STUDENT STORIES
Through the generosity of our donors, students at Grossmont and Cuyamaca Colleges receive the support they need to pursue their educational dreams. Read their stories below.
Roxio Pina
Culinary Arts · Grossmont College
After her life shifted during the pandemic, Roxio decided to return to college to pursue her passion in Culinary Arts, specifically in the baking and pastry field. After researching the different culinary programs in San Diego, she landed on Grossmont College and is loving learning from renowned industry professionals. Her goals are to open her own bakery one day, creating pastries and sweet treats that reflect her Dominican heritage.
“I want to thank members of my community for being so generous. It’s incredible to see leaders being so giving to others so that they can pursue their dreams and hopefully one day give back to the community as well.”
Scholarship received: Friendly Feast Scholarship
Keanu Huezo
Music · Cuyamaca College
A music major at Cuyamaca College, Keanu is studying to pursue a career as a music teacher. Though he’s employed by his family’s restaurant, Keanu had to cut his hours during the semester due to his demanding course load, making it difficult to afford his classes and the required music lessons needed for a music degree.
“It is really exciting to receive a scholarship! It definitely lifts some weight off my shoulders and encourages me to keep moving forward to complete my associate’s degree. I feel empowered and I’m extremely humbled to receive such an award.”
Scholarship received: Music Majors Promise Plus Scholarship
Beth Rich
Center for Water Studies · Cuyamaca College
An adult re-entry student, Beth chose to make a career shift to something more stable after the pandemic. She discovered Cuyamaca College’s Center for Water Studies program after attending a Women in Water event and decided to pursue a career in the water industry.
“Receiving a scholarship takes the financial burden off and gives me some breathing room, enabling me to avoid dipping into my depleting savings to pay for school and books.”
Scholarship received: Watton Scholarship
Isla Moss
Theatre Arts · Grossmont College
During the pandemic, Isla lost one of her two jobs, forcing her to rethink her career choices and reconsider her life dreams. Losing a job ended up being a blessing in disguise as it gave her an opportunity to pursue her passion in Theatre Arts. An aspiring performer enrolled in the Theatre Arts program at Grossmont College, Isla hopes to bring a positive impact to the arts community in San Diego.
“I want to express my deepest gratitude for this scholarship. It’s because of generous donors like you that I am able to pursue a college degree. With this scholarship, I know I am supported by my community and it truly means the world to me.”
Scholarship received: Friends of the East County Arts Scholarship
Jason Bell
Respiratory Therapy · Grossmont College
Jason knows that being a father, a small business owner and a full-time student is no easy task. Out of high school, Jason did not want to go to college, so he joined the Army. Following his service, he worked odd jobs but once he started having children, going back to school became more of a priority. He started going to college part-time for about six years at Grossmont College, chipping away at prerequisites for the Respiratory Therapy Program before finally being accepted.
“Being selected to receive a scholarship means that someone sees potential in you. Someone is willing to invest in you because they see that you might do something great, and that support from the community feels incredible.”
Scholarship received: San Diego Dietschman Fund Scholarship
Desiree Ramos
Liberal Arts · Cuyamaca College
An immigrant from Mexico and a first-generation college student, Desiree felt lost after graduating from high school. But after discovering Cuyamaca College, she knew it was the place she was meant to be. She found support from Together We Rise Center’s peer mentors and was grateful for everyone on campus who helped her ease into college from high school. Desiree dreams of being a high school teacher and plans on getting her psychology degree for transfer.
“Thanks to this scholarship, I am one step closer to achieving my goals. Being a first-generation college student, this scholarship is a huge boost to my confidence.”
Scholarship received: Tommy Hill Scholarship
Shaquita Martinez
Business · Grossmont College
Shaquita came to Grossmont College in the fall of 2022 in search of completely starting over. Overcoming many adversities and hardships in life, Shaquita is putting in the hard work to improve her life for her and her family. With support from professors, counselors, and programs like Justice Scholars and Umoja, Shaquita is building the solid foundation she needs to keep going and reach higher in life. Pursuing a career in business, she hopes to one day work as a Human Resources professional.
“To donors that make scholarships possible, I want to say thank you very much. Thank you for caring about other people in the world like me. This scholarship means that my actions to improve are being recognized and it’s very motivating. I will make you proud!”
Scholarship received: Glaske Family Scholarship
Dominic Campos
Center for Water Studies · Cuyamaca College
Dominic Campos is a student in the Center for Water Studies program at Cuyamaca College. Currently working and going to school full-time, Dominic is spending the majority of his income on food and gas. With gas prices rising and commuting from Chula Vista to Rancho San Diego for school and Poway for work, Dominic was worried about how he would continue to afford the significant expense.
“I was very excited when I was notified that I received a scholarship. It hasn’t been the easiest for me financially, so I am very thankful for the support. I am definitely going make the most of my scholarship funds to achieve my career goals.”
Scholarship received: Watton Scholarship
Slomith Castellon
Psychology · Grossmont College
A Grossmont College Psychology major, Slomith is currently working as a Special Education Classroom Assistant and plans to pursue a career in developmental psychology, helping children who have witnessed or have been part of a crime. Transferring to San Diego State University, her goal is to obtain her bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in criminology, then pursue her master’s.
“Receiving this scholarship feels like a huge achievement for me and my family. Being a first-generation college student, I want to sincerely thank donors for allowing me to continue my education and for demonstrating that it is possible to achieve big things if one puts in the hard work and determination.”
Scholarship received: Peggy Gray Spanninga Transfer Scholarship
Mercedes Lopez
Exercise Science · Grossmont College
Mercedes is pursuing a degree in exercise science and hopes to become an athletic trainer. A volleyball player at Grossmont College, Mercedes has earned a few scholarships during her time as a student athlete.
“What may seem like a small gesture to donors is actually a big blessing to students that receive the support. I want to send a really big thank you to all the donors who help support students like me.”
Scholarship received: Grossmont College Promise Plus Scholarship
Alyssa De Paz
Music · Cuyamaca College
A music major at Cuyamaca College, Alyssa plans to transfer to a 4-year university to earn a degree in music education. With a passion for music and education, she plans to combine her skills to teach music to future generations.
“I want donors to know how appreciative and thankful I am for supporting me through my collegiate journey. Even though I do not know who they are, they took a chance on me and boosted my confidence. I will never forget their kindness.”
Scholarship received: Samuel M. Ciccati Music Majors Promise Plus Scholarship
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