professors and faculty.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could… go on to university.
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Rebecca Alvarez
Degree or Certificate Earned General Studies:Natural Science Pattern I-AA
Are you transferring? If yes, where? Not yet.
Are you transitioning into the workforce? If yes, what will you be doing? Not yet.
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? My parents.
What did you love the most about attending community college? The supporting friends that I made.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could… complete anything educational.
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Rebecca Perez Casillas
Degree or Certificate Earned AA Social & Behavioral Science AA Arts & Humanities
Are you transferring? If yes, where? No.
Are you transitioning into the workforce? If yes, what will you be doing? No.
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? Parents, friends, therapist & myself.
What did you love the most about attending community college? Learning new things, meeting new people, supportive professors & counselors.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could… earn a degree.
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Melanie Dominguez
Degree or Certificate Earned AA / General Studies: Arts and Humanities
Are you transferring? If yes, where? No.
Are you transitioning into the workforce? If yes, what will you be doing? No.
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? My mother.
What did you love the most about attending community college? Interacting with others.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could… ever get through all my assignments that I thought were hard but I successfully got through them.
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Michelle Mendoza
Degree or Certificate Earned AA-T Sociology, AA- Social & Behavioral Science, AA- Sociology, CSU-GE Certification
Are you transferring? If yes, where? CSUCI.
Are you transitioning into the workforce? If yes, what will you be doing? Not yet.
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? My husband and my daughter inspired me to pursue my educational goals and dreams.
What did you love the most about attending community college? I loved meeting new people and seeing others pursue there dreams.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could… be successful at finishing school and pursuing my dreams.
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Paola Perez
Degree or Certificate Earned AS-T Business Administration CSU-GE Certification
Are you transferring? If yes, where? Cal Lutheran University.
Are you transitioning into the workforce? If yes, what will you be doing? Will be working as an accountant.
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? My parents.
What did you love the most about attending community college? The flexibility.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could… get straight A’s while working two jobs.
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Valerie Cahue
Degree or Certificate Earned Gen Std:Soc BS Pattern I-AA Gen Std:Art Hum Pattern I-AA Elementary Teacher Edu AA-T CSU-GE Certification
Are you transferring? If yes, where? Channel Islands University
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? My whole family, thank you to them!!
What did you love the most about attending community college? The amount of support I received from professors and EOPS staff!
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Stephanie Rodriguez
Degree or Certificate Earned AA-T / General Studies: Natural Sciences
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Dora L. Castillo
What degree or certificate are you receiving?AA-T sociology & general studies in social behavior
Are you transferring? If yes, where? CSUN
Are you transitioning into the workforce? If yes, what will you be doing? No, still continuing school
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?I am my own inspiration in pursuing my education. I have a personal story for caring about the career field I have chosen. I care about helping people and making an impact and this career allows me to do that.
What did you love the most about attending community college?I loved how helpful everyone in this campus was with me.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…Transfer to a University. Being a first generation college student was very difficult but going to a VCCCD community college has helped me develop many skills as a student that will help me succeed once I transfer.
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Stephanie Cabeza
Degree or Certificate Earned AA-T in Kinesiology CSU-GE Certification
Are you transferring? If yes, where? CSUN
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? My parents.
What did you love the most about attending community college? Having met professors who inspired me to go beyond my limits.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could… pass the expectations I had for myself.
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Salvador Anguiano
Degree or Certificate Earned Film, TV, Elec Media-AS-T CSU-GE Certification Gen Std:Soc BS Pattern I-AA Gen Std:Art Hum Pattern I-AA
Are you transferring? If yes, where? CSUN
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? My mother and father. My younger siblings Javi and Mera are also the reason I have made it this far.
What did you love the most about attending community college? I enjoyed the exciting relationships I made within the FTVE program. Huge shout out to some of my favorite profesors, Profesor Lawson and Melidonis
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could… have a career in media arts.
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Roxana Alvarez
Degree or Certificate Earned A.S. Dental Hygiene
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? My family has always been my inspiration. Everything I do I do it for them and they always support me along the way.
What did you love the most about attending community college? Meeting some amazing people who helped me get through my toughest time in the program. Making friendships that I know will last a lifetime!
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Rosa Maria Magaña
Degree or Certificate Earned AA / General Studies: Arts and Humanities Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum California State University General Education – Breadth
Are you transferring? If yes, where? No.
Are you transitioning into the workforce? If yes, what will you be doing? Nursing.
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? Parents, friends, therapist &My family, friends and teachers.
What did you love the most about attending community college? I loved being able to meet new people and have a job as a tutor.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could… help inspire others to do good in school and inspire myself to achieve any goal no matter how hard.
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Rosemary Farias
Degree or Certificate Earned GE CertificateAS-T, Early Childhood Education AA, Social and Behavior 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? No.
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? My son and my husband. They have never stopped believing in me.
What did you love the most about attending community college? Expanding my education and learning new things.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could… have a higher education.
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Salvador Arcena Plete
Degree or Certificate Earned A. S. in Culinary Arts & Culinary Arts-CERT
Are you transferring? If yes, where? No.
Are you transitioning into the workforce? If yes, what will you be doing? No.
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? Veterans Administration.
What did you love the most about attending community college? The people I met.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could… study to be a chef.
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Sophia Figueroa
Degree or Certificate Earned AA-T in English
Are you transferring? If yes, where? No.
Are you transitioning into the workforce? If yes, what will you be doing? No.
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? Reading has always been my passion.
What did you love the most about attending community college? The intimate class sizes and caring professors.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could… have a positive relationship with my professors and peers.
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Trina Díaz
Degree or Certificate Earned Dental Hygiene-AS
Are you transferring? If yes, where? Los Angeles West College.
Are you transitioning into the workforce? If yes, what will you be doing? Dental Hygiene.
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? My son.
What did you love the most about attending community college? The faculty at the hygiene school.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could… be as knowledgeable about the human body.
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Vanessa Gonzalez
Degree or Certificate Earned AA-T Sociology & IGETC Certification
Are you transferring? If yes, where? CSUCI
Are you transitioning into the workforce? If yes, what will you be doing? No.
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? My parents have always inspired me to pursue my educational goals; they have always believed in me. They are my biggest motivators.
What did you love the most about attending community college? I loved that Oxnard College always made sure to give me this feeling that I was part of a family; I felt like they were always bringing me support and help.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could… finish my associates in two years and transfer to a university.
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Catalina Magallón
Degree or Certificate Earned Associates of Paralegal Studies
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? My grandma inspired me to have education.
What did you love the most about attending community college? Learning to be independent.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could… receive a college degree!
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Yamile Carrillo
Degree or Certificate Earned AA / General Studies: Arts and Humanities
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Luis Martinez
What degree or certificate are you receiving?Studio Art & Art History
Are you transferring? If yes, where? CSUCI
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?my family
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Tyler Sellers
Degree or Certificate Earned Computer Networking and Information Technology Certificate Computer Networking/IT-AS
Are you transferring? If yes, where? California State University Channel Islands
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? It’s something I’ve always wanted to do.
What did you love the most about attending community college? The teachers, counselors and fellow students.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could… go to a university.
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Synai Hernandez
Degree or Certificate Earned Elementary Teacher Edu AA-T CSU-GE Certification
Are you transferring? If yes, where? CSUCI.
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? My parents.
What did you love the most about attending community college? Meeting wonderful people in my classes, professors, and advisors.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could… start a club that benefits OC students and the OC community and social networking with clubs and companies.
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Sonya I Pena
Degree or Certificate Earned Elementary Teacher Education AA-T CSU-GE Certification
Are you transferring? If yes, where? Channel Islands California State University.
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Shanelle Zuniga
Degree or Certificate Earned Dental assisting
Are you transferring? If yes, where? No.
Are you transitioning into the workforce? If yes, what will you be doing? Dental assistant.
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? My family and loved ones.
What will you miss the most from your community college experience? I will miss all of my amazing friends that I’ve made while I’m this program! I will miss my teachers who have guided me along this crazy path!
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Sandra Rios Gonzalez
Degree or Certificate Earned Elementary Teacher Education AA-T CSU-GE Certification
Are you transferring? If yes, where? California State University Channel Islands.
Are you transitioning into the workforce? If yes, what will you be doing? Not yet.
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? My son Iker and my parents are my main motivation to pursue my educational goals.
What did you love the most about attending community college? What I loved about community college is that I didn’t have to travel too far to go to school. The class sizes are small which means that I was able to interact more with my professors, and I felt right at home with all the services provided for first generation college students like me.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could… be successful at the college level.
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Samantha Sepulveda
Degree or Certificate Earned Restaurant Mgmt-AS & Restaurant Mgmt-CERT
Are you transitioning into the workforce? If yes, what will you be doing? Yes.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could… reach my goal which was receiving a college degree.
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Raeanne Rudman
Degree or Certificate Earned Dental Assisting Certificate
Are you transferring? If yes, where? No.
Are you transitioning into the workforce? If yes, what will you be doing? Yes, dental assistant.
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? My son has been the reason I decided to join this program & I am thankful I did.
What did you love the most about attending community college? Met knew people and have gained so much knowledge.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could… graduate or even complete anything beyond high school.
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Randall Duke
Degree or Certificate Earned I’m earning two degrees! An AS-T Degree in Film, TV, & Electronic Media (FTVE) as well as an AA Degree in Arts & Humanities!
Are you transferring? If yes, where? California State University, Long Beach
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? My educational goals are heavily inspired through the unconditional support of my family, friends, and Oxnard College Film Professor, Anitra Lawson. They have all tremendously influenced my creative and imaginative mind to help expand my potential and to succeed in the film industry. I am prepared to move forward knowing that there is still so much work and growth to be done, but can look back and express my gratitude to the people who help laid down the foundation in my growth as a film student and individual in life.
What did you love the most about attending community college? The thing I love most about Oxnard College, is having the ability to create and sustain long-lasting friendships and connections. Learning in an environment that is much more tight-knit allowed me to form close relationships with my classmates and professors.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could… utilize all the tools and resources that the college provided and have it be so instrumental to paving my career path.
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Perla Tellez
Degree or Certificate Earned Early Childhood Education AS-T CSU-GE Certification Gen Std:Soc BS Pattern I-AA
Are you transferring? If yes, where? CSU
Are you transitioning into the workforce? If yes, what will you be doing? Para Educator.
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? My Family.
What did you love the most about attending community college? The Staff and teachers were always available to help.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could… reach this dream of graduating from a college.
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Melissa Rivera
Degree or Certificate Earned
AA-T Sociology
Are you transferring? If yes, where? California State University Northridge
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? I gave myself all the motivation I needed with the help of my parents, family and boyfriend.
What did you love the most about attending community college? Schedule Flexibility for sure.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could… manage to take 17 units and have a part time job all at once!!
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Melissa Gadian
Degree or Certificate Earned
AS-T Early Childhood Education CSU-GE Certification
Are you transferring? If yes, where? Yes, CSUCI.
Are you transitioning into the workforce? If yes, what will you be doing? No.
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? My children.
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Melissa Ho
Degree or Certificate Earned
A.S. Dental Hygiene
Are you transitioning into the workforce? If yes, what will you be doing? Cleaning teeth & making beautiful smiles.
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? My friends & family.
What did you love the most about attending community college? Being “hands-on” during my education journey.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could… end up doing what I love to do.
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Jacob Fuchsman
Degree or Certificate Earned
History
Are you transferring? If yes, where? CSUCI
Are you transitioning into the workforce? If yes, what will you be doing? After School Instructor.
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? My girlfriend Janet.
What did you love the most about attending community college? Being alongside other working adults as students, and a dedicated OC staff.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could… get a degree.
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Janae Nickeas
Degree or Certificate Earned
Associates in dental hygiene.
Are you transferring? If yes, where? No.
Are you transitioning into the workforce? If yes, what will you be doing? Dental hygiene.
What did you love the most about attending community college? My classmates.
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Jasmine Amelia Gonzales
Degree or Certificate Earned
Associate of Science in Dental Hygiene.
Are you transferring? If yes, where? No.
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? My immigrant grandparents, who without their strength and courage, I would not have been provided an oppurtunity for a better life and been able achieve my goals.
What did you love the most about attending community college? The diversity that I have seen and how it contributes to the success of the students.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could… become a first generation college graduate.
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Jazmine Sauer-Vick
Degree or Certificate Earned
Dental Assisting
Are you transferring? If yes, where? No.
Are you transitioning into the workforce? If yes, what will you be doing? Yes, dental assisting.
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? My two girls Bonnie and Clementine.
What did you love the most about attending community college? My teachers were awesome.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could… have the focus to complete college.
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Johanna Narvante
Degree or Certificate Earned
AA in GS: Natural Sciences
Are you transferring? If yes, where? Ventura College Nursing Program.
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? My parents inspired me to do better in life and finish my schooling to have a better opportunity in life.
What did you love the most about attending community college? My schedules are great and had great professors.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could… finish my class and graduate with an AA and be able to transfer.
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Jorge Avalos
Degree or Certificate Earned
AA Natural Science
Are you transferring? If yes, where? Channel Island State University
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? My father and mother where my motivation throughout this whole process of college.
What did you love the most about attending community college? Being able to get help whenever needed throughout the process of college.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could… be so successful with some courses that I never took before which got me to be graduating with three AA degrees.
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Jovany Gutierrez
Degree or Certificate Earned
Communication
Are you transferring? If yes, where? Yes.
Are you transitioning into the workforce? If yes, what will you be doing? No.
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? Father.
What did you love the most about attending community college? Classmates.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could… achieve my academic goals.
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Juan Costilla
Degree or Certificate Earned
Associate In Arts
Are you transferring? If yes, where? No.
Are you transitioning into the workforce? If yes, what will you be doing? No.
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? Myself.
What did you love the most about attending community college? Meeting new people, having great teachers, and having the opportunity to go to college!
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could… do more with my life
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Kailani Maifea
Degree or Certificate Earned
AA
Are you transferring? If yes, where? Cal State University Channel Islands
Are you transitioning into the workforce? If yes, what will you be doing? No.
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? My family.
What did you love the most about attending community college? I love that the college was smaller and it made me feel comfortable going to class everyday.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could… transfer to a 4 year.
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Karina Rivas
Degree or Certificate Earned
AA Transfer Child Development
Are you transferring? If yes, where? CSUCI
Are you transitioning into the workforce? If yes, what will you be doing? No.
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? My children.
What did you love the most about attending community college? Helped my social skills.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could… graduate and transfer to a university.
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Maria Flores
Degree or Certificate Earned
Dental Assisting Certificate
Are you transferring? If yes, where? No.
Are you transitioning into the workforce? If yes, what will you be doing? Dental Assistant.
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? My daughter.
What did you love the most about attending community college? The knowledge and friends I gained throughout the school year.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could… be here accomplishing my goals after being a mom.
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Mayrani Rivera
Degree or Certificate Earned
Business Administration AS-T
Are you transferring? If yes, where? Yes, CSUCI.
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? My parents.
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Mayra Garcia
Degree or Certificate Earned
Certificate of Achievement
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? My family inspired and keep inspiring me to pursue my educational goals.
What did you love the most about attending community college? The challenge and satisfaction of achieving a lifetime goal.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could… graduate and have two AA degrees of my own.
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Martha Ventura Tiburcio
Degree or Certificate Earned
Associate in Arts for Transfer Psychology; Associate in Arts General Studies: Social and Behavioral Sciences ; Certificate of Achievement California State University General Education – Breadth
Are you transferring? If yes, where? Yes, California State University of Channel Islands.
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? The high school academy I was in, Teaching and Educational Careers Academy, encouraged and guided me to take the necessary steps to pursue a higher education.
What did you love the most about attending community college? I enjoyed part taking in the student activities, the resources available to me, delicious cooked meals in the cafeteria, and taking naps between classes in Condor Hall.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could… have the opportunity to travel and experience things my parents unfortunately couldn’t.
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Marlen Reyes
Degree or Certificate Earned
Associate degree in psychology and behavioral science.
Are you transferring? If yes, where? Chico State University.
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? As a first-generation college student, It was challenging but my family was always there to support me in reaching my goals; they are my inspiration to continue my education.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could… come this far and transfer out with two degrees.
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Mario A Robles
Degree or Certificate Earned
Filmmaking/Television
Are you transferring? If yes, where? Northridge or USC.
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? The person to pursue my goals was god himself also my brother who wants me to keep going no matter what also lastly my parents who always told me to get up no matter what
What did you love the most about attending community college? Mostly was ASG because they helped me out and I also made friends I never knew I had also some of the teachers that I loved especially Mrs. Jeanette Redding thank you for teaching me the wonders of English.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could… pass every class just because of my disability but trying hard and writing my own story I finished it and now I begin a new story 🙂
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Maria Rosa Lopez Cruz
Degree or Certificate Earned
AAT Spanish
Are you transferring? If yes, where? CSUMB
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? My mother has been my main inspiration to pursue higher education.
What did you love the most about attending community college? I loved having the opportunity to engage with professors and classmates on a personal level. I also loved having diversity and inclusion on campus. The resources that were provided by Oxnard College were of a lot of help throughout my two years attending. I’m thankful for all the help and support Oxnard College provided for me.
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Marcos Ponce
Degree or Certificate Earned
Economics ADT
Are you transferring? If yes, where? Yes to CSUN!
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? My sister, parents, and my friends all make me want to achieve and strive for more.
What did you love the most about attending community college? Getting to know some of the teachers really well( office hours) also the amount of resources like the transfer center and the EAC.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could… attend a university, I took a really long time at community college and I thought I was never going to transfer and would eventually drop out.
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Tammy Gallardo
Degree or Certificate Earned
AA in Natural Sciences & AA in Social and Behavioral Sciences
Are you transferring? If yes, where? No.
Are you transitioning into the workforce? If yes, what will you be doing? Applied for Fall Oxnard College Dental Hygiene Program to eventually become a Registered Dental Hygienist
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? My siblings and hardworking parents.
What did you love the most about attending community college? The opportunity to help others.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could… overcome my self-limiting beliefs and push myself to reach my full potential.
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Lizander Alba Borja
Degree or Certificate Earned
Associate Degree
Are you transitioning into the workforce? If yes, what will you be doing? 1. Police Academy 2. Oxnard Police Department
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? Mom and Dad.
What did you love the most about attending community college? The experiences I had & everything I learned.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could… understand how capable I was of doing so many amazing things.
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Lisette Cazares
Degree or Certificate Earned
Associates Degree in Sociology and Associates Degree in Social/Behavioral Science
Are you transferring? If yes, where? Yes.
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? My family.
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Leslie Anne Raqueño
Degree or Certificate Earned
Associate Certificate/Degree
Are you transferring? If yes, where? CSUCI
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? My family, especially my dad.
What did you love the most about attending community college? The classes and the staff.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could… finish college without failing any classes.
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John Vallada
Degree or Certificate Earned
Associate of Science in Chemistry
Are you transferring? If yes, where? California State University Long Beach
What did you love the most about attending community college? Working at the STEM Center and the LLRC as a Math tutor.
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Jesus Fernandez
Degree or Certificate Earned
A.S. CNIT
Are you transferring? If yes, where? No.
Are you transitioning into the workforce? If yes, what will you be doing? Yes. IT career.
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? My Family and Girlfriend.
What did you love the most about attending community college? Getting to know other like minded people.
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Jessica Gonzalez
Degree or Certificate Earned
Psychology AA-T
Are you transferring? If yes, where? Yes, CSUCI.
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Javier Marcial
Degree or Certificate Earned
History AAT
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? Professor Wilson-Gonzalez and Dr. Lieser.
What did you love the most about attending community college? The professors! so many awesome professors who show passion for their work.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could… graduate college!
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Helder Godinez
Degree or Certificate Earned
HVAC
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? The people that l work for Philip an maren Vertoch
What did you love the most about attending community college? The people.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could… make it that far.
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Gisselle Mendoza
Degree or Certificate Earned
Dental Assisting Certificate
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? I felt most inspired by myself because I realized the sooner I build my future, the more benefits my family and I reap from being proactive at a younger age.
What did you love the most about attending community college? I loved meeting new people and creating new experiences.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could… get a great education for a lower tuition fee.
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Joann Buhain Nedkov
Degree or Certificate Earned
Associate’s Degree- General Studies: Natural Science
Are you transferring? If yes, where? Moorpark College / West Coast University
Are you transitioning into the workforce? If yes, what will you be doing? I’m currently a Respiratory therapist working at Northridge hospital but I would like to also be a registered nurse someday to help more people.
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? Relatives who are nurses
What will you miss the most from your community college experience? Professors who are cool and easy to reach out, my classmates who I became close throughout the years
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Katharine Eleanor Pineda
Degree or Certificate Earned
Business Administration-AST
Are you transitioning into the workforce? If yes, what will you be doing? Loan officer Logix federal credit union
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? My husband and daughter
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Loriene Santiago
Degree or Certificate Earned
CSU-General Education Certification
Are you transferring? If yes, where? Yes. CSUCI.
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? My parents.
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Nicole Aguirre
Degree or Certificate Earned
General Studies: Natural Sciences Pattern I-AA, Natural Sciences Pre-Dental Hygiene
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? My mom.
What will you miss the most from your community college experience? The amount of work allowing us to succeed.
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Maria Ayala Cardoza
Degree or Certificate Earned
Associates in Arts for Transfer Child and Adolescences Development
Are you transferring? If yes, where? Yes, California State University of Northridge
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? My family
What will you miss the most from your community college experience? What I will miss the most of my community college experience is the environment and all the amazing support and advice I received.
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Veronica Perez
Degree or Certificate Earned
General Studies: Natural Science Pattern I-AA
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? My sister Christina inspired me to continue school but my husband and children gave me the motivation to keep going.
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Jason Bauer
Degree or Certificate Earned
AAT Sociology and AA General Studies Social Behavioral Science.
Are you transferring? If yes, where? Yes, CSUCI
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? I was inspired by other veteran students who went back to school, achieved their goals, and made a better life for themselves.
What will you miss the most from your community college experience? I will miss the teachers and counselors that I not only learned from but was able to stay in touch with throughout my time here. I know I can count on a hug or a handshake from more then a few professors and staff. I was always taken care of as a veteran student and the staff were always great advocates for the veteran population.
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Raven Brittney Bielawski
Degree or Certificate Earned
AA-T Anthropology
Are you transferring? If yes, where? Yes, Colorado State University
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? My supportive & loving fiance Loren Morgan and The head of Oxnard College’s Anthropology Department Professor Melidonis. I am SO thankful to these two amazing and supportive men who helped me to push myself and achieve my goals.
What will you miss the most from your community college experience? Everything! From the A.S.G that helped me with meal vouchers to eat. To the E.O.P.S. that helped pay/rent my books for me. To the E.A.C. helping me pick classes, set up a great ED plan. To every department that helped me whether it was finding a book, making me feel safe, the professor’s that took the extra time to help/accommodate me. THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH for all your help!!! I couldn’t have done it without you guys!
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Liliana Ambriz
Degree or Certificate Earned
AA-T Degree in Psychology
Are you transferring? If yes, where? Yes. CSUN
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? My Amazing Mom!
What did you love the most about attending community college? Getting to meet great people & making new friends!
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could… Speak up in front of a classroom full of students.
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Sandy Jacobo
Degree or Certificate Earned
General Studies: Natural Sciences
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? To help people in every way possible
What did you love the most about attending community college? It feels like I”m at home.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could… Be as independent and put myself out in the open.
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Stephanie Dyann Whitt
Degree or Certificate Earned
AA-T Elementary Teacher Education
Are you transferring? If yes, where? I hope to CSUCI
Are you transitioning into the workforce? If yes, what will you be doing? I’m already working in the child education field
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? My family
What did you love the most about attending community college? Meeting new people, caring professors, and administrators and councilors who care about students
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could… push myself for higher education
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Claudia Taylor
Degree or Certificate Earned
Computer Networking, IT-AS and Economics-AA
Are you transitioning into the workforce? If yes, what will you be doing? IT support
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? My 2 children
What did you love the most about attending community college? How amazing and helpful many of my professors are.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could… be a student and a fulltime single mom.
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Celine Calvo
Degree or Certificate Earned
English AA-T, CSU GE-Breadth
Are you transferring? If yes, where? University of California, Los Angeles
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? Myself, and family.
What did you love the most about attending community college? I love the support and friendliness!
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could… achieve straight A’s!
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Yareli Yasmin Barker
Degree or Certificate Earned
Psychology
Are you transitioning into the workforce? If yes, what will you be doing? Mental Health Worker
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? Myself, I knew I wanted more in life.
What did you love the most about attending community college? I was able to learn something new everyday.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could… achieve my goals.
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Naomi Vasquez
Degree or Certificate Earned
Communications CSU-GE Certification
Are you transferring? If yes, where? Yes, CSUN
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? My family
What did you love the most about attending community college? The new relationships I created through the years
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could… finish and see myself graduate
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Alicia M. Mariscal
Degree or Certificate Earned AA-T Child Development AS-T in Early Childhood Education
Are you transferring? If yes, where? Channel Island
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? My mother and the support of my husband and daughter for a better life.
What did you love the most about attending community college? To learn and to have good teacher supporting, and giving positive advises to you every time you need them.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could… Graduate and have a diploma on my hands. More possibilities on to go to the University and feel this happiness in my hart. I’m feel very proud of my self to be here in Oxnard College. Thanks to my Mother with all my heart and My Husband and Daughter too.
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Leticia G Magaña
Degree or Certificate Earned
AA in Social and Behavioral Science
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? My family and Nurses who I have worked with.
What did you love the most about attending community college? Close to home and counselor that care
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…Achieve my AA and continue to be motivated to pursue a degree in Nursing.
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George Lopez
Degree or Certificate Earned
AS-ADS, AA-Social Behavior, AA-Sociology, AA-T-Sociology
Are you transferring? If yes, where? CSUCI
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? My brother Eric encouraged to me to pursue my education. I was inspired by family, mentors and friends who seen something in me that I didn’t know I had.
What did you love the most about attending community college? Learning, the challenge of going back to school after 30 years, Professors, counselors, staff, and my classmates.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could… I never thought I could be were I am at today. I’m so grateful, I’m graduating and transferring to CSUCI, wow, thank you JESUS…
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Evelin Melena
Degree or Certificate Earned
AA / General Studies: Arts and Humanities AA / General Studies: Social and Behavioral Sciences AS-T / Early Childhood Education
Are you transferring? If yes, where? Cal State University Channel Islands
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? My family
What did you love the most about attending community college? The welcoming environment, along with the amazing professors who have been helpful throughout the years I’ve attended.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could… Get so much help from administration and EOP’s staff. Oxnard College introduced me to a beautiful journey that I’ll never forget!
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Anna Isabel Casillas
Degree or Certificate Earned
AA-T Communication Studies
Are you transferring? If yes, where? Cal State University Channel Islands
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? Professors Edwards and Fulkerson
What did you love the most about attending community college? The tight knit community feel and how professors truly care.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could… Find a field that I can see myself growing and thriving in.
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Andrea Resendiz
Degree or Certificate Earned
AA-T Sociology
Are you transferring? If yes, where? CSU-Bakersfield
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? My family
What did you love the most about attending community college? Counselors and professors always pushing me to succeed.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could… I never thought I would actually finish Junior college, but having people who motivated me to finish it’s been great..
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Ana Rivera
Degree or Certificate Earned
AA-T Sociology AA-T Anthropology AA Social Behavioral Science
Are you transferring? If yes, where? Cal State University, Channel Islands
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? If you asked me two years ago if I wanted to go to college I would’ve said no or said what even is that? Growing up I always heard “go to school, get a job, or join the military”. I’m the second oldest from my siblings but I am the first one to go to college. I didn’t want a job so I went to school. Once I graduated high school I thought about joining the military, the Army to be exact. So I met with a recruiter and that was a joke. I got scared once it was time to leave. I went to Oxnard College and that’s were everything happened. I realized that I had to be a role model for my little siblings. I was going to school to get a good education and then the career I wanted. I first went into OC with the mindset of being an Anthropology major but I had no idea what jobs I could get with that. I started hearing about universities and more majors and a lot of other cool things and well I then became a Sociology and Anthropology Major. I started learning how to use the college catalog and IGETC and looking into universities and what classes they wanted me to take. I pushed myself to take all these courses so that one day I could get a good career and help out my family. I’d say that being the first one in my family to go to college is what pushed me to reach my educational goals. My family is my inspiration. I want to do something that will later change all our lives.
What did you love the most about attending community college? Professors were really caring but kicked your butt. Also What I loved the most about attending community college was that it felt like a home away from home. For me, my community college was a safe place. The people there were amazing and it was super easy to make friends. It was also super affordable which saved me hundreds of dollars for now that I am about to go to university. One of my favorite things about attending community college is that it was super easy to get involved on campus and to build connections with other people/students who were doing the same thing as you.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could… I never thought I could graduate with multiple degrees and get accepted to such great universities. I also never thought how involved I would get around campus. I was part of the Student Government at OC and it was the best experience of my life. I was a Senator my first year and the Vice President my second year. ASG gave me so many new opportunities I never thought I’d had. I was able to go on trips that required to get on a plane. I was able to go to other events that were all over California, and it was honestly the best. I was also involved with clubs, and it wasn’t just because of the VP role that I’d had to. Doing all this just help me build new friendships and new connections with other amazing people. It also helped me build great relationships with my professors who were already involved with the student government. It’s very surreal because I never saw anything of what Oxnard College had coming for me when I first got there. I’d like to thank Student Government for all the amazing opportunities and people I got to meet, EOPS for helping me with all my class business and all the resources they had to offer to all of us First Generation low income students, and last but not least to two amazing professors who inspired me to do great in my studies, Professor Jose Maldonado and Dolores Ortiz. They really pushed me to just keep going even when it was extremely difficult to do so. (Especially that 10 page essay Maldonado). Overall, my experience here was amazing. I’d also like to give a huge shoutout to my advisor Gabriela Rodriguez for just being the best advisor one can have and for dealing with my goofball self, especially when it wasn’t necessary. I’d also like to give the last shoutout and the biggest thank you to someone I really look up to, one of my best friends, my president, Christian Franco. Thank you for pushing me to my limits and for being there for me even when you were struggling too. Thank you all for the amazing experience I was offered at Oxnard College! Forever in my Heart!
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Trisha Darlene Martinez
Degree or Certificate Earned
AA-T Psychology AA- General studies in Social and Behavioral Science Emphasis, CSU GE Breadth Certification
Are you transferring? If yes, where? Cal State University Channel Islands
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? My mother and my three year old daughter. I am a single parent, as well as a care provider for my mother. My mother is a single parent as well, and was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2003. She has always been my number one fan, and has always believed in me, and has been supportive in my goals and dreams, even when I wouldn’t believe in myself. Ever since I gave birth to my daughter she has been the light of my life, and has inspired me in so many ways to always become the best version of myself and to keep moving forward. I am doing this for them because they believe in me and because I want to give back to them. I want my daughter to have a better future and I want my mother to continue to be with me on this journey. It has not been an easy one, but I am thankful and grateful for their support. I also want to show my daughter that no matter what obstacles life may have, if you have a dream, and a passion for it, you can succeed and make it happen. I want my daughter to know her mother is STRONG, INTELLIGENT, AND BRAVE, just as she is. And that I will support her in her dreams and goals as she gets older. I love them very much and I did this for them.
What did you love the most about attending community college? What I loved most about attending a community college is that I loved how the college always did things to give back to their students.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could… Write an APA paper. I was taught this skill from my professor Dr. Linda Chaparro. There had been rumors around campus that her classes were always “too hard,” but I was up for that challenge and took her classes several times on different subjects and passed with A’s and B’s. She taught me this special skill because she had always told her class, “When you go to the University your professors will expect you to write an APA paper and will not accept anything less. I will be preparing you for the University.” I had spent hours with her at times trying to get my paper to be an “A” paper. I did all the work and asked all the questions I could to get help. She was always supportive and always gave advice on what she could. Over the years I have been able to confide in her about my personal problems etc. I am forever grateful for her in believing me and teaching me all the skills I needed to know when transferring to the University, but most of all being a great friend. She truly made a huge impact on my life.
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Amanda Lowell
Degree or Certificate Earned
AA-T Paralegal Studies
Are you transferring? If yes, where? University of Arizona
Are you transitioning into the workforce? If yes, what will you be doing? Paralegal
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? My parents; they are the reason I keep pushing myself to do better and achieve more.
What did you love the most about attending community college? I love the community between the students and the teachers. I feel I was able to connect and learn so much from everyone around me and I can’t wait to take that in to the next part of my learning career.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could… achieve more. When I first started VCCCD I was just going to get a certificate to get a better job, now I plan to get multiple masters and a J.D. I didn’t think that I would ever want to or be able to achieve that until I attended VCCCD. (Thank you!)
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Roseanne Rebecca Hernandez
Degree or Certificate Earned
AA-T Sociology and AA Social and Behavioral Sciences
Are you transferring? If yes, where? University of California Santa Barbara
Are you transitioning into the workforce? If yes, what will you be doing? Yes, Community Action of Ventura County & Oxnard Navigation Center, Mercy House
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? My parents and my two sons, Thomas and Anthony.
What did you love the most about attending community college? How intelligent the professors are and how helpful the EOPS program and EAC program is.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could… accomplish my educational goals.
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Alicia Michele Wilson
Degree or Certificate Earned
AA Social and Social and Behavioral Sciences AA Arts and Humanities AA History
Are you transferring? If yes, where? California Lutheran University
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? My husband and my son.
What did you love the most about attending community college? Learning history
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could… Teach history
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Alexandra Cervantes
Degree or Certificate Earned
AA General Studies: Natural Sciences AA General Studies: Social and Behavioral Sciences
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? My family inspired me to pursue my educational goals, specifically my parents.
What did you love the most about attending community college? Apart from the atmosphere, I love how accessible and easy it was to take most of the classes I needed.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could… enjoy things that I’ve never done before.
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Angelina Marie Bernal
Degree or Certificate Earned
Dental Hygiene-AS
Are you transitioning into the workforce? If yes, what will you be doing? Yes, dental hygiene
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? My colleagues inspired me to pursue my educational goals because they believed in me when I didn’t.
What did you love the most about attending community college? I loved learning and the sisterhood that was developed among my classmates through our struggles
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could… purse higher education.
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Alyssa Monae Montez
Degree or Certificate Earned
AA-T History
Are you transferring? If yes, where? CSU Channel Islands
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? My mom, she taught me that education is vital and it’s never too late to pursue higher education
What did you love the most about attending community college? I’ve had the most positive experience at OC but what I loved the most was the support. From professors, to counselors, financial aid, and the bookstore; they truly want to help students succeed.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could… enjoy going to school and finishing my degree.
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Alondra Jasmin Davila Acevedo
Degree or Certificate Earned
AA / General Studies: Arts and Humanities AS-T / Early Childhood Education
Are you transferring? If yes, where? CSUCI
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? My husband and my daughter inspired me to pursue my educational goals.
What did you love the most about attending community college? What I loved the most about attending Oxnard college was the programs and services they provided to help the students.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could… I never thought I could be excited about the future. Now, I wake up happy knowing that I am one day closer to having a bright future in the early childhood education professional work field.
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Angelica Duran Gutierrez
Degree or Certificate Earned
AS-T Early Childhood Education CSU-GE Certification
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? My parents inspired me because they both worked with their hands so I could work with my mind.
What did you love the most about attending community college? I enjoyed the student activities at OC and the understanding professors.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could… I never thought I could maintain a + 3.0 G.P.A. in my 2 years and a half of community college.
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Eduardo Palemon Herrera
Degree or Certificate Earned
Business Administration AS-T
Are you transferring? If yes, where? Cal State University Northridge
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? My family
What did you love the most about attending community college? Everything
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could… turn in multiple assignments an hour before the due date.
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Mayra De Avila
Degree or Certificate Earned
AA- Social and Behavioral Sciences
Are you transferring? If yes, where? California State University, Long Beach
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? My son, Alexxander
What did you love the most about attending community college? Oxnard College allowed me to receive a high level education without costing me too much money, therefore allowing me to save money to support my child and myself in this journey
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Jessica Correa
Degree or Certificate Earned
General Studies: Social & Behavioral Studies CSU-GE Certification
Are you transferring? If yes, where? CSU Los Angeles: Patricia A. Chin School of Nursing
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? My family, friends, and classmates inspired and motivated me to pursue a higher education.
What did you love the most about attending community college? I loved the sense of community at Oxnard College and the faculty, staff, and student workers who aimed to help students succeed and achieve their educational goals.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could… receive A’s in all of my classes, especially Microbiology!
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Daniela Cortez
Degree or Certificate Earned
AA / General Studies: Social and Behavioral Sciences AA / Sociology AA-T / Sociology
Are you transferring? If yes, where? CSUCI
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?My parents inspire and motivate me everyday to pursue my goals.
What did you love the most about attending community college? The amiable and positive atmosphere of the community college.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could… write an 8 +page paper ! But I did it and got a good grade!
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Edwyn A Mena
Degree or Certificate Earned
Associate in Science / Air Conditioning and Refrigeration
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? My mother has been my greatest supporter of my education but also my amazing son. He has given me the fuel to be better and set an example for him to keep going with his education and hope to have modeled this for him.
What did you love the most about attending community college? It is significantly more affordable, classes are smaller more personalized attention, from counselors in the admissions office to the professors in the classroom.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could… find the time to finish another degree.
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Meghan Lengner
Degree or Certificate Earned
Associate Degree in Sociology for Transfer Associate Degree in Social Behavioral Science
Are you transferring? If yes, where? Yes, California State University: Channel Islands
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? My husband
What did you love the most about attending community college? What I love most about attending community college was the ability to form a connection with other students, along with the faculty.
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Aliza Pardo
What degree or certificate are you receiving? AS Administrative Assistant
Are you transitioning into the workforce? If yes, what will you be doing?
Yes, undecided.
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
Friends and self-motivation.
What did you love the most about attending community college?
New friends, participating in events/field trips, adapting to the campus.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…make it all the way and graduate college.
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Angelica Sandoval
What degree or certificate are you receiving? AA-T psychology, AA-T anthropology, AA social and behavioral sciences
Are you transferring? If yes, where?
Yes, Cal State Fullerton
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My family and wanting a better future for myself.
What did you love the most about attending community college? I was able to step out of my comfort zone.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could… be apart of so many organizations and achieve more than one degree in two years.
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Angel Nicole Martinez
What degree or certificate are you receiving?
AA / General Studies: Natural Sciences or Mathematics
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My family and friends have always supported me and help me pursue my educational goals. I am great for for each and everyone one of them especially my parents who have always believed in me even when I didn’t believe in myself.
What did you love the most about attending community college?
I love all the faculty and people I’ve came across. Everyone is so nice and supportive. There hasn’t been a single person who didn’t welcome me with open arms. Everyone really wants to see you succeed and be the best you can possibly be.
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Barbara Washington
What degree or certificate are you receiving?
CSU-GE Certification
Computer Networking/IT-AS
Are you transferring? If yes, where?
Yes, to Channel Island University
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My daughter, grandson, other family members, friends and School Counselors
What did you love the most about attending community college? .
Meeting Instructors, EOPS, students and other facilities.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…I was not sure of career I wanted to pursue.
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Brandon Ivan Chico
Degree or Certificate Earned
AA / General Studies: Natural Sciences AA / General Studies: Social and Behavioral Sciences AA-T / Communication Studies
Are you transferring? If yes, where?
California Lutheran University
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My mother Guadalupe inspired me to pursue my educational goals. She always told me to keep on going with my education, and that in the end it would help me get the career I wanted, and would make me a better person overall.
What will you miss the most from your community college experience?
I am going to miss the sense of community I felt at Oxnard college. Although I didn’t know everyone, we all treated each other with respect and gave off the sense that help would always be there we needed. I’ll also miss being able to hang out with my friends on campus before class, in class, after class, and also on the days when we decided to skip a class just to unwind from the stress and get something to eat. I did that often with my friend Graciela.
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Carmina Catt Delapena
What degree or certificate are you receiving?Culinary Arts – Restaurant Management Certificate
Are you transferring? If yes, where? Undecided but thinking about it.
Are you transitioning into the workforce? If yes, what will you be doing? I have been working in Food Service and would love to try other hospitality tourism-related services. I am also looking forward for a stable, long-term position job in a hospital facility which is known for its strong, collaborative teams and career satisfaction. I would love to expand my knowledge in patient’s care that involves dietary and work with professionals and get trained by experts.
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My inspiration to pursue my educational goals is myself. I have always wanted to do something that will make myself proud and be confident in my life. Motivation should start from within then it emanates and be a good example to others, share my success and motivate them that education doesn’t stop in the four walls of a classroom, it is a continuous learning process where ever life leads you.
What did you love the most about attending community college?
I love meeting new people like my classmates and all the professors in all my Culinary-Restaurant Management classes are all nice and very approachable. I truly learned a lot!
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could……finish the course with flying colors! I actually would love to take up other courses again because being in school and learning more gives me a sense of pride and confidence.
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Christian Franco
What degree or certificate are you receiving?Associates Degree for Transfer in Political Science
Are you transitioning into the workforce? If yes, what will you be doing? United States Marine Corps
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My mother, Jennifer Franco
What did you love the most about attending community college?
The sense of belonging I found was the best part of attending community college.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…I never thought I could achieve the Dean’s list.
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David Garcia Mendez
What degree or certificate are you receiving?CSU-GE CertificationAS -T: Business Administration
Are you transferring? If yes, where?
Cal State Fullerton
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My Family inspired me.
What did you love the most about attending community collegeWhat I loved the most about attending community college was being close to home and being able to continue playing soccer.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…I never thought I could attend a university.
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Deeisy G Ochoa Vega
What degree or certificate are you receiving? AA Business Management, AA GS Economics, AA GS Sociology
Are you transferring? If yes, where?
CSUCI
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My family 🙂
What did you love the most about attending community college?
The flexibility with taking classes at your own pace and online.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…ever be able to SUCCESFULLY complete a college education, Thank you Oxnard College!!!
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Eric Isai Rodriguez Marin
What degree or certificate are you receiving?AA English, AA Arts & Humanities
Are you transferring? If yes, where?
UCSB
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My Father
What did you love the most about attending community college?
I really love the student to teacher ratio. When I took my first semester and OC I was surprised on how small the classroom size was. The student teacher ratio was amazing. It allowed for close interaction with professors and peers. There’s always a misconception that CCs aren’t going to take students anywhere, but the fact of the matter is that there are tons of resources to help students succeed. It isn’t the external environment but the internal mindset individuals need to have to get the best experience anywhere they go.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…I never thought I would get into so many of my dream school. In high school I was to afraid to apply to any UCs, because I was afraid of getting rejected. Despite having a diverse background, I felt that my GPA wasn’t competitive enough. However, after getting inspired by so many students and professors at OC I decided to apply to my dream schools and only got rejected to 1 out of the 8 that I applied to.
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Gabriel Arcangel Vargas-Centeno
What degree or certificate are you receiving?AA-T English
Are you transferring? If yes, where?
CSUCI
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My parents are the ones who encouraged to me to pursue my educational goal. They crossed the border from Mexico at a young age and immediately began working to provide for the family they had started. They encouraged me to follow a higher educational so I could live a life that was easier than theirs was, and the thought of one day being able to repay them for everything they did for their kids is what motivates every single day.
What did you love the most about attending community college?
All of the professors who were so passionate about their job and encouraged/inspired students to continue their education
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…Earn any type of degree and find a career path I was so passionate about following.
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Hannia Montes
What degree or certificate are you receiving?AA in Deaf Studies
Are you transferring? If yes, where?
CSUN
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My family. I am the first in my family to attend college. I want to be able to be that role model for my younger siblings to follow.
What did you love the most about attending community college?
There is so much I love about attending a community college. Though the thing that I love the most was the personalized attention that we are able to receive, the flexibility from the professors to be able to help us.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…I never thought I would come to love school and have an amazing GPA. I never thought I could actually have many career options that I am able to pursue.
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Jack Anthony Thorpe
What degree or certificate are you receiving?AA-T / Kinesiology
Are you transferring? If yes, where?
Yes. Cal State University Northridge
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My wife, Valerie, inspired me to go back to school.
What did you love the most about attending community college?
The closeness you could have with not only the students but also the professors.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…be a student and actually feel like I was succeeding in school.
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Jasmin Marquez
What degree or certificate are you receiving?Early Childhood Education-AS-TCSU-GE Certification
Are you transferring? If yes, where?
CSUCI
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My mother and son.
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Jennifer Tlapapal
What degree or certificate are you receiving?AA / General Studies: Arts and HumanitiesAA / General Studies: Social and Behavioral Sciences AA-T / Elementary Teacher Education
Are you transferring? If yes, where?
CSUCI
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
Parents
What did you love the most about attending community college?
Meeting new people
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Jocsan Hernandez
What degree or certificate are you receiving? Air Conditioning and Refrigeration
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My family & some of my friends specially one of my best friends Steve
What did you love the most about attending community college?
I made a lot of friends, I felt incredible working hard to archieve my goals
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…Became very sucessful as I did. this is one of the biggest goal in my life.
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Karen Michel
What degree or certificate are you receiving?AS-T Business Administration, AA
Are you transferring? If yes, where? CSUCI
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Madison Behrens
What degree or certificate are you receiving?AA-T / EconomicsAS-T / Business Administration
Are you transferring? If yes, where?
CSU Fullerton
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My parents
What did you love the most about attending community college?
The freedom of picking the classes I wanted
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Martha Elena Lopez
What degree or certificate are you receiving?AA-T in Psychology
Are you transferring? If yes, where?
CA Lutheran in Thousand Oaks
Are you transitioning into the workforce? If yes, what will you be doing?
no. I’m a preschool teacher
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My husband and my daughters. I couldn’t have done it without their love and support.
What did you love the most about attending community college?
Their amazing professors and flexibility
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…finish something. I did it! But this is just the beginning of my education !!
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Moises Flores
What degree or certificate are you receiving?AA / General Studies: Natural SciencesAA-T / Kinesiology
Are you transferring? If yes, where?
CSUN
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
Myself.
What did you love the most about attending community college?
The memories I made.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…Get accepted to CSUs with my work ethic.
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Nancy Connelly-Cumming
What degree or certificate are you receiving?Addictive Disorders Studies for Alcohol/Drug Counselors Certificate
Are you transferring? If yes, where?
CLU
Are you transitioning into the workforce? If yes, what will you be doing?
Currently I am employed as a Drug and Alcohol Specialist with Ventura County Behavioral Health
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My family, coworkers and my wonderful partner.
What did you love the most about attending community college?
I enjoyed the professors and the supportive environment.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…Pursue my career goals.
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Noemi Hernandez
What degree or certificate are you receiving?Deaf Studies-AA
Are you transferring? If yes, where? Cal State Northridge
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Ofelia Duran
What degree or certificate are you receiving?AA-T – Spanish & AA – Arts & Humanity
Are you transferring? If yes, where?
Cal Lutheran University
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My undocumented parents. They left their country and families for the sole purpose of giving their children a better life. If they were able to sacrifice their whole lives for my siblings and I, than I am able to sacrifice four years of my life to obtain a degree. I am pursuing a higher education not only for myself but for them as well.
What did you love the most about attending community college?
I love that I got the preparation needed to transfer. When I began my schooling at Oxnard College I was quite scared, I thought I was not going to; succeed in my classes and get into the college of my choice. With the help of my professors and counselors, I was able to prepare myself, succeed in my classes and get into the University of my choice. These past two years at Oxnard College have been full of knowledge and personal growth.
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Salvador Arcena Plete
What degree or certificate are you receiving?A. S. Culinary Arts
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
Veterans Administration
What did you love the most about attending community college?
Dealing with people. Professors, fellow students and staff personnel.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…Do well in school, maintaing a high grade average.
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Stacie Lee Newton
What degree or certificate are you receiving?A.S. Dental Hygiene
Are you transitioning into the workforce? If yes, what will you be doing?
Registered Dental Hygienist
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My son and daughter
What did you love the most about attending community college?
The location close to home and cost considering I have a family to take care of
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…I never thought I would become a healthcare professional while having a family
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Tisha Bolen
What degree or certificate are you receiving?AA / General Studies: Social and Behavioral Sciences AS / Addictive Disorders Studies
Are you transferring? If yes, where?
Cal State Channel Islands
Are you transitioning into the workforce? If yes, what will you be doing?
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My parents
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…Have a new career
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Victor Castro
What degree or certificate are you receiving?AA / General Studies: Arts and HumanitiesAA / General Studies: Social and Behavioral Sciences
What did you love the most about attending community college?
The people I met and the professors that I had for my courses
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Zulma Espinoza
What degree or certificate are you receiving?
Alcohol Addictive Disorders
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
Myself
What will you miss the most from your community college experience?
The wonderful instructors and staff.
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Alicia Marcial
What degree or certificate are you receiving?AA / General Studies: Arts and HumanitiesAA / General Studies: Social and Behavioral Sciences
Are you transferring? If yes, where? I will be transferring to California State University, Northridge as a Criminal Justice Major.
Are you transitioning into the workforce? If yes, what will you be doing?
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?I would say my friends and family but I would also include motivating myself as well. As a first generation student, you’re seen as moving up in the world and taking on obstacles that your family hasn’t even or at least tried to do.
What did you love the most about attending community college?Helpful counselors that motivated me even when I was struggling throughout my studies. I really enjoyed all of the classes I’ve taken for my major! The professors I’ve learned from really gave me the hands on experience and I can’t wait to use those tactics in my future career.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…I never thought I could continue school. Throughout high school, I was never motivated to do good. I wanted to do something else besides school. I was never that person who got a 4.0 GPA, I was always a D or C average person and that made me just hate school. However, what surprised me the most is that I would’ve never thought I would major in Criminal Justice. This major made me more happier on what I was studying and that’s surprising because I have the best GPA I’ve had compared to high school and that just makes me proud of myself that I intended to continue community college. The professors at all three colleges changed everything on how I looked at on school and I’m glad I took the chance to attend it.
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Claudia Maribel Solis
Degree or Certificate Earned
AA-T:Sociology And AA in GS:Social Behavior Sciences
Are you transferring? If yes, where?
Channel islands university spring 2021
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My kids
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Julie Eileen Keifer
What degree or certificate are you receiving?AS degree and certificate in Dental Assisting
Are you transitioning into the workforce? If yes, what will you be doing?
Dental Assisting
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My mother
What did you love the most about attending community college?
The professors
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Lauren Comshaw
What degree or certificate are you receiving?AA / General Studies: Arts and Humanities
Are you transferring? If yes, where?
CSUN
What did you love the most about attending community college?
I loved the accessibility, being an unconventional student it was so easy and affordable for me to continue my education thanks to OC
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…Continue my education or succeed in a classroom environment
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Luis Andrew Nunez
Degree or Certificate Earned
AA / General Studies: Social and Behavioral Sciences AA-T / Psychology
Are you transferring? If yes, where? Yes I am transferring
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
Myself
What will you miss the most from your community college experience?
The thing I will miss most from my community college experience is having such small classrooms.
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Verenice Chan Mendoza
What degree or certificate are you receiving?
AA / General Studies: Arts and HumanitiesAA / General Studies: Natural SciencesAA / General Studies: Natural Sciences or Mathematics AA / General Studies: Social and Behavioral Sciences
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My loving husband Ricardo, my family, and all my loved ones who cheered me on the entire time! “It takes a village”
What did you love the most about attending community college?
Challenging myself, seeing how smart I really am even after I doubted myself I found a way to move mountains.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…Understand math and science the way I do now.
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Steven Luna
What degree or certificate are you receiving?
Public Health AS-TGen Std:Nat Sci Pattern I-AA
Are you tranferring? If yes, where?CSUCI
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
Letty Duran
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Yaneth Renteria
What degree or certificate are you receiving?
Anthropology for Transfer AA-T CSU-GE Certification
Are you transferring? If yes, where?Yes, California State University Channel Islands
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My family and friends. Un agradecimiento especial a mis padres Consuelo y Rogelio. Gracias por apoyarme tanto en mi camino de la universidad comunitaria. Los amo mucho a los dos.
What did you love the most about attending community college?
I loved that scheduling is so flexible, having a full time job is not an issue.
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Ruby Moreno
What degree or certificate are you receiving?
Sociology for Transfer-AA-TCSU-GE CertificationSociology for Transfer-AA-T
Are you transferring? If yes, where? CSUCI
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
Aunt Patty
What did you love the most about attending community college?
Instructors with a passion for teaching.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…Accomplish this milestone
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Naomi C Jordan
What degree or certificate are you receiving?
A.S Dental Hygiene
Are you transitioning into the workforce? If yes, what will you be. doing? Dental Hygienist
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My family inspired and supported me to pursue my educational goals.
What did you love the most about attending community college?
What I loved the most about the Community College was the top notch professors who believed in me and pushed me to become my greatest potential.
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Adrian Flores
What degree or certificate are you receiving?
Associate Degree in Arts and Humanities
Are you transferring? If yes, where? Not at this time.
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My family.
What did you love the most about attending community college?
Being able to learn new things.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…be able to learn this much.
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Alexandra Juarez
What degree or certificate are you receiving?
Chemistry
Are you transferring? If yes, where? UC Davis
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
Myself
What will you miss the most from your community college experience? I will definitely miss my hometown.
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Ana Barbosa
What degree or certificate are you receiving?
AA-T In Kinesiology
Are you transferring? If yes, where? I will be transferring to Long Beach State
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
Ever since I was a little girl, my father always advised my sisters and I to pursue education. He wanted us to be educated and have a better life. Therefore, growing up I knew I had to pursue higher education and overcome any obstacle that would intervene me from accomplishing it. Throughout the years, I was fortunate to have people motivate me to continue pursuing my education goals. My biggest inspiration to pursue my educational goals is my family. They are the “who,” who inspire me everyday to continue working hard and accomplish my educational goals.
What did you love the most about attending community college?Initially, I was hesitant in attending community college, but in the end I am happy with the decision I made. I can’t say I particularly like something the most because I love every part of attending community college. I love that I was able to meet great professors who care for their students’ success. I love that I was able to meet great people and become friends with. I love that I was involved in a sport that I was happy to be part of and where I got to meet the best people! I love that I was able to see the grand opening of the DRC at Oxnard College. I love that I was able to work on campus and help students. I enjoyed the last two years and I am truly going to miss every part of it.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could… Before attending a VCCCD community college, I did not know how much I would grow as a student and person. I believe that the time I spent in community college has allowed me to become more mature and independent. Today, I am a better version of myself. Within the last two years, I challenged myself to do more and get out of my comfort zone. I have accomplished so much in just a short amount of time. I have worked so hard to be the best student I can be. I couldn’t have been where I am without the support of my mentors. I would like to thank Fidelia Flores for always supporting me and Elsa, my coach, for advising me. Thank you, to the rest of the educators who have guided and supported me. I have met amazing people who have welcomed me to this beautiful campus. Until I went to Oxnard college, I never thought I could be so happy going to school!
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Andrew Lopez
What degree or certificate are you receiving?
AA-T Psychology, AA-Psychology, AA General Studies: Social and Behavioral Sciences
Are you transferring? If yes, where? Cal State Northridge
Are you transitioning into the workforce? If yes, what will you be doing? Law enforcement
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My mom
What did you love the most about attending community college? Making my own schedule! Meeting new people
What will you miss the most from your community college experience?Everything. I wish I can go back to my first year and live it again, I absolutely loved everything about community college!
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could… Get a degree and graduate.
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Angelique Oliva
What degree or certificate are you receiving?
AA-T Economics
Are you transferring? If yes, where? California State University Channel Islands
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?
My family has always encouraged me to continue my education and they’ve supported my education goals.
What did you love the most about attending community college? The classes I’ve taken have been challenging, yet awarding. I’ve learned a lot throughout my two years at Oxnard College and the professors have been supportive of me and my classmates.
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 obtain my AA. Being a first generation college student has been difficult, but with the help of the Oxnard College staff, professors, and my family I was able to achieve my education goal of getting my AA
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Angel Lopez
What degree or certificate are you receiving?
AA-T in History
Are you transferring? If yes, where? UCLA
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Asusena ortiz
What degree or certificate are you receiving?
AA-T / Sociology
Are you transferring? If yes, where? Yes
Are you transitioning into the workforce? If yes, what will you be doing? Correction officer
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? Mother
What did you love the most about attending community college? Near home
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…Handle so much stress
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Aubrey Glennemeier
What degree or certificate are you receiving?
Associates Degree in Dental Hygiene
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Bertha Belmonte
What degree or certificate are you receiving?
AS-T / Biology
Are you transferring? If yes, where? UC Santa Barbara
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? My parents inspired me to do better with my life and to get an education
What did you love the most about attending community college?I loved the diversity of interest and the swnse of comradery
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…Persevere through difficult times and still stick with college
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Bianca Ortega
What degree or certificate are you receiving?
Associates for Transfer Sociology
Are you transferring? If yes, where? CSU Channel Islands
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? My family and friends always told me that I can set my mind into anything that I desired. Continuing my education career in Sociology was always a goal of mine. Now that I get to continue that goal, I couldn’t be any happier.
What did you love the most about attending community college? What I loved the most about attending community college is that it prepared me more for when I transfer to a four year university. Not just intelligence wise, but also communicating with other professors and classmates. It helped me open up my circle more. Thanks to that I was able to meet some amazing people at Oxnard College.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…I never thought that I would have made it this far into my education. Even though I did not end up going to my dream school, I know that from what I have learned at Oxnard College it will help me further my education at CSUCI.
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Biby Lisett Correa
What degree or certificate are you receiving?
AA in Natural Science, AA in Social & Behavioral Science, AA in Arts & Humanities
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Billie Fry
What degree or certificate are you receiving?
AS-T Psychology
Are you transferring? If yes, where? Yes, Stanislaus in Turlock CA
Are you transitioning into the workforce? If yes, what will you be doing? Not at the moment
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?All of my educational goals have been directly influence by my mom. I was motivated to give her and my family a better life.
What did you love the most about attending community college?Being able to attain a degree so close to my family. It meant a lot that I can still be a part of their lives, while I try to get my education.
What did you love the most about attending community college?Being able to attain a degree so close to my family. It meant a lot that I can still be a part of their lives, while I try to get my education.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…I never thought I could transfer to a University so far away from home. However, with the support I’ve gained from the college community and from my own family, I know I can succeed on my own, and come back whenever I need them.
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Bryan Castro
What degree or certificate are you receiving?
Behavioral Sciences
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?My Mom
What did you love the most about attending community college?The campus is very fresh and people are open minded
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…actually follow through with the goals I set for myself even if it meant that it would take a little longer
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Carolina Heredia
What degree or certificate are you receiving?
AA-T Elementary Teacher Education
Are you transferring? If yes, where? California State University Channel Islands
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? My mom and dad
What did you love the most about attending community college? The supportive community and staff. They were very helpful and supportive and it felt like you were truly being cared for.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could… Go to a university.
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Carolina Ruiz
What degree or certificate are you receiving?
Associates in Dental Hygiene
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Cassandra Zingg-Acuna
What degree or certificate are you receiving?
A.S Dental Hygiene
Are you transferring? If yes, where? No
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?Myself and my children
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?Myself and my children
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…Have the confidence to rely solely on myself in completing tasks, getting good grades, and still making time for family.
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Blanca C Ortega
What degree or certificate are you receiving?
AST BIOLOGY
Are you transferring? If yes, where? UCSD
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? Support of all my family members and the encouraging staff in the Transfer/Career Center and the STEM center
What did you love the most about attending community college? The amazing community relationships you build with others
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Cesar Ayala
What degree or certificate are you receiving?
Sociology, Social Behavioral Sciences
Are you transferring? If yes, where? Yes, Channel Island University
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?My children and wife.
What did you love the most about attending community college? Seeing other fellow classmates who shared the same enthusiasm for success and most of all, the support from all faculty in Oxnard College that were there to help me every step of the way.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…have gotten this far in completing my Associates degree while being a full time student, full time employee as well as a father to my wonderful children.
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Charlene Jacob
What degree or certificate are you receiving?
Early Childhood Education and Social Behavioral Science
Are you transferring? If yes, where? CSU Channel Islands
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? Family
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Charlie Gamboa
What degree or certificate are you receiving?
Sociology AA and Spanish AA
Are you transferring? If yes, where? Yes Transferring to Cal state Channel Islands
Are you transitioning into the workforce? If yes, what will you be doing? no
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? One of my High School teacher inspired me to pursue an educational degree.
What did you love the most about attending community college?The thing I loved the most about community college was the caring professors that wanted students to succeed in life.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…Be accepted to a nice UC university.
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Chelsea Camarillo
What degree or certificate are you receiving?
Culinary Arts- AS
Are you transferring? If yes, where? No
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? My children and my parents
What did you love the most about attending community college? Meeting new people in that have the same passion I do for what we were going to school for and other things in life.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…have a college degree
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Chelsea Marrufo
What degree or certificate are you receiving?AA / General Studies: Social and Behavioral SciencesAA-T / Elementary Teacher Education
Are you transitioning into the workforce? If yes, what will you be doing? Preschool Teacher
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? Jeannette Ruley and Christina Odom
What did you love the most about attending community college? Tight community
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could… Get a college degree
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Luisa Heredia
What degree or certificate are you receiving? AA / General Studies: Social and Behavioral Sciences
Are you transferring? If yes, where? CSUCI
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? My daughter
What did you love the most about attending community college? What I love the most about attending to community college was the opportunity to learn and the comprehension from the teachers to the languages differences.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could… Achieve a degree.
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Ruby Rios
What degree or certificate are you receiving? -AS-T: Early Childhood Education
Are you transitioning into the workforce? If yes, what will you be doing? Para-educator at Frank Academy
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? My two beautiful kids Shayla and Ramon
What did you love the most about attending community college? The support I received from teachers and counselors.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could… Get a college degree
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Sandra Maria Robles
What degree or certificate are you receiving? -AA / General Studies: Arts and Humanities
Are you transferring? If yes, where? California State University, Northridge
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? My beautiful Children Raul and Marbella and my husband Jose R. Robles.
What did you love the most about attending community college? Love the counselors and staff . They really care about the students and help them succeed.
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Rosemary Robledo
What degree or certificate are you receiving? Addictive Disorders Studies-Certificate
Are you transitioning into the workforce? If yes, what will you be doing? Yes, continuing my internship at A Wildwood Recovery.
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? Myself
What did you love the most about attending community college? The love and support from faculty and peers.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could… Complete a 2 year program nevertheless with a 4.0 G.P.A.
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Teresa Vargas
What degree or certificate are you receiving? AA-T / Sociology AA / General Studies: Social and Behavioral Sciences CSU-GE Certification
Are you transferring? If yes, where?
CSU NORTHRIDGE
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?My step sister and my parents
What did you love the most about attending community college? Picking my own times to go to school
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could… Ever be the first one in my family to graduate from college
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Sydnee Williams
What degree or certificate are you receiving?
Business Administration AS-TCSU-GE CertificationEarly Childhood Education-AS-T
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? My family 💓
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Maribel Solis
What degree or certificate are you receiving? Early Childhood Development AS-T CSU-GE Certification
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? My husband and kids are my motivation for a better life in the U.S.
What did you love the most about attending community college? That they are so helpful if you have a question or concern they are always there for you to help.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could… Actually have a degree in a career that in truly love, and get a job on what i like doing best which is been a head-start teacher.
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Julia M. Lira
What degree or certificate are you receiving? AA
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? Myself I wanted to finish where I left off after High School
What did you love the most about attending community college? First, that it is very close to where I live and that everyone that works there makes you feel welcomed.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could… Go on and complete my dream of finishing and more less graduating, but I did it.
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Kimberly Valdez Avila
What degree or certificate are you receiving? Associates Degree in Pre-Law/ English and Spanish
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? Professor and lawyer, Daniel Gonzalez
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could… be given the opportunity to work at both Oxnard and Ventura College as a writing tutor, and to be able to make an important impact on students.
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Madeline Ortiz
What degree or certificate are you receiving? Sociology AA-T Sociology
Are you transferring? If yes, where? California State University of Channel Islands
What did you love the most about attending community college? Some Professors not only taught me, but gave me tools for being a good person.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…I never thought I could seek help for more than educational purposes. I pushed myself personally to change my life. The staff at OC keeps helping me immensely.
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Christell Martinez
What degree or certificate are you receiving? AS-T Biology
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Claret Erazo
What degree or certificate are you receiving?AA-T: Sociology and AA in GS: SOC+BS
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Clarisa Vasquez
What degree or certificate are you receiving?Spanish AA-T w/IGETC
Are you transferring? If yes, where? California State University Los Angeles
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?My parents inspired me to pursue my educational goals because they have instilled the value of hard work and perseverance to reach my career goals.
What did you love the most about attending community college?What I loved the most about attending community college was being able to connect with my professors and receive support and encouragement.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…manage my time, be able to work, and be involved in my community.
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Clarissa Rodriguez
What degree or certificate are you receiving?AS-T / Early Childhood Education
Are you transferring? If yes, where? Channel Islands CSU
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? Teachers from elementary school encouraged me the most and I would like to do the same for my future students.
What did you love the most about attending community college? I loved attending my Early Childhood Education classes as they were very fun to attend.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…manage my time, be able to work, and be involved in my community.
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Claudia C. Puga
What degree or certificate are you receiving? Sociology AA
Are you transferring? If yes, where? Undecided
Are you transitioning into the workforce? If yes, what will you be doing? Yes, hopefully I can get a job at a high school or community college as a Resource Specialist. My goal is to be able to help students with the transition of furthering their education.
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? My children are my inspiration to further my education along with setting the example that it is never too late.
What did you love the most about attending community college? I loved that I was able to further my education along with doing what I love which is helping others. My experience in the non-profit world helped me obtain a job as student worker in ASG as a Basic Needs Specialist. In doing so, I was able to establish a Food Pantry, Snack Pantry, Cory’s Closet along with other resources and donations that were available to the students.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…I never thought I would go back to school. I had begun my college education after I had my first child at 24 but went into the working world to provide for my children. Due to my medical condition, I lost my job and given the opportunity to come back to school to finish my education and pursue what I love.
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Claudia Gomez
What degree or certificate are you receiving? AA Major in Sociology and AA in Sociology Behavioral Science
Are you transferring? If yes, where? Yes, CSUCI
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? Myself and daughters
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could… Accomplish my goals
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Cristal Ferrer
What degree or certificate are you receiving? AA Sociology, AA-T Sociology, AA in GS Social Behavior Science
Are you transferring? If yes, where? CSU Channel Islands
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? My family inspired me to pursue my education.
What did you love the most about attending community college?The one thing I loved the most about attending community college is the support I received from my teachers and counselor.
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Cydney Huddleston
What degree or certificate are you receiving? AA Natural Science / AS Social and Behavioral Sciences
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? I had a coworker suggest I went back to school to pursue a degree and I’m so glad she did!
What did you love the most about attending community college? The low cost of tuition at community college allowed me to complete full time classes without too much of a financial strain
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…succeed in such a challenging environment, but I thrived!
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Cynthia Y Godina
What degree or certificate are you receiving? AAT-PSYCHOLOGY
Are you transferring? If yes, where? CSUCI
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? My husband and two children have been my biggest inspiration from day one.
What did you love the most about attending community college? What I loved the most about attending community college was the positive environment and the wonderful staff
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could… One day be a great example and motivation to others
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Daniela Rabelo
What degree or certificate are you receiving? Associates in Science- Administrative Assistant
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? My family continues to push and supports my goals.
What did you love the most about attending community college? I loved the classes and the professors.
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Debbie A Hanks
What degree or certificate are you receiving? Computer Networking/IT
Are you transitioning into the workforce? If yes, what will you be doing? Yes, I work for a Cyber Security Company.
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? My husband inspired me to go back.
What did you love the most about attending community college? The teachers were great!
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…finish the certification program for Computer Networking/IT. Thanks Oxnard College!
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Diana Marron
What degree or certificate are you receiving? B.S Biology
Are you transferring? If yes, where? Yes, CSU Channel Islands
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? My parents
What did you love the most about attending community college? Being close to home.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could… Accomplish so many things.
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Dulcemaria Rodriguez
What degree or certificate are you receiving? Dental Hygiene Degree
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? My kids inspired me to follow my dreams in education.
What did you love the most about attending community college? The people you get to meet.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could… Afford it.
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Edward Godinez
What degree or certificate are you receiving? HVAC Certificate
Are you transitioning into the workforce? If yes, what will you be doing? Been in the work force.
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? Myself but wife has always been there for me. It was work but well worth the sacrifice.
What did you love the most about attending community college? What I enjoyed most was the classmates. Instructors I will miss as they believed and push you to do better annd most importantly “understand”.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could… Taking classes after work wasn’t easy, but I did it. Getting this certificate was something I didn’t expect. Kept pressing forward until it finally happened. Thank you Oxnard College!!
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Emilia Salcido
What degree or certificate are you receiving? Certificate of Achievement: IGETC; Certificate of Achievement: CSU General Education Breadth; Associate in Arts General Studies: Social and Behavioral Sciences; Associates in Arts for Transfer: History
Are you transferring? If yes, where? University of California, Santa Barbara
What did you love the most about attending community college? Managing my own schedule
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Ernest Roque
What degree or certificate are you receiving? Social behavioral science
Are you transferring? If yes, where? Planning to
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?My desire to learn about the world we live in and to the drive to find a career in which I can help people inspired my educational goals.
What did you love the most about attending community college? I loved every individual who helped me on my educational path
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…Expand my mind and views
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Esperanza Osnaya
What degree or certificate are you receiving? Associate in Arts / AA Natural Science
Are you transferring? If yes, where? California State University Channel Islands
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?My single mother inspired me to my educational goals.
What will you miss the most from your community college experience? I will miss the very supportive staffs and professors.
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Evelyn Herrera
What degree or certificate are you receiving? Associates for transfer, AA in arts & humanities
Are you transferring? If yes, where? CSUN
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? My family!
What did you love the most about attending community college?The professors and friends
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…Learn ASL!
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Felix Gomez
What degree or certificate are you receiving? Associates
Are you transferring? If yes, where? Csuci
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? My dad
What did you love the most about attending community college? The help from teachers and the experience of college life.
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Frances Hope Zercher
What degree or certificate are you receiving? Associate’s Degree in Studio Arts for transfer, Associate’s Degree in Natural Science for transfer
Are you transferring? If yes, where? Yes, I’ll be transferring to CSU Channel Islands.
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? My parents inspired me to pursue my education because they inculcated my mind the importance of education and the love of learning.
What did you love the most about attending community college? What I loved the most about attending community college is making new friends, attending art shows, going on field trips, and learning about subjects that were new to me such as Physics, Chemistry, and Trigonometry.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…make it this far in my education because I have Autism and I learned that you can accomplish anything regardless of your disability. This is particularly due to the fact that I often struggled with learning advanced subjects like Calculus and Physics but I managed to go through them. Overall, my life motto is to “Never give up, no matter how hard things may seem.”
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Gabriela Melendez Erazo
What degree or certificate are you receiving? AS-T Business Administration
Are you transferring? If yes, where? CSU Channel Islands
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? My family inspires me to keep going into my school career.
What did you love the most about attending community college? I had the chance to meet amazing professors, friends and staff that help me grow to be the incredible woman I am today.
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 be able to work and study, and help my community while having great grades.
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Francisco Manzo
What degree or certificate are you receiving? AST Nutrition & Dietetics, AA in GS: Natural Sciences, AA in GS: Social and Behavioral Emphasis, AA in GS: Arts & Humanities, IGETC Certification
Are you transferring? If yes, where? CSUCI
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? My parents.
What did you love the most about attending community college? The atmosphere, the wonderful professors, the food truck.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could… Speak up and make my voice heard.
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Nga Le
What degree or certificate are you receiving? AST-Business Administration AA- Business, AA-T Law, Public Policy, and Society, AA-T Arts and Humanities, AA-T Social Science and Behavioral, California State University General Education Breadth
Are you transferring? If yes, where? California State University Northridge
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? My son, Nasir, inspired me to pursue my educational goal. I took 10 years break from college. My son is the reason why I returned to Oxnard College to finish where I left off. I am grateful for everyone who has participated in my journey and I am proud to say I am a graduate, Class of 2020 at Oxnard College. I did it! Mommy did it, Nasir! This one is for you! <3
What did you love the most about attending community college? What I loved the most about attending Oxnard College is communicating and getting to know my peers especially during lunch time. I always looked forward to sitting down and enjoying a few good laughs with them. It is the best time when they are most relaxed and happy. I loved every moment of it.
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 work on campus, be a full time student, and be a mom at the same time. It seemed impossible to do because it seems like a lot on my plate. Once I managed to juggle work, school, and home, I realized it is possible to do and anyone can do it. My advice would be dream big and you can go as far as you want. Oxnard College helped me discover another side of me that I left behind 10 years ago. My experience this time has been 10 times better. I am glad I was able to accomplish my goals and meet awesome people along the way. I am ready for the next chapter in my life. Thank you Oxnard College!
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Gladys Ibarra
What degree or certificate are you receiving? Social Behavioral
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? My mom.
What did you love the most about attending community college? being able to learn and meet new people
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Melissa Wright
What degree or certificate are you receiving? Addictive Disorders Stud-CERTAddictive Disorders CJS-CERT
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? My daughter Helen and grandson Angel
What did you love the most about attending community college? My fellow students
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…Graduate college
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Rose Renteria
What degree or certificate are you receiving? Anthropology AA-T Sociology for Transfer-AA-TCSU-GE Certification
Are you transferring? If yes, where? CSUCI
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? My friends.
What did you love the most about attending community college? The professors and how much they care for their students.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could… Actually be able to finish.
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Ruvit Estefani Ochoa
What degree or certificate are you receiving? Associate Degree in Natural Sciences
Are you transferring? If yes, where? California State University Channel Islands
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? My dad inspired me to pursue my educational goals by teaching me to have a strong work ethic.
What did you love the most about attending community college? a sense of belonging
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could… pass Chemistry.
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Teresa Fuentes
What degree or certificate are you receiving?
CSU-GE Certification Gen Std: Natural Science Pattern I-AA
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? My parents and my sister
What did you love the most about attending community college? Meeting new people, learning new things, and re-creating myself
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could… actually finish all my classes and graduate.
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Rosa Jackson
What degree or certificate are you receiving?
AS-T Business AdministrationAA in Business
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? My Family
What did you love the most about attending community college? Interaction with other students and helps to network
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Melannie Cruz
What degree or certificate are you receiving?
Associates Degree for Transfer in EnglishCSU-GE Certification
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? Family
What did you love the most about attending community college? Professors
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could… Transfer to UCLA
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Sandra Arroyo
What degree or certificate are you receiving?Administrative Assistant Certificate
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? My mom Rose Marie Frausto (who suddenly passed away Jan. 30th)
What did you love the most about attending community college?I really enjoyed the Professors, the atmosphere and the simplicity.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…Better myself and what I wanted in my life. Education has no limits, age, or boundaries.
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Jasmine Kim
What degree or certificate are you receiving?Associates to Transfer in Science
Are you transferring? If yes, where? Yes, to CSUCI
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? My family members, mainly my grandmother and mom
What did you love the most about attending community college? I enjoyed how small the campus was and how I saw old friends from a few semesters ago.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…Do college classes at the same time as high school classes.
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Michelle Patrick
What degree or certificate are you receiving?Addictive Disorders Stud-CERT
Are you transferring? If yes, where? No, VC for AA
Are you transitioning into the workforce? If yes, what will you be doing? Yes, Substance Use Disorder Counselor 1 at Prototypes Women’s Center
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? My Life Coach
What did you love the most about attending community college? The amazingly inspiring teachers
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…love school so much!
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Susana Espinosa
What degree or certificate are you receiving?
Anthropology AA-tIGETC Certification
Are you transferring? If yes, where? UCSB
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? My best friend in the entire world and pet Bella
What did you love the most about attending community college? Taking anthropology classes with Professor Melidonis. He made me look forward to going to class.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…lmanage my time properly
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Rikki Rodriguez
What degree or certificate are you receiving?
Studio Arts, Arts and Humanities CSU-GE Certification
Are you transferring? If yes, where? CSUCI
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? My mom, brother and my cat
What did you love the most about attending community college? The freedom of pursuing what I wanted
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…actually finish
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Mary Catherine Esmane Casila
What degree or certificate are you receiving?
Studio Arts & Arts and Humanities
Are you transferring? If yes, where? CSUCI
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? My mom 🙂
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…Graduate within two years, with two degrees, and finish with a smile on my face
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Mckayla Segovia
What degree or certificate are you receiving?AAT Studio ArtsCSU-GE CertificationGen Std:Art Hum Pattern III-AA
Are you transferring? If yes, where? Fresno State
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? Marvin and Cheese (RIP)
What did you love the most about attending community college? I love the friendships that I have made while attending Community College. We all had some of the same challenges both in school and out. It was great to surround myself with people who have the same goals and achievements. They pushed and motivated me to do my absolute best.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…Be a part of something greater than just going to school. Joining the Student Government and being an advocate for the Dream Resource Center really expanded my knowledge on important issues. I am proud to say that I learned both inside and outside the classroom at Oxnard College.
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Vanessa Ayala
What degree or certificate are you receiving?
General Studies: Natural Science, -AAGeneral Studies: Social and Behavioral Sciences -AA
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? My children and husband
What did you love the most about attending community college? Feeling safe at school and knowing that everyone and anyone were willing to help me in any way they could in order to achieve my educational goal is what I love the most about attending community college.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…walk down the halls with pride and confidence to achieve and peruse anything I set my mind to.
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Sara Sevilla
What degree or certificate are you receiving?
Associates Degree in Arts: Biology Associates Degree in Science: Biology Associates Degree in Arts: Chemistry
Are you transferring? If yes, where? Yes, transferring to UCLA!
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? I was inspired by my grandmother. She always instilled in me the value of an education. I was taught from a young age that with hard work, perseverance, and dedication anything is possible.
What did you love the most about attending community college? What I loved most about attending a community college is the relationships I made with my classmates and professors. Long lasting friendships and advice that has helped me become the student I am proud to be today.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…I never thought I would make it this far in my educational goals. At times my dreams seemed so far away, but now my dreams are becoming a reality. I can not thank my professors enough for their constant support and guidance.
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Isaac Magana
What degree or certificate are you receiving?AA General Ed
Are you transferring? If yes, where? Yes, California State University Channel Islands
Are you transitioning into the workforce? If yes, what will you be doing? No, I already work at a mental facility.
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? my future self
What did you love the most about attending community college? Being close to home, saving money
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…Be so anal about getting straight A’s.
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Jeremiah Ryan Paguio
What degree or certificate are you receiving?Mathematics Associate’s Degree for Transfer
Are you transferring? If yes, where? Yes, California State University Channel Islands
What did you love the most about attending community college? I liked the support from the counselors and the teachers during my time spent at Oxnard College
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Jennifer Ramirez
What degree or certificate are you receiving? General Studies: Natural SciencesGeneral Studies: Social and Behavioral Sciences
What did you love the most about attending community college? was that it allowed me to be educated, build social networks, advocate for what I believe in and make friendships that will last a lifetime. Most importantly it’s allowed me to set the foundation in my family of going to college. As a first-generation college graduate, community college will allow generations after me to believe they too can succeed in the higher education field. I will forever be grateful for the generous support Oxnard College has given me. Oxnard College offers one of the finest programs for Dental Hygiene and I consider myself fortunate to be admitted to where my aspiration is to become a dental hygienist.
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Paul Williams Sweet V
What degree or certificate are you receiving?Sociology for Transfer-AA-TCSU-GE Certification
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Jessica Martinez
What degree or certificate are you receiving?Associate in Arts in Sociology and Anthropology for Transfer
Are you transferring? If yes, where? UCLA
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? My resilient and independent mother inspired me to pursue my educational goals.
What did you love the most about attending community college?I loved the caring professors, meaningful lectures, and fun student government events.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…be a mentor for other first generation students.
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Julia Nicole Jensen
What degree or certificate are you receiving?AA Biological Science, AA Natural Science, Certificate of Transfer
Are you transferring? If yes, where? Yes; UCSB or UCSD
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? My parents; from a young age, they always made it clear to me that education was the key to success.
What did you love the most about attending community college?I loved that I had a cost effective way of striving for my goals, as well as the support system to achieve them.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could… achieve two degrees in two years!
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Leydi Torres
What degree or certificate are you receiving?Psychology AA-T
Are you transferring? If yes, where? Yes, CSUCI
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Leslie Reyes
What degree or certificate are you receiving?AA-T Communication
Are you transferring? If yes, where? University of California, Santa Barbara
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? my family
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Yosuan Nabor Sosa Valdovinos
What degree or certificate are you receiving? AA-T in Economics IGETC Certification
Are you transferring? If yes, where? UCSB
Are you transitioning into the workforce? If yes, what will you be doing? I’ll be working part time on my joint roofing company with my dad
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? My family
What did you love the most about attending community college? I was able to pursue my career while helping out my family.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could… Attend a four year college to pursue a higher education.
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Samantha Elizabeth Marin
What degree or certificate are you receiving?
Associates Degree for Transfer in English CSU-GE Certification
Are you transferring? If yes, where? CSUCI
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? my family
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Todd Fox
Degree or Certificate Earned AA-T in Kinesiology
Are you transferring? If yes, where? Yes, California State University of Northridge
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? Myself
What will you miss the most from your community college experience?The professors that were there to lend a hand and genuinely wanted to see us do well in life.
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Victor Cortes
Degree or Certificate Earned ADT in both Business Administration and in Economics Business Administration AS-T
Are you transferring? If yes, where? Transferring to the 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?Professors believing in our ability to succeed
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…Flourish so greatly in college level classes
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Valerie Leon
What degree or certificate are you receiving? AA-T Sociology AA Social/Behavioral Science
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? My uncle & my mom inspired me
What did you love the most about attending community college?I loved that it was small and I was able to receive all the help I needed, especially with the support of the transfer counselor
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…reach my goals to transfer within 2 years
What will you miss the most from your community college experience? The professors that were there to lend a hand and genuinely wanted to see us do well in life.
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Ruby Moreno
Degree or Certificate EarnedSociology for Transfer-AA-T CSU-GE Certification
Are you transferring? Yes
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? My aunt Patty r.i.p.
What will you miss the most from your community college experience? The teachers are awesome in their unique way!
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Cynthia Navarro Krashna
Degree or Certificate Earned CSU-GE Certification Paralegal Studies-AS
Are you transferring? If yes, where? Cal Lutheran
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? My daughter.
What did you love the most about attending community college?Sharing the experience with my child . Bringing her to the campus, and sharing the importance of education for her !
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Veronica Fuentes
Degree or Certificate Earned Sociology -AA Sociology for Transfer-AA-T CSU-GE Certification
Are you transferring? If yes, where? Cal State University Northridge
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Socorro Alondra Del Rio
Degree or Certificate Earned General Studies: Natural Sciences, AAGeneral Studies:Art Hum Pattern I-AA
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Andres Flores
Degree or Certificate Earned Film, TV, Elec Media-CERT Film, TV, Elec Media-AS-T CSU-GE Certification
Are you transferring? If yes, where? Cal State University Northridge
Are you transitioning into the workforce? If yes, what will you be doing? I’ll be continuing my career as a film director. I will be filming during the remainder of the year.
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? My parents. Being a first generation Mexican-American, I had to show my gratitude to them by taking advantage of the opportunity they provided me with.
What did you love the most about attending community college? What I loved the most about attending community college was the community. I’ll never forget all of the great classmates that I’ve met over the years that I now have the privilege to call friends.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…Graduate. I held myself back when I first dropped out. When I came back, the Professors that I met made my transition back to school easier than I would’ve thought so. Thank you all for your hard work.
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Jasmine Kim
Degree or Certificate Earned CSU-GE CertificationIGETC Certification
Are you transferring? If yes, where? Yes, CSUCI
Are you transitioning into the workforce? If yes, what will you be doing? no
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? My parents
What will you miss the most from your community college experience?I will miss how close and small our community college is. I will miss knowing almost everyone I see from the previous years on campus.
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Valerie Alice Condzella
Degree or Certificate Earned Paralegal Studies-AS
Are you transitioning into the workforce? If yes, what will you be doing? Freelance Paralegal
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? I began this journey in the fall of 1997 with no idea where it would lead. After completing the Paralegal Studies program at OC I decided to continue with my general education requirements. During this time I was sidelined with a cancer diagnosis. Once that was behind me I continued on until I finally finished what I started at the age of 63. I hope to be a good example for my children. Never give up, never quit.
What did you love the most about attending community college? I enjoy being around vibrant young people.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could… Be a college graduate.
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Josemanuel Ortiz
Degree or Certificate Earned AA-T in History
Are you transferring? If yes, where? UC Davis or UC Irvin
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? I would like to thank Professors Kevin Hughes and Jennifer Wilson-Gonzalez from the History department for being phenomenal teachers and for inspiring me to pursue my educational goals. From the English department, I would like to thank Professor Gaylene McPherson, Lisa Helfrich, and Kari Tudman for always creating an environment that is welcoming! Last but not least, I’d like to thank Gabriela Rodriguez for always pushing me to do my best!
What did you love the most about attending community college?Being at Oxnard College, I learned a lot about myself and about my interests. I really loved the sense of community and support from everyone on campus.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could… meet so many amazing and supportive people!
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Luis Angel Mendiola Luna
Degree or Certificate Earned AA-T Political Science CSU-GE Certification Gen Std:Soc BS Pattern III-AA
Are you transferring? If yes, where? CSU Long Beach
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? My parents.
What did you love the most about attending community college? The small network I was able to build ranging from fellow students to great administrators and everyone in between.
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Judy Jasso
Degree or Certificate Earned AA-Transfer Sociology CSU-GE Certification
Are you transferring? If yes, where? CSUCI
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Maribel Monzon
Degree or Certificate Earned Paralegal Studies- Certificate
Are you transitioning into the workforce? If yes, what will you be doing? I will be entering in as an entry level paralegal.
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Alma Liliana Munguia
Degree or Certificate Earned Gen Std:Soc BS Pattern I-AA
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? My daughter inspired me to finish college.
What did you love the most about attending community college? My favorite part of college was meeting my classmates with positive goals.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…I never I could pass math with an A+.
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Jeff Calica
Degree or Certificate Earned Social and Behavioral Sciences Pattern I Natural Science Pattern I Natural Sciences and Mathematics Pattern IIICSU-GE Certification
Are you transferring? If yes, where? California State University Northridge
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? Diana Militante; Cynthia Calica; Jovita Calica
What did you love the most about attending community college? I loved how it gave the opportunities to those who are financially scarce to pursue a higher education and position them en route for a better life.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…Push myself to consistently take a lot of units while balancing work and graduate with multiple degrees.
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Adrian R Escobedo
Degree or Certificate Earned Business Management – Certificate
Are you transitioning into the workforce? If yes, what will you be doing? I will be entering in as an entry level paralegal.
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Isabel Martinez
Degree or Certificate Earned CSU-GE Certification Elementary Teacher Edu AA-T
Are you transferring? If yes, where? CSUCI
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Samantha J. Vazquez
Degree or Certificate Earned Dental Assisting – CERT
Are you transitioning into the workforce? If yes, what will you be doing? Dental Assisting
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? My family. “ You don’t just wake up and become the butterfly. Growth is a process”
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Ana Martinez
Degree or Certificate Earned Elementary Teacher Education AA-T
Are you transferring? If yes, where? Yes, Channel Island University
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?My job, I love working with Students with special needs
What did you love the most about attending community college?meeting people that are passionate like me about what they want to do as a career
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…accomplish getting an AA
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Rosa Magana
Degree or Certificate Earned AA Natural Science, AA Arts & Humanities, AA Social and Behavioral Science
Are you transferring? If yes, where? Moorpark College
Are you transitioning into the workforce? If yes, what will you be doing? X-Ray Technician Program
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? Friends, Family and teachers
What did you love the most about attending community college?Being able to make new friends
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…Help inspire others
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Jessica Salazar
Degree or Certificate Earned AS Degree
Are you transitioning into the workforce? If yes, what will you be doing? Culinary Arts field a Cook or Baker
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? My mom, my daughter, my BEST FRIEND, & a special teacher she knows who she is
What did you love the most about attending community college? Actually learning something from the courses I was taking and making new friends
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…Make it and have a BackBone
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Alicia Wilson
Degree or Certificate Earned Dental Assisting
Are you transferring? If yes, where? Yes, Orange Coast College
Are you transitioning into the workforce? If yes, what will you be doing? Yes, I will be dental assisting while working towards dental school.
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? My main instructor Dr. Najarian.
What did you love the most about attending community college? I enjoyed the environment and the how passionately the instructors taught.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…Not only finish college but be able to go full time and graduate as an A+ student. I can’t thank my instructors enough for believing in me.
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Jasmin Ariaz
Degree or Certificate Earned Dental Assisting – Certificate
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? I was inspired by my little daughter, to be better every day and to show her that in life there are obstacles but if you fight with all your strength you can achieve what you want.
What did you love the most about attending community college? love meeting new people with dreams and goals, people who want a better future and who fight every day for what they love!
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…I never thought that I could make my dream come true !!!
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Martha Y Perez
Degree or Certificate Earned Dental Assisting
Are you transitioning into the workforce? If yes, what will you be doing? Yess, Dental assisting
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?My Daughter Kaylee
What did you love the most about attending community college?I Met Wonderful Friends and My teachers were awesome!
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…Achieve all my future goals
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Alyssa Alarcon
Degree or Certificate Earned AA Sociology
Are you transferring? If yes, where? CSU Northridge
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? My tia inspired me
What did you love the most about attending community college? Being able to develop relationships with those who have the same goals
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Serena Boyd
Degree or Certificate Earned English AA for Transfer
Are you transferring? If yes, where? UC Berkeley
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? my parents have always been my main support
What did you love the most about attending community college? it was a comfortable place to grow as a student and as a person
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…comfortably give a fifteen minute presentation to a full class of people
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Saul Guerrero
Degree or Certificate Earned Kinesiology, CSU Transfer
Are you transferring? If yes, where? Cal State University, Los Angeles
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? My Parents
What did you love the most about attending community college? I really loved the atmosphere because it made me feel at home, my professors were very helpful, and how everyone wants to see you prosper and succeed in life.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…Graduate and transfer to a 4-year university
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Angel Reyes
Degree or Certificate Earned General Studies: Natural Sciences
Are you transferring? If yes, where? Yes, CSUN
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? Myself
What did you love the most about attending community college? The Professors and location
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…Graduate
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Carmen Cepeda
Degree or Certificate Earned Psychology AA-T
Are you transferring? If yes, where? Yes, I’m transferring to California State Channel Islands
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? Special needs people, healthcare workers, and community leaders. Most of which are among my friends.
What did you love the most about attending community college? The warmth and home like welcoming I received from their representatives.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could… Become a Psychologist.
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Samantha Nicole Gonzalez
Degree or Certificate EarnedAA-General Studies: Social and Behavioral SciencesAA-T Studio Arts
Are you transferring? If yes, where? CSUCI
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?My family’s support kept me going to reach my educational goals.
What did you love the most about attending community college?Meeting really cool professors and students.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…Achieve my goals and pursuing my dreams that I am determine to meet
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Jo Scaplen
Degree or Certificate Earned General Studies: Arts and Humanities
Are you transferring? If yes, where? CSUN
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? ASL professor Emily Zwaal
What did you love the most about attending community college? Friendships
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Bhetany Garcia Villegas
Degree or Certificate Earned General Studies: Social and Behavioral Sciences
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? My mom is my #1 inspiration, without her support and encouragement I wouldn’t be the person I am today.
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David Quezada
Degree or Certificate Earned AA in Sociology General Studies: Social and Behavioral Sciences
Are you transferring? If yes, where? Cal state Channel Islands
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? My counselors on campus.
What did you love the most about attending community college?The experience of meeting new people and finding what i wanted to do with my life.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…Have a dream and a job that i could see myself doing and enjoy
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Crystal Gonzalez
Degree or Certificate Earned AST-Business Administration, AA Social and Behavior Sciences
Are you transferring? If yes, where? CSULB
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? My family
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Nimfa P. Schmitz
Degree or Certificate Earned AA Sociology
Are you transferring? If yes, where? Not transitioning. Already working as a database analyst.
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? My friend Martha
What did you love the most about attending community college?Knowing that my parents and siblings attended OC too
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…sing in the VC Master Chorale
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Yvette Luna Diaz
Degree or Certificate Earned Dental Assisting
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? Myself
What did you love the most about attending community college?Meeting all the amazing people that are all going to share the same career.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…I never thought I would go back to school and graduate doing something I love.
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Armando Gamez Jr
Degree or Certificate Earned Associates Degree in Fine Arts
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? My parents
What did you love the most about attending community college?Learning new things and expanding my education skills
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…Get pass through challenges and not giving up
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Dora L. Castillo
Degree or Certificate Earned AA-T sociology & general studies in social behavior
Are you transferring? If yes, where? CSUN
Are you transitioning into the workforce? If yes, what will you be doing? No, still continuing school
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? I am my own inspiration in pursuing my education. I have a personal story for caring about the career field I have chosen. I care about helping people and making an impact and this career allows me to do that.
What did you love the most about attending community college? I loved how helpful everyone in this campus was with me.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could… Transfer to a University. Being a first generation college student was very difficult but going to a VCCCD community college has helped me develop many skills as a student that will help me succeed once I transfer.
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Adrianna Guillen
Degree or Certificate Earned Early Childhood Education
Are you transferring? If yes, where? CSUCI
What did you love the most about attending community college? Came across great teachers.
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Kelli Elizabeth Ricci
Degree or Certificate Earned Communication Studies AA
Are you transferring? If yes, where? CSUCI
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals?Myself
What did you love the most about attending community college? Getting an education!
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…Enjoy reading a textbook 🙂
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Andres Zuniga
Degree or Certificate Earned AA in Natural Sciences CSU-GE Certification
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? My Mom
What did you love the most about attending community college? Learning new things and meeting new people.
Until I went to a VCCCD community college, I never thought I could…Get A’s in college courses
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Fabian T. Gil
Degree or Certificate Earned AS Natural Sciences
Who inspired you to pursue your educational goals? My older sister, wife, daughter and parents.
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… Find something to do that I loved.
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