It is that time of year where graduation is upon us. Each year, Coastline College celebrates the accomplishments of our students and nothing commemorates that better than graduation. From their academic successes to their personal triumphs, each graduate has their own unique journey to the stage.
Half of US college students are the first in their family to go to college and this year is no exception. Each student has reached this chapter in their educational pursuit bringing their own individual experiences, efforts, and struggles to attain their degree or certificate. Coastline’s faculty and staff has always been deeply committed to our students’ success. We believe in a collaborate effort to guide our students through these challenges by providing a variety of resources and support to them through their educational endeavor.
This year we are highlighting our students who are completing their studies at Coastline and transferring on to a 4-year pathway college, CSU, or UC. We applaud them and have asked them to share their stories which have shaped their academic experience. Here are a few of their stories:
Diana Bagh
I started working at an early age as a defense contractor and continued that path for over 10 years. During those years, I also traveled and lived abroad. I have realized the importance of education because without a degree it is difficult to obtain a job in this industry. When I decided to leave my job and move back to California in 2017, it prompted me to go back to college in my thirties. I always say, “In order to better yourself you need to continue the path of success.“
For me it was continuing my education where I left off over 10 years ago. This is where my education journey began here at Coastline College. It was not easy, and I have endured many obstacles to get to where I am now. I now understand that it is not only about the goal but the journey itself. I realized how important it is to believe in yourself and to conquer your obstacles. Anything is possible if you put your mind to it with consistency and this is where you will succeed.
I have many people to thank to include the Coastline Community staff , EOPS, counselors, and teachers. I also want to thank my family and friends that witnessed all my hard work. I am graduating with AST in Business Administration and have accepted my offer at Long Beach University for the Business Administration in Operations and Supply Chain Management program for the Fall of 2020.
Son Vo
I am very happy to have this opportunity of telling my experience of the four years that I have been studying at Coastline College. I started with ESL classes in 2016. I then continued concentrating in courses for my major in French and well as other subjects I was required to take to be eligibility to continue my education and transfer to a CSU.
Looking back over the past few years, I am so grateful to the invaluable experience received from this school that provides students the advantages and opportunities to the improvement and advancement for human knowledge. In particular, I have more confidence in using English, as well as French and skills in management. What a valuable and an impressive experience from CCC!
Nancy Duran - EOPS
I first started taking classes at Coastline after graduating in 2003. It was a rocky time because I found myself unfocused and without an idea of what I wanted to do. I ended up taking general education classes and unfortunately withdrawing from a lot of them. I spent my time working instead. I then got married, moved away from Orange County, had two children, and put education on the back burner. When my marriage ended, I moved with my kids back to Orange County a few years ago, I knew I had to adjust my priorities. As a single mom, the amount of responsibility I had doubled, and I knew I needed to finally concentrate on getting my AA degree so I could start on a better path to providing for my family.
This is when I decided to apply for classes at Coastline again. I honestly had no idea about the EOPS department and all the help they offer to students in my position. I am so glad someone told me about it because I am not sure where I’d be without their assistance. They helped me get the resources I needed like book vouchers, school supplies, and academic counseling I needed to be successful in my classes. Everyone in the EOPS office has invested in me and my education. I am and forever will be so thankful to everyone in their department for providing me the tools and support I needed to get my education back on track.
I am excited to say that at the end of this spring 2020 semester, I will be earning an AA in Science and Math and an AA in Social and Behavioral Science. My plans are now to apply to a nursing program, to get my bachelor’s degree in nursing and become a pediatric nurse. I want to take this opportunity to congratulate all the spring 2020 graduating students on completing this valuable part of your education. I hope that wherever life leads you, you always encounter people as encouraging and as invested in you as I found in the EOPS department at Coastline. Thank you!
Alexis Brianna Marfil
I am so grateful to the Coastline staff and my professors for being part of this process and helping me prepare for this moment. I am receiving an AA English / Comparative Literature and now will be transferring to UC Berkeley to continue my education.
Waukecha Wilkerson
I am a student, entrepreneur, a parent, and an ASCEND Parent advisor and student-parent advocate. I am also a student advisor for pathways and advise the Aspen Institute. I will be transferring to California State University at Sacramento. This May I had the honor of presenting this year at the National Student Parent Support Symposium on May 27-29 which was virtual due to Covid-19. My session was on "Student Parent to Parent Advocate: How Professionals Can Help in the Transition" and I discussed how professionals can help parenting students transition into additional roles that enhance their social capital.
The symposium was presented by Ohio State University's Office of Diversity and Inclusion and aims to bring together students, community and higher education professionals to discuss best practices, policies, research, program models, and community collaboration when supporting post-secondary parenting students and their families.
Virtual Graduation Ceremony
This year is unusual due to the Covid-19 pandemic and Coastline will be holding a virtual commencement ceremony for the class of 2020. We invite all of you to participate on May 29th at 4 pm. Please see the following link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w9HWHR8g0UE