Ames L.

Ames L. is a Sociology major, hoping to transfer to a four-year university in fall 2023. She was born and raised in Hong Kong, and studied abroad in New Zealand for high school. Ames can speak Cantonese, Mandarin, and English. Ames loves exploring places, food, and culture. She is glad to be part of DVC because the college has a diverse population, which allows her to meet people from different backgrounds. She learned the history, languages, and traditions of different countries from her cross-cultural friendships. One of the main reasons why she chose Sociology as her major is that she loves being involved in the community. She votes when there's an election, participates in protests, and volunteers.


What are you most proud of during your time at DVC?

I remember when I first enrolled in DVC, I was so lost because I didn't know where to start and how to find resources. Fortunately, I met some DVC students in an online forum, they explained to me everything, answered my questions, and guided me through the whole process. I am proud I became a Student Ambassador, to keep the spirit alive and help even more students. I am also proud to be active and involved in DVC, despite the language barrier and the current circumstances. Although everything had to be online, I was still able to obtain useful resources, participate in different activities, and make new friends.


What is your advice for freshmen starting at DVC?

Hi freshmen, we are happy to have you here at DVC. My advice would be to try to take advantage of the resources and opportunities offered by DVC. Then, find a goal and strive for it. Last but not least, if you have any questions, come to Welcome Services. Student Ambassadors are here to help!


What is your favorite thing about DVC?

All the staff - my math tutor, professors, counsellors, etc. They always encourage me and give me advice. I gained lots of confidence and became a better person. Also, I would like to thank my community in the International Students Club. Their support helped me overcome many difficulties.


Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Perhaps you will see me in a different state or country. I may work for an airline or join a working holiday program to travel around the world. I am keen on learning different cultures, meeting new people and exploring places and food.


What is on your bucket list?

Taking a road trip across the states with my friends and learning a foreign language.


What else should we know about you?

I have dual citizenship in Hong Kong and in the USA. I love matcha and ube desserts so much. I am also a big fan of Trader Joe’s. ×

Charlene C.

Charlene C. graduated from Concord High School in June of 2019, and is in her second year at DVC. She has settled on majoring in Sociology after trying out a few other majors and plans on transferring to a university in the near future.

Charlene loves being involved at DVC. She has been part of Alpha Gamma Sigma Honors Society, Kabayan Kaibigan, the English Tutoring Services, and now the Student Ambassador Program. She is very excited to reach out and connect to more students to help navigate them through DVC and hopes that her enthusiastic attitude for what she does will positively impact the people here. As she completes her college career, she wishes to continue living a life driven by passion, persistence, and purpose.

What are you most proud of during your time at DVC?

I am most proud of actively challenging and seeking growth within myself. Although my high school experience left me with amazing memories and life-long friendships, I still vividly remember how much I struggled both academically and personally. Because of the toxic mentality and habits, I developed during that time, I was terrified for what was to come in college and was extremely worried about whether or not I would be able to handle it. Fortunately, DVC is a welcoming and encouraging community where so many opportunities are found. I was able to learn more about who I was, what my values were, and pushed myself to do the things I feared anyway which helped lead myself into a better mindset and lifestyle.

What is your advice for freshmen starting at DVC?

I would advise freshmen to surround themselves with the right people. Who you choose to interact and identify yourself with has the ability to influence you more than you think. When I first began getting more involved on campus, I was met with various kinds of people at DVC. These new faces that I had met became my friends who inspired and motivated me to be better both as a student and overall person. So, find healthy relationships where you can challenge one another and help each other succeed. Your environment is one of the factors that will affect how much you thrive in life.

What is your favorite thing about DVC?

I love the fact that there are so many resources on campus for students to utilize! From clubs to student services to learning communities, DVC offers a plethora of different resources that any kind of student can be part of and take advantage of. When I started going here, I made sure that I informed myself about the several services and programs available so that I wouldn’t leave DVC feeling like I didn’t make the most out of my time there. I urge students to make use of all the support because it’ll open a door to so many possibilities like it did for me.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

In 10 years time, I see myself as an independent and stable woman who is doing what she loves most. I would also want to spend more time with my family and friends as well as travel to places I’ve always wanted to explore!

What is on your bucket list?

One of the many things on my bucket list is to live in a foreign country for a lengthy amount of time. I just think it would be so fun and such an enriching experience to engulf myself into a whole new location and culture where I can encounter something completely unfamiliar to me. It would also be nice to go on traveling adventures with family and friends so that we could create unforgettable memories together.

What else should we know about you?

I derive much of my happiness from music and dance. I cannot live without singing, playing the piano and violin, or dancing, so I try to incorporate these things into my daily routine as much as I can. Playing music and dancing, especially with others, is something I hope to do for as long as possible, because at the end of the day, these activities help keep me going. ×

Daisy O.

Daisy O. grew up in Lagos, Nigeria and graduated from Louisville Girls High School in 2018. She is currently working towards an Associate’s degree at DVC and looking forward to transferring to a four-year university to major in Computer Science. She is also a member of the Alpha Gamma Sigma society. Daisy loves being around people and making new friends.

What are you most proud of during your time at DVC?

I haven’t been in DVC long and I already have so many things that I am proud of. My greatest achievement at DVC so far is becoming a Student Ambassador. It gives me the opportunity to meet and help many people, as well as challenge myself to be the best version of myself. I am constantly learning new things!

What is your advice for freshmen starting at DVC?

My advice would be to get involved- join clubs and meet new people. Get out of your comfort zone. I was really shy coming into DVC. Once you try to make one or two friends, it’ll come easy to you. Also, make the most of your time at DVC.

What is your favorite thing about DVC?

My favorite thing about DVC is the fact that we have lots of resources to choose from. This is extremely helpful because using these services can help you grow academically, and teach you good time management skills that will stand in good stead all your life. I also love the fact that everyone is genuinely interested in students’ lives and they help in their little way to make the student have a successful education.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

In 10 years, I see myself as a successful, independent woman working in the IT field. I also hope to have started a tech lab in my home country to give back to the community.

What is on your bucket list?

One of the things on my bucket list is to go sky-diving. It would probably be the riskiest thing I’ve ever done. I’m all about trying new things and I know the experience is going to be super daunting and thrilling.

6. What else should we know about you?

I love to dance. In my spare time, I love to just put on some music and express myself through dance. I hope to be a part of a dance team that have similar interests as I do. I also love to cook. I enjoy looking up different recipes and making something I've never made. These are some of the things that make me really happy. ×

Lauryn L.

Lauryn L. graduated from Monte Vista High School in 2020 and is now currently a Freshman at DVC. She is currently pursuing her Associate degree in Communications and hopes to transfer to a UC. While Lauryn has yet to attend DVC on campus due to COVID-19, she can't wait to be back on campus and meet students of all backgrounds. Outside of school, Lauryn enjoys listening to music, hanging out with her friends, and spending time with her family.

What are you most proud of during your time at DVC?

I'm just proud of myself for choosing to attend DVC in the first place. Not only have I been able to save a ton of money, but compared to attending a four-year university remotely, DVC seems to have been the best option during this time. Many of my friends have also told me how jealous they are since I don't have to pay for tuition thanks to FT3. DVC has helped me slowly adapt to the typical college student life and schedule, and I think I would feel more stressed had I not come here.

What is your advice for freshmen starting at DVC?

Make sure to maintain a planner or calendar to keep track of all your assignments, projects, and tests! I've been using Excel's monthly calendars since last semester, and it has been a lifesaver for me! Not only am I able to manage my time better, but the best part is when I look back at the end of the month and see everything I crossed off. It's so satisfying!

What is your favorite thing about DVC?

Unfortunately, I have yet to go on campus for classes due to the pandemic. However, I would say my favorite part about DVC is their staff. All my professors and my counselor have been so kind and helpful, I wouldn't be able to succeed in my classes if it weren't for them! Even though we have been online for almost a year now, DVC's staff continues to offer their best support. I wish I could give them all my thanks in person.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

While I can think ahead, ten years is a bit of a stretch for me. Even so, my hope is that I'll be married and have a full-time job somewhere within the entertainment industry in Southern California. Perhaps I'll be visiting Disneyland every week too!

What is on your bucket list?

As of now, I'd like to move out of the house and live independently. While I love being with my family, I want to experience that next step in life and learn how to support myself. I'd also like to travel to Asia with either my friends or family sometime. South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, the list goes on and on! Finally, if I'm lucky, getting floor tickets to a BTS concert would be an absolute dream. Hopefully, concerts will turn up again once the pandemic ends.

What else should we know about you?

In case you haven't noticed yet, I'm a huge fan of both Disney and BTS. I hate horror movies, but ironically, I can tolerate haunted houses. I absolutely love amusement parks, especially roller coasters, and I tend to be a fast walker up to the point where my friends tell me to slow down as I'm already walking 20 feet ahead of them. ×

Mansour T.

Mansour (pronounced Mansooor), is an International Student from France.  Mansour is studying Political Science here at DVC. He wanted to start at DVC to get his associate degree in Political Science and pursue law.


What are you most proud of during your time at DVC?

The thing I'm the proudest of so far during my time at DVC is the fact that I got the chance to join the Student Ambassador program. It is an honor to have been chosen to be one of the faces of DVC. I will represent, to the best of my ability, the values, and ideas that DVC stands for.


What is your advice for freshmen starting at DVC?

My advice for freshmen attending DVC would be to get involved on campus by asking questions, joining clubs, etc. whenever they get the chance. That way, they will be more familiar with the campus and its services, which will help them learn from others, get integrated easier and thus thrive more comfortably.


What is your favorite thing about DVC?

My favorite thing about DVC would have to be the many tutoring services offered. It's inclusive, accessible and there is something for everyone.


Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

In 10 years, I see myself practicing law and hopefully making a difference in this world. However, my ultimate goal is to be happy and fulfilled wherever I am, or with whatever I end up doing. I also wish to be able to give back to my community in Africa.


What is on your bucket list?

One thing on my bucket list in the US is to get an internship related to law or Political science, a federal position would be awesome. Which was, and is still, not easy during this pandemic.


What else should we know about you?

I am fluent in French; I am very artistic and creative, I always try to be positive and I'm always in the mood to help others. Other than that, I like to customize pieces of clothing for fun. I have visited about 13 countries. I like watching the NBA and trying to get back to practicing basketball. ×

Megan S.

Megan S. graduated from College Park High School in 2020 and is now in her second year in DVC. She is currently pursuing a pre-med track and plans to transfer to a UC in Southern California after three years at DVC. Megan aspires to positively impact the community through her accomplishment as a doctor in the future.

Megan has an outgoing and adaptable personality and is never afraid to challenge herself. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, exercising, discovering new hobbies, and taking naps.


What are you most proud of during your time at DVC?

I am most proud of myself for gathering the courage and stepping out of my comfort zone to join the Student Ambassador program and get a step closer to pursuing my dreams of helping others in the community.


What is your advice for freshmen starting at DVC?

Welcome to DVC! The thought of college can be intimidating at first with everything high school teachers told us, but it is not that bad. Counselors and other DVC staff members are always there for you for guidance and advice. Do not wait for the opportunity to come to you; instead, create your own opportunity. Take advantage of the endless resources DVC has to offer, and do not hesitate to ask for help!


What is your favorite thing about DVC?

My favorite thing about DVC is that it is an encouraging community that welcomes people of diversity. DVC has made its online community filled with a friendly and accessible atmosphere that inspires me to constantly challenge myself for improvement and return my favor to the community.


Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

I tend to focus more on thinking about my actions and decisions at the moment rather than picturing myself in the future (and who knows how much the world is going to change in 10 years?). However, in 10 years, I hope to help others in need with my knowledge and return the favor to the community.


What is on your bucket list?

I really want to learn how to snowboard and surf before graduating from college. I have never tried surfing and have only attempted snowboarding once in middle school. One day I wish to perform both sports swiftly for (at least) more than 10 seconds without falling/falling off.


What else should we know about you?

I grew up in Taipei, Taiwan, until I moved to the United States when I was 12, so I speak semi-fluent Mandarin and English, as well as some broken Taiwanese. Because of that, I may be awkward when we first meet because translation takes a little while for my brain to process, especially when I am nervous. However, trust me, the awkwardness won't last for over five minutes once we get the conversation started :) Nice to meet you! ×

Nayla F.

Nayla F. graduated in 2020 from Dougherty Valley High School. She is currently studying Spanish and Communications along with minoring in American Sign Language, in hopes to become an interpreter/translator. She aspires to learn at least 5 more languages in hopes to communicate better with those on campus and in the real world. Nayla is a friendly face and is always willing to answer questions and address concerns when brought to her attention. Feel free to say hi when you see her.

1. The thing I am most proud of during my time at DVC was actually learning independence and learning to take accountability for my own education.
2. My advice to incoming freshman would be to make sure you are setting yourself up for success and working your hardest.
3. My favorite thing about DVC is that everyone is super inclusive and welcoming. The staff and your peers only want to see you do well. 
4. In 10 years, I see myself working as an interpreter for multiple counties in California.
5. Some things that are on my bucket list are going to every Latin American country and going salt water fishing.
6. I speak 7 languages and am continuing to learn more.

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Nicole D.

Nicole D graduated from Carondelet High School in June of 2020. Nicole plans to complete general education requirements at DVC on her journey to becoming a large animal Veterinarian.

DVC will enable her to obtain the necessary coursework to continue her education at the University level and ultimately Veterinary School.  Nicole’s love of animals shows through her involvement in a 4-H Youth Leadership Program working with large and small animals. So far, her favorites have been goats, sheep, and steer.

What are you most proud of during your time at DVC?

I am most proud of my determination in the current on-line learning environment; I have proved to myself that I can do this!

What is your advice for freshmen starting at DVC?

DVC has much to offer. The key is to get involved and understand that DVC is a community where you can learn, explore and have fun.

What is your favorite thing about DVC?

DVC is a place that offers something for everyone; a campus full of diversity and culture in a beautiful setting nestle in the foothills of Mt. Diablo.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

In 10 years, I would like to be a large animal Veterinarian, living the best life I can, happy with the choices I made.

What is on your bucket list?

In a post COVID-19 world, I want to travel, drive some amazing back roads in my Jeep Wrangler, skydive, and learn to drive high-performance sports cars; maybe take a spin on the Sonoma Speedway.

What else should we know about you?

You can catch me most afternoons with my Pygmy Goat Choncho. I love being outdoors! ×

Youssef Q.

Youssef graduated from Acalanes High School in 2019 and is currently working towards transferring to a UC to pursue a degree in Computer Science. He is also President of the DV Hackers club and a member of Friends of MESA.


What are you most proud of during your time at DVC?

I’m proud of how much progress I have made academically. Going into DVC, I knew what subjects I was going to struggle with and took it upon myself to improve in them. As a result, I developed better study habits and time management skills, and became a better student overall.


What is your advice for freshmen starting at DVC?

Don’t be in a hurry to transfer. Though some people are able to transfer in two years, if you have a heavy course load, or life simply gets in the way, there’s nothing wrong with transferring in 3 or more years. Don’t pay attention to what everyone else is doing and focus on your own success.


What is your favorite thing about DVC?

My favorite thing about DVC is that you are surrounded by likeminded individuals with similar goals and aspirations. And it's very easy to meet these people through learning communities and clubs on campus.


Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

As a computer science major, I have to familiarize myself with as many programming languages as possible. As a result, my interests in the field are constantly changing. Hopefully by the time I transfer, I will have a better idea as to what exactly I want to do.


What is on your bucket list?

I really want to experience as many things as possible. I want to go surfing, skydiving, rock climbing- really put myself out of my comfort zone. I also really want to travel. My top 3 destinations being Turkey, Malta, and Morocco!


What else should we know about you?

I’m always looking to try new things. Recently I’ve been teaching myself how to bake. So far, I’ve had varying results but I'm getting there! ×

Yusuf B.

Yusuf B. moved to California from Milwaukee, Wisconsin about 3 years ago. He graduated from California High School in May 2019. Choosing to come to DVC was a decision that afforded him many opportunities that he wouldn't have gotten anywhere else.

He is continually surprised at all the possibilities in front of him. Yusuf loves to travel and eat, and he has been all over the world. He fluently speaks three languages and has a self-appointed Ph.D. in eating.

What are you most proud of during your time at DVC?

I am really proud of the how I've taken control over my life. Back in high school, everything was predetermined for us, but here at DVC, I have almost total control over what I chose to do and how I choose to do it.

What is your advice for freshmen starting at DVC?

My advice is simple: don't be shy! I was really reserved as I came into campus and didn't really know how to do anything at all. I really wouldn't have been able to succeed were it not for the few friends that I had who helped me through the entire process. I also decided to leave my shell a little more and join student clubs and organizations!

What is your favorite spot on campus?

My favorite spot on campus would probably be the book center. I love to go there and grab snacks!

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

In 10 years, I hope to be happily married, successful as a cognitive scientist and content with where I am at life.

What is on your bucket list?

I have so much on my bucket list! I want to visit all the continents (I am currently at 4/7) and I would love to learn French, German, Russian, Cantonese and Spanish.

What else should we know about you?

I am a traveler, a philosopher (if only at heart) and most of all, a student. ×