A College Graduation at the Community-Based Program in Pleasant Hill
Earlier this month, Darren graduated with her bachelor’s degree from California State University, East Bay. Darren is part of our Pleasant Hill community-based program and receives support there.
Before her graduation, she shared her story:
When did you first start taking classes at DVC? What made you want to go to college?
I went to Los Medanos College first to take the prerequisites for nursing classes. The more I went there, the more I realized it wasn’t working out. I transferred to Diablo Valley College and started taking ESL classes to improve my writing skills. The more classes I took at DVC and advanced my abilities, the more people began telling me I should teach art.
What was your major when you started? Did that change at all over time?
The major I got my certificate in is English as a second language. Then I received a second certificate in painting and drawing.
My third certificate was in early childhood education, an Associate in Arts in Special Education Paraeducator/ Instructional Assistant.
My fourth certificate was an Associate in Arts in Studio Arts.
In May of 2024, I will get my Bachelor of Arts in Human Development with a concentration in adolescent development from California State University, East Bay.
When are you graduating and how will you be celebrating?
I will graduate on May 11th, 2024. I will celebrate with my family and friends at Chef Choi’s restaurant.
What are your plans for the future? Are you going back to school? Do you plan to get a job?
I will go back to school. My next degree is a bachelor’s in recreation with a concentration in youth development programming. I will intern for my youth development major in the fall of 2024.
Everyone at RES Success is so proud of Darren and her accomplishments! She showed tremendous persistence in accomplishing her goals and pursuing her dreams!
