Certificate/ Degree: AA-T in Sociology 

 Transfer College & Major: San Jose State University, Sociology; Race and  Ethnic Studies

 What is your GCC transfer story?
I first applied to GCC right out of High School in 2008, but after completing my assessments I did not register for classes. Instead, I chose to go to LAVC during the Spring of 2009. This did not last because I joined the Marine Corps in April of 2009. Throughout the next decade I served in the Reserves, I worked full-time (sometimes more than one job at a time), and I was in and out of community college for various reasons. Finally, in the Summer of 2019, I decided to quit a good job at Kaiser Permanente so that I could return to school full-time. I enrolled at GCC in the Fall of 2019, and the rest is History. I took History 115 with Professor Maite Peterson and I believe that this course had a tremendous impact on me. She became my mentor and she recruited me to be a founding member of the History Students Association (HSA). Since then I have been involved in campus life, virtually. In the Fall of 2020 I proudly joined the Black Student Union (BSU) and signed on as Secretary, a position I've held to this day. I have been a part of and attended many great virtual events which have been put together by BSU and the Multicultural & Community Engagement Center (MCEC). I have done well in my classes and I've learned so much about my communities along the way. The only thing I regret is that we did not read enough writers of color in my English courses. I believe that it was no accident that I attended GCC because this is the school that lead me to the place I'm in now, which is on pace to graduate from a community college and to transfer to a 4-year university. Finally!

How did GCC help you get where you want to be?
GCC's faculty and staff within organizations like MCEC, the History department, and the Sociology department, guided my passion for Social Justice and provided inspiration to live up to their respective legacies. For the first time in my life, I felt like I belonged to groups that are truly making a difference for people of my communities. I know that GCC still has a long way to go to make the campus more equitable for all students, but I want to believe that my involvement in clubs like BSU, La Communidad, and Estudiantes Unidos has made a difference over the last two years. I'm incredibly grateful and proud of my experiences at GCC.

How did GCC influence your life and career?
The one person most responsible for the current trajectory of my career goal is History Professor Maite Peterson. She was the first GCC instructor who made an impact on me because she challenged typical History curriculum by exposing us to stories of rebellious Women of color whose stories often go untold. Her passion for the subjects that were covered in her class was very inspiring. In the Winter session of 2020, during one of her History 111 lectures I realized that I wanted to become a community college professor just like her. I realized in that moment that if I could make an impact on just one student in the manner that she has made an impact on me, my life will be fulfilled and I will have made a real difference. Professors like Fabiola Torres, Sandy Somo, and Richard Kamei have also made lasting impressions on my journey. Their insights and ways of teaching have inspired me to want to be as competent and transformative of an educator as they are. Needless to say, it has been the work of great professors and wonderful people in supportive services at GCC who have influenced my life in a way that will forever help me lead by example and which allow me to know that I, too, can make a difference in students' lives.

Shout-outs and Words of Wisdom?
I want to thank Alexandra Evans for all of her efforts and dedication in guiding me through the petition for graduation and transfer process, as well as with La Communidad and BSU. She has been the one counselor who has made me feel heard and cared for. I want to thank David Crawford, Hoover Zariani, and Nane Kakosian from MCEC for their guidance and support. I want to thank my classmates Sydney Simpers, Hillary Mentaze, Nicole Garrett, Tanya Hairston, Trinity Sneed, and Tatiana Calle for always inspiring me and motivating me to be the best person I can be. I want to thank Professors Fabiola Torres, Richard Kamei, and the History & Sociology Departments for the important classes that have been so impactful to me during my time at GCC. I especially want to thank my mentor, Professor Maite Peterson for her continued guidance, wisdom, and selfless leadership. I celebrate you all today. If I can leave any words of wisdom for incoming and current students it is that the current timeline that you're on is perfect. These are great times, considering all the hate that still surrounds us. We have to live in the now because the past does not exist and the future is only in the imagination. All that is truly real is going on right now. So, do your best to enjoy the journey.

 Riley Center

 Certificate/Degree: AS-T in Administration of Justice

 Transfer College & Major: Western Carolina University, Criminal Justice

 What is your GCC transfer story?
Glendale has been the greatest choice of my Academic and Athletic Career. I have been able to learn how to become a complete student as well as a complete Athlete. I came to GCC to try a new sport and see if I could transfer as a student athlete. I am now signed and will be transferring to a Division One University to finish my degree as well as compete proudly as an athletic transfer from GCC.

How did GCC help you get where you want to be?
GCC has helped me get to where I want to be because of the endless amount of opportunity. GCC's professors are amazing at taking the time to care for each and every student to make sure they are successful. The Glendale College athletic program is always working to help its athletes as well as to create a "Champions Mindset". This perfect union of academic success and an amazing athletics program creates champions on and off the field.

How did GCC influence your life and career?
When I got to Glendale College, Coach Lopez and his assistants cared about my future, they set goals for me, they trusted me to be a Captain as a freshman and even awarded me the Most Inspirational Award at the end of my freshman season. My throws coaches, Matt and Anthony Osherow, saw my potential in my new sport and guided me to success. Coach Lopez and the rest of the Track Coaches pushed me to levels I had never thought possible. At Glendale College I have learned a lot. I have learned to be a better student; from the amazing professors I have had and from the constant push to stay on top of deadlines and class work from Ms. Rimmer and Coach Cicuto, to the amazing educational paths and goals put into motion by Molly Mercer and the rest of the counseling team. I have learned to become an all-around “ATHLETE”, because of the hard work mentally and physically that our Athletic Trainers, Jose and Claudia, and their amazing crew of volunteers have invested in me. I have been able to become a better leader and a role model while working with our, Vaquero Athletic and Academic Leadership Team (VAALT). VAALT has allowed me to be able to share my story of personal, athletic, and academic growth during this pandemic alongside an amazing group of gifted athletes

Shout-outs and Words of Wisdom?
My major shout-outs are to the entire athletic department for all they have done to get me to the next chapter of my life, and for that I am forever grateful. Most Importantly, I want to thank my head Coach Eddie Lopez, assistant Coach Tomas Aguirre, My throws Coaches Matt and Anthony Osherow, our amazing Athletic Trainers, Jose Gomez as well as Claudia Orejuela, and our Athletic director Chris Cicuto.

 Erick Florian

Certificate/Degree: AA-T in Sociology

Transfer College & Major: CSUN & Sociology

What is your GCC transfer story?
Glendale Community College was a great start for once graduating from High school. GCC has prepared me to succeed in upper-division courses by taking college classes in the winter and summer sessions to prepare myself for the rigorous schedule and coursework of a university. In addition, I know I will be able to succeed in my studies and thrive at Cal State Northridge. I am so excited to further my education and take my confidence and ambition with me wherever I go.

How did GCC help you get where you want to be?
GCC has benefited me in my academic and social life, by just making sure I had the proper resources to be able to continue my education and for me to finish within two years. In addition, GCC has provided me with many resources such as having tutoring and having math counseling every week. Math counseling is an important factor in my education because math has always been a difficult subject for me. By having counseling for math, I became more organized in the way I studied and learned strategies such as timing myself on practice quizzes, taking notes for the things I do not understand, studying math for two hours a day or any other subjects, and most importantly asking for help when I need it. Furthermore, through my two years at GCC, GCC has helped me through so much even during the pandemic such as the Transfer Center helping me complete my applications. Overall, I am thankful for GCC getting me through these two years and being able to help me accomplish my goal.

How did GCC influence your life and career?
GCC influenced my life by giving me confidence and ambition. These words best describe me because even though there were times that I struggled as a student, I never gave up on myself or my education. I know I can accomplish anything I put my mind to, which is why I made it a goal to graduate from community college in two years with an Associate Degree for Transfer in Sociology. In order for me to accomplish my goal, I had to overcome many obstacles such as dealing with my learning disability during online school. Having confidence is what allowed me to persevere through these difficult times. Believing in myself is what allowed me to persevere through online school with my learning disability. Applying confidence to my academics will allow me to face challenges with positivity and capability.

Shout-outs and Words of Wisdom?
While attending GCC, classes that inspired me to help me in my learning journey would be my sociology classes and my first two professors that also inspired me in my learning journey would be Professor Sapra and Professor Kamei. Both of these professors inspired me in so many ways in my learning journey such as pursuing a profession in sociology. In addition, Sociology inspired me because it showed me the many problems society faces and the social crises in today's world. It also made me realize that I love to help people get the help they need, and that I have a passion for ensuring equal rights for everyone.