Say hello to Dima. Dima was born in Syria and is now living in Los Angeles. Dima is a nursing major student, a mother of three and a wife. And she’s also a student employee in the Dual Enrollment and Outreach Office. Dima, please tell us more about your journey.
– Thanks, Alex. Hey, everyone watching from home. I was born and grew up in Syria. I came to the USA with my husband and three little kids running away after the war in Syria. When my husband and I first arrived to the USA, we had to adopt to a new environment, take care of our three kids, get jobs, and get a new education all at once. Unfortunately, I was not able to transfer my biology bachelor’s that I got from Syria, so I had to start from the scratch. After a long research, I found many intersections between nursing program here and the biology bachelor’s that I got from Syria. However, I learned that it’s very challenging to go in nursing programs, especially with three little kids. I was very hesitant to start my academic journey. I thought it might be better to start after my little one gets older, but my husband, who was also a student at Los Angeles City College, encouraged me to start with some online classes, so I took some online classes that were very helpful for me and gave me the chance to start my academic journey. After that, I learned about work study, which is great, because my boss provided me with a flexible schedule that fits my classes schedule. I work with Dual Enrollment Office and my boss is very understanding and always there to support me with my studies. Everything went smoothly, especially with the help from the Welcome Center and the Financial Aid Office. I’m so grateful to LACC, especially to the CalWORKs office who is always there for students who have kids by providing workforce training and many other resources. And also I’m very excited because I’m taking my last prerequisites before transferring to the nursing program at CSU. And this is my story. Back to you, Alex.
– Dima, your journey has not been an easy one. Thank you for sharing your perseverance and the hardships you faced along the way. We know that your experiences will lead you to become a fantastic nurse with compassion and patience. Once again, thank you for sharing your journey and your story with us.
Let’s all welcome Carlos. Carlos is a psychology major and veteran student. One of his personal goals is to help other service members. He is highly proactive with the Veteran Resource Center, serving as a chapter vice president and a site security officer. Welcome, Carlos. Please tell us more.
– Thank you, Alex. It was an easy choice deciding to go back to college by using my GI Bill. I am currently the vice president of the Veterans Club at Los Angeles City College and a site security officer. The next chapter in my life has just started. I want to get a degree in psychology to help service members. Thanks to the Veterans Resource Center at LACC, I am capable of handling my educational and personal life. I looked through countless community colleges and knew that LACC was a right school for me because of their committed staff to veterans transitioning after the military. This school has helped veterans get back on their feet and there are countless veterans with inspirational testimonies that motivate me in this current chapter in my life. Everyone has been so accepting and classes have been very engaging because of people’s diverse backgrounds. I have made good friends through the Veterans of LACC Club with similar ambitions like mine. The Veterans Club has physical outings where we go on hikes and we push ourselves. The staff at the Veterans Resource Center truly cares and knows us all by name. They also email and ask if we personally need assistance understanding our GI Bill. They have upcoming seminars on understanding our benefits for veterans. Ever since I started at LACC, I have felt like my future has never looked brighter. My mind has expanded and all aspects of my life just seem to have improved. I genuinely believe that this school is preparing me for my future, both at a four year university and the rest of my life. Every professor has challenged me differently and I have never had a boring moment on campus or in class. Code four over and out. Back to you, Alex.
– Copy that, all clear. Carlos, thank you very much for sharing your story with us and explaining how the LACC Veterans Resource Center played a part in your education. We know that you’ll significantly impact the veterans you will work with in the future. And from all of us, thank you for your service.
To learn about LACC’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, let’s meet Sal, who’s an Indigenous student studying Native American studies as well as art and enrolled as a Break It To Make It participant. Talk about an ambitious student. Now, Sal’s path has not always been easy. Prior to coming to LACC, he was earning his GED while incarcerated. Sal, we’re so thankful for you to open up and share your story with us. Please take it away.
– Alex, thanks for the introduction. Hello, my name is Sal. I had many difficulties growing up as an Indigenous person on a reservation. Resources, transportation and good role models were lacking in my community. I persisted and put in a lot of effort to improve my situation. I enrolled in Los Angeles City College as a Break It To Make It participant and non-traditional student. Studying Native American studies and art was what I wanted to do. I’ve been able to create supportive communities with other Indigenous students at LACC. My progress as a student has been greatly influenced by the resources I have access to on campus. I’m excited to share that I will receive two AA degrees from LACC this spring. I’ve been admitted to UCLA where I will double major in Native American studies and arts. I’m thrilled to further my studies and achieve my goal. Los Angeles City College is committed to supporting diversity and inclusion and ensuring that each student feels respected and supported while attending classes here. I have experienced acceptance and support from LACC community as an Indigenous non-traditional student. I’m graduating from college better equipped for life than just my upcoming career. My path to success wasn’t without difficulties. I made certain errors along the way, which led to my imprisonment. I was determined to make a positive difference in my life. I put a lot of effort into getting my GED while I was incarcerated and I continued my studies at LACC after I was released. I want to inspire anyone who might be struggling with similar issues to never give up. Your education can change your life and pave the way for a better future. I hope this serves as motivation for others to pursue their goals despite any challenges they may encounter. Back to you, Alex.
– Thank you so much, Sal, for sharing your story and telling us how LACC has prepared you for much, much more than just your career. We hope you continue to strive for your goals and thankful to LACC for helping you achieve them. Take care, Sal.
Let me introduce you to James. James is an international student studying pre-nursing and is also a veteran student who comes to LACC from Great Britain. James recognizes the importance of the resources that LACC provides for its various student populations and the importance of a sense of belonging on the college campus. James.
– Cheers, Alex. Hey, everyone. I’m a first year international student here at Los Angeles City College. I started college at 33, having previously served 14 years in the Royal Marines, which is the United Kingdom’s Special Operations Force. I’m currently taking my prerequisites for registered nursing. As an international student, I had very little understanding of the US education system. With LACC’S input and support, I went from studying in the US being just a pipe dream to it finally becoming a reality. In addition, the International Student Program staff have been available to answer all of my questions ranging from visa inquiries to which classes I should take together and which I should spread out to ensure my best chance of success. LACC has been phenomenal in its support of those students most in need. I’ve witnessed a number of food pantries arranged in conjunction with local charities. Cubby’s Closet is a new resource at LACC meant to collect and give students clothing. LACC fosters an environment where you want to contribute and be a part of something special. LACC has a number of students centered clubs where you can find people with common backgrounds or common interests. For me, I found my home at the Veterans Club. Whether you spend two semesters or two years here, you will leave as someone new. At LACC, you will achieve your goals and succeed. All that’s required of you is to believe. Given that I’m towards the end of my first semester, my journey to registered nursing has only just begun. I came to LACC with the motivation to succeed and the dedicated staff here have provided me with all the right tools to do so. Thank you for listening. Back to you, Alex.
– James, thank you for sharing your story and showing us that all it takes to achieve your goals and succeed at LACC is believing in yourself. We all are so looking forward to seeing where your academic and career journey takes you, cheers.
Now we have heard how LACC has a variety of resources to help students succeed and how there are a variety of activities available for all students. But to tell us more about the athletic program at LACC, we’re gonna meet Jesus, who’s one of the college’s respected soccer players. When Jesus is not on the field, he’s studying psychology to make sure he has a very bright future ahead. Jesus, take it away.
– Thank you, Alex. As a student athlete, I have been able to pursue both my passions in psychology and soccer at LACC. I was previously enrolled at another university, but due to the pandemic, I withdrew from school. Shortly after, the LACC men’s soccer coach reached out to me to help me start fresh. Since then, I have made so many memories and friends here at LACC. I have been able to grow as a person and an athlete by being surrounded by people who wanted to make a difference in their own lives. In coming to LACC, I have succeeded and achieved more than I could ever imagine. What felt like a step back was actually a leap forward. I’ve been able to get back on track and I’m currently bringing up my GPA and will transfer with an associate degree for transfer in psychology. A major resource to help make this a reality has been the Extended Outreach Program and their counselors who help students with financial disadvantages. EOPS offers meal vouchers, and as someone who spends most of their day on campus, the vouchers help me to stay full and hydrated so I can focus on my classes and practice. This program has also helped me connect with others and has helped me create an education plan I can follow. I feel prepared for the transition process that will be coming in the fall as I apply to multiple California state and private schools. Overall, the coaching staff and my counselors at LACC have taught me that school and soccer are tools to help me adapt to a mindset of learning and growth. I am proud to be a Cub and will continue to create a path of success for myself with the tools that LACC has given me. Back to you, Alex. LA on three, one, two, three!
– [All] LA!
– Thank you Jesus for telling us the significant role that your coach and the EOPS program has played in your academic journey. We cannot wait to see what is next for you in your academic journey as you prepare to transfer to a four year institution. Thanks again, Jesus.
Let me introduce you to Samantha, a communications major who has used many campus resources to navigate her first year at LACC. Los Angeles City College is focused on providing extensive services and resources to its students so they can thrive inside and outside of the classroom. Tell us more, Samantha.
– Thanks, Alex. Hello, everyone! When I first started college, I found it hard and I was a bit uninspired, which resulted in me dropping out. Now, 10 years later, I have fallen in love with learning and I realize that I wanna use my words to help others. I have plans to start my own organization that helps people connect better with themselves and others, and that’s why I chose Los Angeles City College to study for business admin and communications. I chose LACC because I saw a billboard one day that read LACC is the city’s college, and I love Los Angeles, so I looked into it. Since my first counselor meeting, I was convinced this was my school. My counselor, Ms. Gomez, really listened to what it is that I want to achieve, and she helped me schedule my classes for the next two years. She really made me feel at ease coming back and assured me that a community college was best for me to get back on an educational path. I do need to give thanks to a program that’s been such a huge part in my time here at LACC, and that’s Fresh Success. They’ve helped by providing me with a laptop, a voucher for school supplies and books, and even assistance for gas. Some other reasons why I really love LACC are my professors are so helpful. And I joined the speech and debate team, which makes me feel like I have found where I can really shape my talents. Becoming a student here really feels right. This is where I’m meant to be and I’ve never felt more sure. I plan to transfer to a four year university to continue on with a bachelor’s in communications, but until then, I’m going to enjoy every moment that I have here at LACC and a huge thank you to everyone who’s a part of my journey. And that’s my story, Alex.
– Samantha, thank you for shedding light on your resilience. It takes courage to return to college, and your story is truly inspiring. Your dedication to helping others and your passion for learning is commendable. It’s so wonderful to see how LACC has been able to support you on this amazing journey. Thank you, Samantha.
Okay, folks. Seton Hall is a powerhouse for employment opportunities. Just ask Joe, a senior with three internships under his belt, thanks to Seton Hall. They bring over 500 companies to campus each year to recruit graduates. Every student is paired with a career advisor. This, along with well-connected faculty and alumni, translates to amazing opportunities. Let’s hear from Joe.
– Thanks so much, Alex. When I was a senior in high school, I knew I liked math but didn’t know a career to pursue. Seton Hall gave me just what I needed and allowed me to expand my horizons, discover my passions, and gave me professors who guided me along my journey. During my time at Seton Hall, I’ve had three internships as an actuary and a data analyst, and through these opportunities, I saw what it was like to work at different industries and for different company sizes, ranging from a city government to a Fortune 100 company. This gives me a lot of advantages and confidence as I prepare to start my career journey. This experiential learning would not be possible without the community here at Seton Hall. All three of my internships have come from professor recommendations or connections with Seton Hall alumni networking forums. And this just shows that being at Seton Hall means you’re more than just the number. You receive personal focus from faculty who truly wanna be a part of your academic and professional success. After all my internships, my interest expanded, and I decided to attend graduate school. The Career Center was there to guide me through every step of the way. After meeting with my dedicated career advisor, we set up a plan to tackle graduate admissions such as planning for the GRE, researching different programs, staying on top of scholarship deadlines, and brainstorming ideas for my personal statement. Thanks to the help of the Career Center, I’m excited to share I got into all my top schools for grad school, including NYU, Columbia, and MIT. This fall, I’ll be heading to MIT, and there, I’m excited to continue building upon the strong foundations I developed here at Seton Hall and continue expanding upon my horizons. Back to you, Alex.
– Joe, kudos to you and good luck at MIT. Seton Hall’s emphasis on their students’ career success is why 98% find employment in their field shortly after graduation and why 99% are admitted to graduate school. This truly shows you what great minds can do with the right opportunities, advantages, and support.
I’d like to introduce Jason, a junior majoring in finance and economics. As a member of the leadership program, he has received amazing mentorship. He also thrives as a member of the Entrepreneurship Club and has had a rewarding internship in finance. Let’s hear Jason’s story. Jason, take it away.
– Thanks for the introduction, Alex. As a first gen student, I wanted to make sure that my college choice had the academic resources available to support my educational journey. Seton Hall University has all of that and a supportive staff that helped push me to achieve much more. At Seton Hall, I’m a member of the Buccino Leadership Institute, the Entrepreneurship Club, and founder of a nonprofit initiative called Pirates Closet. The Buccino Leadership Institute has offered me hands-on experiences and leadership positions. I’ve gotten to see amazing guest speakers and was provided a mentor. I had the chance to study abroad in Costa Rica, where I learned about international business, and also had a lot of fun. Being a part of the Entrepreneurship Club opened many doors for me, and I was even able to win first prize at Seton Hall’s Pirate Pitch Competition, which provides seed funding to support my ideas. Throughout all of my experiences, I’ve always had support from Seton Hall’s staff and faculty who opened many doors for me. Seton Hall recognizes the importance of creating the leaders of tomorrow, and they invest in opportunities and experiences to allow students to grow and build their leadership skills. The faculty and staff foster innovation. They encourage, embrace, and uplift us on our journey. When I first started college, I never imagined that I would do anything more than just studying. Seton Hall has enabled me to develop my leadership skills, which will help prepare me for my future. I’ve had the chance to collaborate with amazing students and alumni alike. Seton Hall’s community is one that helps enable and promote new ideas and people. That’s my story, Alex. Back over to you.
– Jason, thanks for sharing your inspiring entrepreneurial story with us. You are doing all the right things and using school as a test lab for trying out new ideas. Seton Hall truly invests in developing students to lead, succeed, and do good in the world. They’re absolutely building great minds here. Thanks again.
Let’s meet Carlene, a sophomore from Brooklyn, who’s bursting with school spirit. She’s in a challenging dual-degree program that allows her to earn both a bachelor’s and a law degree in just six years. She’s doing it with the support from dedicated faculty and the personal attention needed to achieve her dreams. Carlene, tell us more about the Seton Hall community.
– Thanks, Alex. Even when I was young, I always knew I wanted to become an attorney. I wanted a school with serious academics that could place me directly into law school. I found that with Seton Hall’s 3+3 law program, which provides me a direct path to Seton Hall Law, which is a top law school. I am so lucky to have great professors, academic advisors, tutors, and other resources to help with this rigorous and challenging program. The small classes and dedicated faculty make a difference in my learning. When I’m not understanding something, my professors are there to work with me and help me become the best student that I can be. Not only are professors always available and willing to help, but they are also very experienced in their fields and have great connections to nonprofit organizations and law firms that are very welcoming and eager to hire Seton Hall graduates. I came to Seton Hall because of the warmth and positive environment that I experienced since I first stepped on campus for a tour. Now as a student, I experience it more in depth every day. This is a warm and welcoming community. It has been super easy to make friends. I feel like I belong and that I’m part of something special. I have formed memories and friendships that will last a lifetime. The people here are genuinely nice and care about me as a person. I love the fact that Seton Hall is small enough where you know most people but big enough where there is always something to do, and you can always meet new people. Seton Hall’s rigorous academics, complimented by the compassion of our professors, have prepared me well for my next steps at Seton Hall Law as soon as I wrap up my BA. That’s my story. Back to you, Alex.
– You rock, Carlene. I love the way you’re taking full advantage of all the opportunities Seton Hall offers. Everything about this university is geared towards helping students reach their full potential and build a successful future. Absolutely love it. Thanks again.
Let’s hear from Katalyna. Her story shows you just how Seton Hall lets students pursue all their passions. In Katalyna’s case, she got to continue her love of cheer while also becoming a successful and fully employed occupational therapist. Take it away.
– Thanks, Alex. Here at Seton Hall, I found a place where I could join my love of helping others and my love of school spirit. In high school, I was a cheerleader, and luckily, I was able to continue that here at Seton Hall. There truly was nothing better than my four years sitting courtside and cheering on our D1 Big East basketball teams. I traveled to the women’s Big East in Chicago and Milwaukee, men’s Big East at Madison Square Garden, and even in the men’s NCAA tournaments in Wichita, Kansas and Jacksonville, Florida. It brings so much pride and excitement to campus, and it really connects us as one big Pirate family. Some of my favorite memories took place on the sidelines, but more meaningful memories took place in the classroom, really connecting with my professors, feeling like they were listening to me and helping me grow. I love that they treated me like a future colleague. My studies for occupational therapy took place on Seton Hall’s Interprofessional Health Sciences campus. Here, we have state-of-the-art facilities, simulation centers, cadaver labs, and a fully equipped pediatric lab. Being a part of healthcare education at Seton Hall is inspiring because we are leading the way in healthcare education. This campus is also home to students in our nursing, physician’s assistant, physical therapy, athletic training, and speech language pathology programs, and so much more. It is a hub for future healthcare professionals to collaborate and innovate. Seton Hall prepared me to earn and complete a clinical rotation at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, where I got to learn from some of the best OTs in pediatrics. I graduated, and now I have jobs that join my passions. I work as an assistant cheerleading coach here at Seton Hall and as a full-time pediatric OT. I love every minute of it, and I owe so much to Seton Hall University. Back to you, Alex.
– Great story, Katalyna. The Interprofessional Health Sciences campus is truly amazing. And the way all students in different healthcare fields get to collaborate and work together in these high-tech, state-of-the-art simulation labs and facilities really is a game changer, and they will surely make Seton Hall students like you stand out and deliver the best patient care, which is awesome. Thanks again.