First-Gen, Fearless, Focused: Edrees’s Story at DVC
At 26, Edrees is back where his college story began, at DVC. This time he's focused on completing prerequisites for medical school or a physician assistant program.
At 26, Edrees is back where his college story began, at DVC. This time he's focused on completing prerequisites for medical school or a physician assistant program.
Diablo Valley College received the “Community Impact” award at the 12th annual East Bay Innovation Awards, hosted by the East Bay Economic Development Alliance.
Lisa credits DVC's CHW program and it's instructors for giving her the support she needed to stay in class, on track and succeed as an adult learner.
The support Guydon-Off received inspired him to help other students have a more positive experience, leading him to become a student ambassador for DVC. “I helped students apply and register for classes. In addition to working with students who recently completed high school, I also helped adults who were returning to college or starting college for the first time. I assisted students who spoke a language other than English. I helped mothers with children, adults wanting a career change, and unhoused people seeking opportunity. I experienced the diversity of the student body, as well as the sacrifices people made to be able to enroll in college,” said Guydon-Off.
Careers in the trades offer a fast track to high-paying careers without a bachelor's degree. By attending DVC, students have the advantage of acquiring the skills, knowledge, and hands-on learning experience to pursue a trade occupation while also earning transferable college credits should they choose to continue their education later on.
As Dean of Student Equity and Engagement, Cassondra Reinsel fosters an inclusive campus climate where all students can access support and thrive.
“Growing up in a single-parent home, I often felt the sting of economic uncertainty. Watching my mother struggle financially and my father struggle with past addiction, I knew I had to find a long-term career. I thought that would be the Army until I became ill and was honorably discharged due to my heart condition. I came up with a new plan and got to work,” said Adrienne Navarro, who completed her associate in science in allied health at DVC
Bonnie Chi rekindled her passion for astronomy and turned to DVC to deepen her knowledge and pursue her lifelong dream of exploring the stars.
As a high school senior, Stephanie Ramos Navarro had no idea what she wanted out of life. She was certain that she wanted to pursue an education but was unclear which direction to take. And she was about to be the first (out of 32 grandchildren) in her family to set foot on a college campus. After sharing her uncertainty and fears with her teachers at Ygnacio Valley High School, she was guided to DVC. “They helped me understand my alternatives, and within a few months, I registered as a full-time student.”