Grateful Student, Future Donor

Glendale Community College (GCC) is a place where dreams are nurtured and transformed into reality.

Natalie Dawoodi, a dedicated and ambitious student, shares her inspiring journey and the pivotal role GCC has played in shaping her academic and personal growth.

She is a prime example of a student who benefits from GCC’s generous supporters.

Dawoodi’s story began as a high school student contemplating her future. She weighed the options of attending a four-year university or starting her educational journey at a community college.

“I took a few classes at GCC during high school and witnessed the amazing community here,” Dawoodi shares. “I also looked at the transfer rates from GCC to top four-year institutions and realized that my chances of attending a prestigious university were much higher if I started here. It was an easy choice for me.”

Dawoodi says her journey at GCC has been remarkable. As an involved student, she has taken advantage of the numerous resources and supportive community at the college. She has also been highly involved in student government, even serving as the president, which she says enhanced her learning outside of the classroom.

“GCC has an array of resources, whether you need academic support, mental health assistance, job opportunities, or volunteering experiences. The campus offers a sense of community and collaboration, which is incredibly important to me.”

Dawoodi considers the symbolism of bridges on campus, including the name of the college’s capital campaign, “Bridge to Excellence,” which is geared toward building top-of-the-line facilities for athletics, science, and performing and media arts.

...realized that my chances of attending a prestigious university were much higher if I started here. It was an easy choice for me."

“We actually physically have a bridge from our parking lot to the campus. We really are about having a bridge from going to the community college to wherever you’re going next,” she says, adding, “That is exactly what GCC stands for. They are that bridge that guides you to whatever you’re doing next, whatever that may be.”

Dawoodi reflects on the impact donors have on students and says she applauds their generosity, and that she plans to give back to GCC when she can.

“I would absolutely want to do that one day, to give back to a community that did so much for me,” she says. “Donors play a big factor in giving back. They have helped so many students financially. I would love to do that one day.”

Contributions and continued support from donors make a profound difference in the lives of students like Natalie. Investing in their education allows them to achieve their dreams and create a brighter future for themselves and their communities.

To learn more about Glendale Community College and how you can make a difference, visit www.glendale.edu/donate or call (818) 551-5201.