Mt. SAC students share success stories on path to graduation

June 09, 2025 - 12:58 AM

Graduating from Mt. SAC is an important and exciting milestone for our students, and each has a different journey on how they arrived at Commencement. 

Here's some of those stories:

PRIYA GEORGE

Priya George has only been at Mt. SAC for a year, but she is already leaving.

It’s not that college classes weren’t for her, but rather she quickly completed her degree and is transferring to UC Berkeley this summer.

“I graduated from high school just last year,” the Business Administration major says, “and although this was my only full year at Mt. SAC, I also took dual enrollment courses while in high school.”

While in high school, Priya watched her peers pick next-level institutions and couldn’t help but notice the gravity of her decision.

“Coming from a highly competitive high school, I felt pressure to attend a prestigious four-year university immediately. But choosing Mt. SAC was the best decision I’ve made,” she says. “It saved me tens of thousands of dollars and gave me the chance to grow, learn, and transfer on my own terms.” 

Priya’s terms now include a passion for studying business, something that wasn’t in her initial plans.

“I applied to universities as a Computer Science major and was waitlisted at nearly every school,” she says. “At the time, it was disappointing, but in hindsight, it was a blessing in disguise. I realized that while I enjoyed coding, my true passion lay elsewhere. My growing love for economics led me to pivot toward business, and that’s what brought me to Mt. SAC.”

Priya made sure to maximize her time at Mt. SAC.

 “Though my time here was short, I made the most of it. I prioritized in-person classes whenever possible because my favorite part about studying business is the collaboration. I wanted to get to know other students who are eager to share ideas and network.,” she says. “At first, I worried I might feel left out seeing my high school peers head straight to four-year universities. But I ended up loving my experience here so much that part of me wishes I could stay longer. The professors, the opportunities, and the community completely changed how I view success.”

And what is that view of success, Priya?

“To me, graduating from Mt. SAC represents more than just earning a degree,” she says. “It’s a combination of years of hard work and the support of my family, friends, and mentors. It’s also a celebration of the second chances this school gave me, and a reminder that success doesn’t have to follow a traditional path.”

Priya’s path will take her to the graduation stage on Friday at the 2025 Commencement and then to the Haas School of Business at UC Berkeley, which getting into, she says, “has been my proudest academic achievement so far.”

“I’m also honored to be a recipient of Mt. SAC’s Student of Distinction scholarship for Academic Excellence,” says Priya, who graduates with a 4.0 GPA. “Additionally, my friends and I were finalists in the annual Tri-College Business Pitch Competition between Mt. SAC, Norco, and Cerritos College.”

As Priya explores the fields of business during her next chapter, she offers some wisdom to current and future Mounties.

“Taking advantage of the countless opportunities and programs at Mt. SAC was the only reason I was able to obtain my degree and transfer as fast as I did,” she says, crediting the Honors Center, Promise+ Program, and Transfer Center as invaluable support for her. “If I were to give advice to any incoming students, it would be to get plugged into campus resources as soon as possible.” #MtSACgrads

ELLEANNA RAMOS

Prior to splashing down here at Mt. SAC, Elleanna Ramos found herself treading water.

She had been competing in the pool as a swimmer since the age of 6, but took a two-year break to dry off and refocus.

“I had to make the hardest decision of taking a break from something I had loved for so long,” Elleanna says. “Swimming had been my life and to even take a year off made me feel like I was throwing away my potential. However, I had to do what was best for myself and take a break for the next two years. In that time period, I had missed racing so much but never thought I would be able to swim in college.”

As she got her feet wet as a Mountie, Elleanna found a passion in the classroom by utilizing  the Honors Program. 

“By enrolling in the Honors Program, I was able to connect with one of my professors who inspired my interest and motivation to study psychology,” Elleanna says. “My passion for psychology and mission to be of service to others emerged. While researching for careers in the field of psychology, I knew that I wanted to work with kids because I had experience as a swim instructor for four years as well as three years of experience as a swim coach.”

With a head first dive into a promising career, Elleanna took the plunge to reignite her swimming career after meeting with Women’s Swimming assistant coach Lani Ruh for the first time.

“No matter how good or bad my swim times were, (Coach Ruh) saw my potential and let me on the Mt. SAC swim team with open arms. My passion for swimming had come back like a spark that lit a fire. The rest is history; literally, we made history.

“I can proudly say I was a part of Mt. SAC’s first ever women’s swimming state championship in the history of Mt. SAC Athletics. As a freshman at Mt. SAC, I became a three-time South Coast Conference Champion, became the school-record holder in my favorite individuals the 100, 200, and 50 yard butterfly (the 100 butterfly record being from 1980), and was named an All-American student-athlete. This season, I am two-time South Coast Conference Champion, broke the SCC meet record in the 200 fly, and became a three-time State Champion.”

In addition to her accolades in the pool. Elleanna has piled up the hardware in her studies as well. On Friday at Commencement, the Student of Distinction winner with a 3.9 GPA will accept both of her earned degrees in Psychology and Social & Behavioral Sciences, and will continue her journey in the pool and classroom by transferring to college in San Diego where she will continue studying in the field of psychology and advance her record-setting swimming career at the upper collegiate level.

“Graduating from Mt. SAC is a celebration of my accomplishments, hard work, and journey here at Mt. SAC,” she says. “Some may say that community college is just a small step in your path toward success, but I feel that my most successful moments so far were here at Mt. SAC. Moments like representing my school in my sport, finding my passion for Psychology, and making so many new friends. I truly feel I have left a mark here at Mt. SAC, and it has become a second home for myself.” #MtSACgrads

VICTOR SIERRA

Victor Sierra gave his all serving in the United States Marine Corps for eight years.

He was deployed on five combat tours during his military career, worked with special operation groups, and bonded with fellow servicemembers over a mutual desire to go back to college.

Victor, however, found returning to civilian life not to be an easy transition, especially since he was dealing with the fallout of losing “90 percent of my platoon to IED strikes, gun shots, and suicide.”

“I was medically discharged due to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), pulled back into the gang life after my discharge and incarcerated due to physical violence stemming from my PTSD,” he says. “I went through a difficult divorce, after two miscarriages, and spent months in a mental health facility.”

One year ago, Victor found himself at his lowest point in a dark corner of a Veterans of Foreign Wars bar in Ontario, contemplating taking his own life.

In that moment, Victor recalled the conversations about returning to school he had with his fellow servicemembers.

“I made a pledge that I would fulfill the promises my marines made to a higher power on their behalf,” he says. “In honor of their memory, I reluctantly decided to go to Mt. SAC.”

To say Victor has honored their memory would be an understatement.

He earned the Student of Distinction award for Personal Achievement, received three scholarships last year, is a member of the Salute Veterans Honor Society, made the Dean’s List, holds a 3.2 GPA, and is the President of the Student Veterans of America at Mt. SAC.

He plans to continue his collegiate journey all the way until he earns a Doctorate in Education.

“First of all, it's a major accomplishment to be a first-generation college student,” says Victor, who will be transferring to Cal State Los Angeles. “Second, it brings me joy to know that all my mother’s hard work and sacrifice never went unnoticed and gave me motivation to make her proud. Third, it gave me confidence that I never had in high school to actually believe that I could actually go to college and graduate.” #MtSACgrads

MEGAN LOHANS

Megan Lohans admits her life now seems pretty normal from the outside. She’s a 40-year-old single mother to a 4-year-old daughter, and they live in suburban West Covina, complete with a pug.

“At first glance, I might look like your normal, everyday, Subaru-driving middle-class soccer mom,” she says.

While everything is greener on her side of the fence these days, Megan remembers her not-too-distant past that reminds her of how far she has come.

“Six years ago, a permanent residence was a completely foreign concept to me, and I instead existed floating between cheap motels and a tent under the underpass of the 101 Freeway,” she says. 

As she bounced around, Megan was also getting in trouble with the law and dealing with her inner demons.

“My crimes had reached far beyond the petty theft here and there that they began as,” she says. “They increased in severity as my moral judgement decreased due to struggles with severe mental health and addiction issues. I had progressively only gotten worse and worse.”

All of her problems were compounded exponentially when she learned she was going to be a mother.

“I eventually found out I was two weeks pregnant while sitting on the floor of a Los Angeles County jail,” Megan says. “I was facing giving birth in prison with a 12-year sentence over my head. Luckily, I was given a grace I probably didn’t deserve. I made a deal that included six months of residential treatment, followed by 18 months intensive outpatient and five years of probation.”

Using motherhood as the best motivation to stay on the straight and narrow, Megan started at Mt. SAC. First, she finished her high school education on campus and then dove into her college units. She, naturally, focused on an Addictions Counseling degree and finished the certification program in just over a year.

“I have a 4.0 GPA and have been on the President’s List every semester my entire Mt. SAC career,” Megan says. “I have served as student justice for Associated Students and am a member of both the on-campus honor society and Phi Theta Kappa.”

She will be transferring to Cal Poly Pomona with a laundry list of awards and scholarships to her name. Megan was named one of the winners of the prestigious Jack Kent Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship, was awarded a Student of Distinction Award in Personal Achievement, won a Mt. SAC Foundation Associates Scholarship, earned the Esther and Edward Walters Merit Scholarship, and took home the Yen Family Scholarship.

She credits the support she received being a Rising Scholar that rallied her all along the way during this part of her educational journey.

“I never would have imagined that being previously incarcerated would have helped far more than it would negatively impact me, but that is exactly what it has done for me ever since I stepped foot on campus,” Megan says. “What has always been an obstacle became a source of community, inspiration and motivation. Being a parent scholar, especially a single parent scholar, is not an easy task, but I have never been alone in my time here. I have always had a committed group of people I could rely on, and even though I did not necessarily have the most active on-campus role at times I have always known I could just drop by unannounced in the Rising Scholars office if I ever needed support.”

Megan has completed 2,240 supervised hours as an addictions counselor, passed the state exam and is now licensed with the state. She also will continue her comeback story at Cal Poly Pomona in the Fall.

“Graduating Mt. SAC means accomplishing the impossible,” she says. “I had a judge tell me once that he would bet his robes that I would never make it out of Skid Row. But I did make it out, and I have made it so incredibly far since then. This is the end of this chapter and the beginning of a new one. I may be graduating from here, but I am going to a new school, and chasing a new dream because I no longer limit myself to labels that have been placed upon me. My mistakes no longer define me, and my past no longer limits me.

“Graduating Mt. SAC to me is proof that there is no obstacle that cannot be overcome, no hill that cannot be climbed.” #MtSACgrads

YUE WU

Yue Wu and her family came to the United States as immigrants just about three years ago.

Even though she has not been in the country very long, Yue has made big strides in her education, and it started by mastering the biggest obstacle in her path: the language barrier.

“Like many immigrants, I first took ESL courses to improve my English,” she says. “Although I only studied in ESL for about three months, this learning experience left me with many good memories. During this period, my English improved significantly, and I was fully adapted to the teaching environment in the United States.” 

Once she grew comfortable with her educational environment, Yue started forging her path toward a degree and a career.

“I will receive an associate's degree in natural science,” says Yue, who is still waiting for a final admission result on her transfer school (UCLA and UC Irvine are her dream schools). “However, this is not the end of the road for me. I am still working hard to transfer to a four-year university and obtain a bachelor's degree in nursing. Whether it is a degree in natural science or nursing, I think it is inseparable from a serious learning attitude, the courage to overcome difficulties, and perseverance.”

While she mentions overcoming difficulties, Yue has produced results that one could argue she made look easy.

“Throughout my time at Mt. SAC, I’ve consistently demonstrated the ability to balance work and study. I’ve maintained a 4.0 GPA and have earned a place on the President’s List every semester,” she says. “I have been named Outstanding Student in Chemistry on several occasions and won a place in the annual Chemistry Competition. Most recently, I was honored as Mt. SAC’s Student of Distinction in the Academic category, one of the college’s highest recognitions, which also included a scholarship award.”

Yue credits EOPS as one of the pillars of her success.

“EOPS is my favorite organization and has had a great impact on me,” she says. “The counselors in the organization have been helping me understand the transfer process, arranging my class schedule with me, and recommending various activities on and off campus. I couldn't have completed the transfer course faster and better than originally planned without their help.”

Mt. SAC has provided her with the tools and assistance she needs to be a success now and in the future.

“The learning process at Mt. SAC is a process of continuous accumulation and improvement for me,” Yue says. “For me, graduating from Mt. SAC means that I have the ability to start a new learning journey. The knowledge I have gained and the solid foundation I have laid at Mt. SAC will help me face new challenges calmly in a new learning environment and continue to move towards my goals.” #MtSACgrads

VANESSA OBASI

Vanessa Obasi started at Mt. SAC just four months after moving with her family to the United States.

As an international student born and raised by Nigerian Igbo parents in the Czech Republic, she had to make quick adjustments prior to starting classes in the 2022 Fall Semester, including studying in English rather than her native Czech.

“I had to learn how to navigate an unfamiliar culture while also balancing the responsibilities of being the oldest daughter,” Vanessa says. “At home, I take on a role similar to a second mom by helping raise my siblings, supporting my family, and setting an example. Juggling these roles alongside school and service has been difficult at times, but it’s also made me more resilient, compassionate, and grounded in my purpose.”

Her purpose on campus has been to make the most of every opportunity and to give back to her fellow students. 

“The highlight of (the 2025 Spring Semester) was starting a new club from scratch,” Vanessa says. “We had just returned from the National Society of Black Engineers conference, and we were feeling highly motivated to start a club that welcomed all Black and non-Black STEM scholars in a space where they could grow, thrive, and build their careers. Therefore, we decided to participate in Spring 2025 Join-A-Club to kickstart BEST club. To our surprise, our club won third place in the Join-A-Club competition.

“So far, we have had four successful club events, thanks to which we have gained 100 active members.”

The BEST club president also enjoyed her time being part of the Mt. SAC Rocket Team.

“I designed and launched a Barbie-themed rocket in the Mojave Desert, for which I earned my Level 1 High Power certification,” says Vanessa, a Computer Engineering major. “In the Spring, I continued with the Rocket Team, however, specifically I was on the Avionics sub-team, handling the flight data and tracking systems. There were three other teams: Propulsion, Structures, and Payload. We worked throughout the semester on building a rocket to submit for a rocket-launching competition alongside several universities across California.”

Back on campus, Vanessa worked as a math and physics tutor for both ASAC and MARCS, and as an office assistant for the Bridge Program. Her leadership contributions have been recognized through awards such as Inspiring Women of Mt. SAC 2025 and Student of Distinction 2025 in the Service category.

She also was awarded the Southern California Edison STEM Scholarship and will be transferring to San Diego State to continue studying Computer Engineering. Vanessa plans to gain more experience through internships and eventually wants to become an airline pilot. When she takes off to those greater heights, Vanessa will still look back at her time at Mt. SAC with a great fondness.

“I have gained a lot of experience and grown so much as a person through unique opportunities, such as conferences, and made many great friends,” she says. “Graduating from Mt. SAC means I am halfway done with my Computer Engineering degree, and while I will miss Mt. SAC, I also can’t wait for what lies ahead in the future.” #MtSACgrads

CHAZZ REYES

Ask Chazz Reyes about his academic performance in high school, and he will give a modest answer.

“I was never at the top of my class, but I was also never at the bottom; I was simply average,” he says. “Mt. SAC provided me with a clean slate; a chance to challenge myself academically and test what I’m capable of.”

Before taking any tests, Chazz used support from the STEP (Summer Transition Enrichment Program) and the Promise Plus programs to get himself ready to ace any challenge on campus. These programs are designed to ease the transition from high school to college and provide academic and financial support. 

“It has been a great asset to me throughout my time here,” he says of his choice to seek guidance. “I didn’t know what I was expecting, but I firmly believe that this was the best decision I made for myself.”

That decision has yielded results in and out of the classroom that are anything but middle of the road.

“Throughout my two years at Mt. SAC, I’ve maintained a 4.0 GPA and consistently made the President’s List each semester,” Chazz says. “My peers and I won first place in the General Chemistry Competition last year in May. I was the Inter-Club Council representative for the STEM Support Hub, showing up to meetings every month.

“My greatest achievement here, though, was earning the Students of Distinction in Academic Achievement award, which had a $2,000 prize, helping me pay for school.”

With a sterling GPA and scholarship awards in his pocket, Chazz will be transferring to Cal State Fullerton, plans to join the military through the ROTC, and then pursue a degree in law.

“I tell myself that I want to become a lawyer, but at the present moment, I actually enjoy taking over my father's business,” Chazz says. “There's so much I’ve learned as a business owner managing a business, and I hope not to put my father's hard work to waste. He has taught me so much. Hopefully, I can pursue both his business and becoming a lawyer as I move forward in life.”

As he continues forward, Chazz can look back at his time at Mt. SAC as a point in time when he finally spread his wings and learned to fly.

“It is a bittersweet feeling leaving Mt. SAC, but a necessary one,” he says. “My counselor said it’s like a bird leaving its mother's nest. I’ve grown so comfortable here that it’s hard to say goodbye. Despite that, though, I hope to apply what I learned here at Mt. SAC into my future, not just academically but as a person in a lifetime of learning.” #MtSACgrads

PAIGE FAST

Paige Fast is just at home in the pool as she is in the classroom.

The student-athlete from Boise, Idaho is a 16-time All-American swimmer at Mt. SAC, has held a 4.0 GPA, and earned two degrees.

“Graduating from Mt. SAC means a lot to me,” Paige says. “I worked all two years of college and juggled a lot. Graduating from Mt. SAC shows me that I am capable of doing a lot.” 

In addition to her time in the pool, Paige also kept the stats for both the men’s and women’s water polo teams at Mt. SAC while taking at least 12 units every semester on her way to graduation.

Her hard work won her the Student of Distinction award in the Competitive Category and earned her several scholarships.

“I’m beyond grateful for all the doors that Mt. SAC has opened up for me,” Paige says.

The next door she opens will lead to Biola University, where she plans to study to become an elementary teacher. But she will fondly remember walking through the entrance to Mt. SAC.

“I have met some lifelong friends and coaches that have acted as my family,” Paige says. “I’m very grateful for my time here at Mt. SAC, and I would not have done anything differently.” #MtSACgrads

JESSICA MORENO

Jessica Moreno has been a nomad for as long as she can remember.

“Growing up, my family moved often,” says Jessica, who has lived in El Monte, Whittier, Hacienda Heights, and Rowland Heights, to name a few. “During my freshman year of high school, we lost our home and spent the next eight years living in motels.”

While her mom emphasized the importance of her education, Jessica found it tough to focus on her studies. 

“Those years were difficult, and while I did my best in school, there were many days I couldn’t find the motivation to go,” she says. “I didn’t believe things would ever improve, until I started college at Mt. SAC.

“Being there gave me a purpose, and I made the decision to push forward and create a better life for myself and my family.”

Jessica still had to overcome obstacles on the road to campus.

“One of the main obstacles I overcame to get here was homelessness,” she says. “My family moved around a lot, and I had to learn how to navigate moving every 21 days while staying focused on homework and attending classes. I missed a lot of classes during my time at Mt. SAC because of the lack of stability with my living situation. Trying to make it from Anaheim to Walnut on the bus is a hard task, and I sometimes couldn’t overcome the dread that came before the four-hour bus ride to get to school, so I wouldn’t go.

“Despite the obstacles I’ve faced, I know that it’s made me a stronger scholar.”

With the help of the Bridge Program, Jessica was able to tackle her classes and earn scholarships she will be using when she transfers to Cal State Fullerton to continue studying for an English degree.

“The staff of the Bridge Program, both professional and student staff, have made a lasting impression on my life,” Jessica says. “I’ve become someone I never thought I could be with the support of the people in the Bridge Program, so I’m eternally thankful to them.”

As she reflects on her time here with all the late nights studying and semesters taking 15 units at a time, Jessica is beyond thankful for everything Mt. SAC has taught her.

“Graduating from Mt. SAC to me means beating the challenges that have come with being a lower-class first-generation student,” she says. “It’s knowing that the barriers that were placed in my life weren’t enough to stop me from succeeding. It makes me one step closer to getting a good job, so I can help my mom.

“I have the knowledge and the power to help myself now and in the future.” #MtSACgrads

AUDREY QI

Mt. SAC was not at the top of the list of schools Audrey Qi wanted to attend after high school.

But now that she has graduated and is about to transfer to UCLA, the aspiring nurse practitioner would not change a thing.

“While Mt. SAC was not initially my first choice, it quickly became a place of incredible growth and opportunity,” Audrey says. “From engaging deeply in campus life to finding support in and outside of the classroom, my experience here has far exceeded my expectations.” 

She earned high marks academically and filled out her resume with extracurriculars.

“I am honored to have been recognized as a 2025 Student of Distinction in the category of Academic Achievement,” says Audrey, who earned an Associate of Science in Natural Sciences. “I have worked hard not only inside the classroom but outside, trying to build a supportive community of pre-health students, which brings me to my involvement with the Caduceus Club.”

She credits that club – Mt. SAC’s pre-health student organization – with a big part of her transformation on campus.

“Under the incredible guidance of Dr. Carmen Rexach, our faculty advisor, the club became more than just an extracurricular – it became a second home,” says Audrey, who also was an active Honors Program student. “I had the privilege of serving in several leadership roles, including Communications Officer, Secretary, Speaker Care Co-Chair for the 14th Annual Health Professions Conference, and most recently, Conference Chair for the 15th Annual Conference.

“Through these roles, I gained valuable experience in project management, public speaking, and professional collaboration, while helping bridge the gap between hundreds of students, alumni, healthcare professionals, and the healthcare field. Dr. Rexach’s unwavering support and mentorship played a pivotal role in my development, not only as a student leader but as a future healthcare professional.”

She will use her leadership and learning momentum at her next stop: UCLA.

“After completing my Bachelor of Science in Nursing at UCLA, I plan to pursue advanced clinical training and ultimately become a nurse practitioner,” Audrey says. “I hope to contribute meaningfully to healthcare by combining evidence-based practice with compassionate patient care.”

The care and support Audrey plans to give her future patients is similar to the care and support she received on campus.

“I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to my professors, mentors, peers, and the incredible Mt. SAC community,” she says. “I would not be where I am today without the encouragement, resources, and opportunities I’ve been given here. This is just the beginning, and I carry with me the lessons and friendships that Mt. SAC has made possible.” #MtSACgrads

“I had a few obstacles that I had to overcome through this college journey,” the first-generation student says. “I am in recovery and have been for 44 months. I was in my active addiction for 45 years, in and out of prison, just going through the motions of life, hopeless, and not having a clue on how to live."

She says her life changed in late 2021 when she was sentenced to a drug treatment facility. There, Janice had a conversation with her probation officer who referred her to the Rising Scholars program at Mt. SAC and her healing process began. 

“My journey (at Mt. SAC) has been a part of this recovery,” says the 62-year-old, who hadn’t been in any form of school in 40 years prior to her restart. “When I first enrolled in school, I was not very computer savvy, as a student in the program of Rising Scholars, they became a family of resources, that walked me through navigating through this journey.”

The navigation was flawless, as Janice was able to build an academic resume that earned her the 2025 Student of Distinction and 2024 Most Inspiring Woman awards. She plans to utilize her scholarships studying to be an alcohol and drug counselor at Cal State San Bernardino.

“I would love to serve my community to bring hope to other individuals,” the Victorville native says. “I am going to continue striving to be the best version of myself that I can be.”

Janice is already the best version of herself for her family.

“While in school, I completed the treatment facility, got off parole and moved back to Victorville to reunite with my children, grandchildren, and mother,” she says.

She also can’t forget the family she made while receiving support on her way to earning a degree.