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166 Stories And Counting.
#166 Octavio Garcia, Transfer to Cal-State University, Long Beach
(Business Administration)
Going back to school can be really intimidating especially if you haven’t been in a classroom for a while. I still remember crashing all those classes and finally getting the classes I needed. COD has made me feel welcome and part of their family. That’s why I love COD, I can always find someone willing to help me with any questions or concerns I would have. I was also fortunate enough to be part of Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society which a great organization what really pushes students to strive to be the best and rewards them when they do. I still can’t believe I will graduate from COD on May 2013 in Business Administration. I am transferring to CSUSB to obtain my Bachelor’s in Business Management. Now I know this is just the beginning to my ultimate goal, which is to be an entrepreneur. I want my children to realize that hard work does pay off and know that all the sacrifices are well worth it. I see myself coming back and giving back to my community and my COD family. It was here at COD where the foundation for my education was created and as we all know, a structure is only as strong as its foundation. I am very thankful and confident that my educational structure has a solid and strong foundation, and it was here at COD where it all took place. For that reason COD will always be in my heart.
#163 Aubrey Moe, Class of 2006
(Associate's Degree in Psychology )
I started at College of the Desert in Fall 2003, unsure of what I wanted to study or ultimately do. I took my first psychology class as a matter of chance; it was open and I needed the credits. I didn't know what to expect, but I never anticipated that I would fall in love with the subject the way that I did. My professor, Linda Emerson, was amazing and exuded an impressive pas sion for the subject. I was hooked.
I ended up taking every Psychology course COD offers before I graduated. I transferred to UC Irvine, where thanks to my 4.0 GPA and volunteer experiences I attended as a Regent's Scholar - a full academic, merit-based scholarship and the highest honor given by the UC schools. I continued to explore my passion for psychology, and I graduated with a BA in Cognitive Sciences.
In Fall 2009, I accepted a position as a fully-funded Ph.D. student in Clinical Psychology at Kent State University in Ohio. This field is incredibly competitive, and I am lucky enough to have a full tuition waiver and a graduate stipend. I am currently in my 4th year at Kent, and I very strongly believe that the academic foundations I built at COD have paved the road to my doctorate. People are surprised when I say I started at a community college, but I'm not - sometimes the greatest passions and inspirations come from small classrooms, and those willing to believe in their students.
#162 David Nola, Transfer to University of California, Santa Barbara
I joined the COD football staff as an assistant football coach in 1994 and was fortunate to be a part of a Conference Champion team and Bowl game winning program. Over the next 15 years I was a part of the program as assistant coach and in other capacities. I will always cherish my time on the campus and on the field. The football program has helped develop many young men to be productive and successful members of our society. The relationships I formed were far more valuable than the wins on the field. Our life long connection started at COD. As a coach, role model and mentor to these young men, COD was an experience that helped shape who I am today.
The years at COD will always be some of the best in my life. This school is an important part of the community. Many people start their dreams and accomplish their goals at this school. I was fortunate to achieve some of my dreams at COD.
#161 Gary Hall
(Advocate for COD Foundation )
You could say I know a thing or two about smart investments after advising my clients for more than 30 years. For me, COD is one of the smartest investments we can make for our community. I’m proud to step up for COD and the work they do to create a skilled workforce that is so vital to the region’s economic vitality.
#160 Khoa Nguyen, Transfer to UC Riverside
(Alumnus )
My family moved from Vietnam when I was three. Growing up, my parents stressed the importance of higher education. College of the Desert made it possible for me to pursue academic interests close to home. My teachers and mentors at COD helped open the door to a degree in Neuroscience. Soon, I’ll be on my way to medical school. Thanks, COD.