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.
While attending Ygnacio Valley High School, Ivan Hernandez learned about DVC’s award-winning transfer programs. After hearing that he could complete two years of classes at the college and receive dedicated support with transferring to a university to finish his bachelor’s degree, he was sold. “I found out that DVC provides lots of different resources to students to pursue higher education. It became clear that it’s a great place to learn and explore.”
Bonnie Chi rekindled her passion for astronomy and turned to DVC to deepen her knowledge and pursue her lifelong dream of exploring the stars.
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.
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.”
The DVC Pre-Apprenticeship program introduces students to skilled trade careers that offer high wages, union benefits and long-term stability.
Andrea Madison had worked in retail management and hospitality for many years, but something nagged at her. She had always dreamt of becoming a writer. Just before her 30th birthday, Madison decided she was ready to make a change and pursue her life-long passion. She enrolled at DVC as a journalism major.
Cade Wolter’s initial interest in music and songwriting was just the beginning of what is now a highly successful career. He credits DVC as a vital stop along his journey in the music industry.
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.
“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