More Than a Promise Program

Transcript

Okay, let’s meet Kat. She found her way to Cerritos College because it offered an excellent education and a safe place to thrive. Kat has a remarkable story of passion, grit, and determination. Kat, share your story with us.

– Thanks for that intro, Alex. What’s up, everyone? Growing up as an only child, I was pushed towards higher education. By senior year, I was accepted into five universities and one community college. Unfortunately, at the same time, my mother was diagnosed with cancer. I decided that going to a university was not something I was ready for. I decided that Cerritos College was the best choice to save me money and be there for my mom. I joined the Cerritos Complete Promise Program that offered me two years free of college tuition. It helped me transition from a high school student to a college student. The staff from the Promise Program came to my school and assisted with application, financial aid, counseling, and much more. Thanks to the Promise Program, I was able to get my three degrees and one certificate in just two years. I now have my AA in small business management, AA in business entrepreneurship, a certificate in real estate, and a degree in criminal justice. After graduating in 2020, I transferred to Cal State Fullerton and earned my bachelor’s in criminal justice at just the age of 20. I wanted to pursue other career paths, so now I’m back at Cerritos College exploring my other interests such as theater, film, and law. Returning to Cerritos College has let me explore other passions. I was a wrestler in high school and now I’m part of the first Cerritos College women’s wrestling team. We are the first ever CCCAA Women’s Wrestling State Champions. I also work for educational partnership and programs, which handles the Cerritos Complete Promise Program where I get to help students like myself just like when I was in high school. I would have never imagined this school’s journey, but Cerritos College has always welcomed me back. That’s my story. What’s yours gonna be? Go ahead and take it back, Alex.

– Kat, that’s amazing. You are a true champion. Earning three degrees in less than two years and being part of the first ever women’s wrestling state champions team is an incredible accomplishment. Cerritos has really benefited you in so many ways and now you can soar to the next level.