English Success Stories

Aurora Byrne – DVC English graduate

"I was a reentry student in my 30’s when I returned to DVC. I had been out of work since the recession, and had little confidence in my capabilities, but knew that education could give me a second chance.

In my English classes I found a community of writers, and this environment allowed  me to write and share my work with other aspiring writers. Dr. Marcia Goodman and Adam Bessie both challenged me to raise my personal expectations and encouraged me to produce some of my best academic writing.

During my time at DVC, I found getting involved in extra-curricular programs helped reinforce the skills I was learning in my English classes. I became involved in the Toastmasters public speaking group, the Inter Club Council, and the campus newspaper where I was able to write features and maintain a regular advice column.

I am currently in my final year at UC Riverside, completing my BA in English with plans to go on to law school and achieve my goal of serving my community as a prosecutor. I am so thankful that I was fortunate to live near DVC when I went back to school. I can’t imagine a better launch pad to success."