GRAD Spotlight: Anisa Oza

June 21, 2022 - 02:12 PM

GRAD SPOTLIGHT is a series highlighting our 2022 graduates' stories. The series runs on the Mt. SAC social media channels Instagram and Facebook. 

When Anisa Oza steps onto the UC Riverside campus for the first time this September, the Mt. SAC transfer student will be considered a junior... as a 17-year-old.

She earned a high school degree and a college degree simultaneously at the Mt. SAC Early College Academy in West Covina.

“I am really grateful for the opportunities offered to me by Mt. SAC to receive a head start in my education,” Anisa says. “I am also really grateful for all the professors that gave me the extra time I needed to succeed in a college class as a high school student.”

As a high school student, she aced over 70 college units on her way to earning a degree in administration of justice and getting accepted into the Mt. SAC Honors Program. Anisa also was actively involved in leadership and community service.

“I received the Senior Medallion award, one of the highest distinctions seniors can receive for leadership, community service, and academic accomplishment,” she says. “Throughout high school, I’ve served as student body president twice, and vice resident (another time). Some clubs I’ve been part of include the National Honors Society, Mu Alpha Theta (a national math honor society), and have even started my own club: Junior State of America (a national youth, non-partisan political organization for students to discuss and debate politics).”

Anisa will put her degree to work immediately this summer when she interns at the Los Angeles District Attorney’s office. At UCR, she plans to finish her business administration degree and minor in political science and public policy. Despite her age, Anisa has seemingly figured out her future.

“I hope to join organizations and work on projects that tackle social justice issues,” she says. “After those, I plan to attend law school and work as an attorney.
“I am confident in my success as I continue my education at UCR due to the resources and college classes I have been equipped with as a student at the Mt. SAC (Early College Academy).”