Shannon Ashcom

NEW!

Shannon Ashcom from Palm Springs is a full time student at CSUSB-Palm Desert campus. Shannon was born and raised in the Coachella Valley. She is the first generation in her family to attend college. Shannon currently works as a medical biller. Her goal is to obtain a BSN-RN working in ER or ICU. Shannon is also interested in obtaining a CRNA which qualifies her to perform as an anesthesia.Read More

Anna Baca-Reed

Pursing a career in retail management is the goal of Anna Reed. A resident of Thousand Palms, CA, she has returned to school, working towards an AA in Business Management in her first year at College of the Desert. Upon achieving that, Anna plans to transfer to Cal State to obtain a Bachelor's Degree in Business. Read More

Brenda Beets-Brown

Brenda Beets-Brown is a 50 year old single woman from La Quinta. Brenda is attending COD full time pursing a Liberal Arts degree in graphics design and is also interested in teaching art. Brenda is a first generation member of her family attending college. Brenda is a recovering alcoholic and realizes the need for an education in order to make a better life for herself. Brenda is a very determined woman as was evident in her goal to become a Girlfriend Factor recipient. She was turned down last year but came back with a focused educational goal. She is very excited to have her life back and is motivated by the hope of a new life through a college education. Read More

Dee Boyd

Dee Boyd, of Palm Desert, is currently attending COD with the long-range goal of becoming a counselor. Her journey has been de-railed several times by marriages, illness, and motherhood, but she is back on-track with renewed determination to reach her educational goals. She has learned from experience that education is the solution, not the problem. Read More

Viola Boyle

Viola Boyle of Desert Hot Springs is 32, married with two daughters ages 6 and 8. Viola is currently attending COD taking her prerequisites with the goal of being accepted into the RN program. She wants to specialize in labor and delivery. Viola lost her job last year as underwriter for an insurance company. She is very determined and realizes that she is an example to her children. They see her going to school and her greatest hope is that they understand that receiving an education is very important. Read More

Breanne Brewer

Breanne is a 26 year old single mother of 2 daughters and a son. She is a full time student at COD and has recently applied for the nursing program. Breanne’s longer term goal is to obtain a BS so she can become a registered nurse. Breanne works full time as a medical assistant and phlebotomist. She is very passionate about her career goals. She is determined to create a non-profit retirement home for the elderly who may need a positive, lovely, warm home. All three of Breanne’s’ references commend her self motivation, desire to become a better person, always positive and determined to reach her goal of becoming a RN.Read More

Toni Brown

Toni is a 26 year old single mother of an 8 year old son. She is currently a full time student at COD completing her prerequisites so she can apply for COD’s nursing program. She plans to get an AS in nursing with a longer term goal of attending CSUSB to become a registered nurse. When not attending school full time or working, she volunteers at the ABC recovery center in Indio. Toni is very interested in helping her community. She is currently working in the field as a medical assistant. Toni wants everyone to know that she is a perfect example of someone who has changed their life from hopelessness to unlimited possibilities!Read More

Christy Coe

Christy Coe is a 34 year old single woman from Indio. Christy is currently attending COD full time taking her prerequisites with the goal of entering the nursing program in 2010. Christy wants to become a surgical nurse. While attending COD she has been involved in various study groups as is proud of her ability to explain technical terms to other study group students. Read More

Anne Dumble

Anne is a 40 year old single woman who is the 1st generation in her family to attend college. She is a full time student at COD working towards her AS in Sociology. Her long term goal is to obtain a BS in Sociology so she can become a social worker. She currently holds a 3.66 GPA. Anne is interested in integrating women from prison and homelessness to productive living and happiness. When not attending school or looking for work she volunteers at the House of Hope and Martha’s Village. Anne received the honor of volunteer of the year in 2009 for all of her work at the House of Hope. Anne is very determined and will do whatever it takes to meet her educational goals.Read More

Lorena Giron

Lorena Giron is a 26 year old single woman living in Indio. She is currently attending COD as a full time student. She is the first generation in her family to attend college. Her goals are to receive and AS and then later transfer to Cal State to get a BS in Criminal Justice. She is also interested in the paralegal field. Lorena has recently been laid off and hopes to secure a position at the Indio court house. Lorena has always been interested in criminal justice as evidenced by the 10,000 hours she logged as a volunteer explorer through her high school. Read More

Margie Holland

Margie is a 58 year old single mother of a son. She is currently a full time student at COD. Her goal is to obtain a certificate in medical coding/billing and a longer term goal of obtaining her CEDAC certificate so that she can work as a counselor. She wants to specifically counsel at risk youth, the homeless and recovering addicts. Marjorie was previously employed as an in home supportive services caregiver. She is interested in a variety of activities; reading, writing, learning, music, nature and bible study. She strives to be the best mom she can be.Read More

Jennifer Hunt

Jennifer is a 25 year old mother of two children under the age of two. She is a 1st generation family member to attend college. She is a full-time student at COD and plans to transfer to CSUSB to obtain a BA in Nursing. She aspires to become an emergency room RN. After her mother suffered a major stroke, Jennifer spent the next 6 years caring for her mother. Jennifer has faced many obstacles in her young adult like and most recently was diagnosed with throat cancer. Jennifer’s desire to complete her degree was evidenced by the fact she came to the interview only two weeks after her surgery. She is a survivor!Read More

Lynn Kiley

Currently attending College Of The Desert, Lynn is in her second semester working towards her AS in Administration of Justice. She is a single mother of a 14-year-old son. She spent 14 years working with the Superior Court of Riverside County and realized that she really wanted more out of life. She recognized that a degree is necessary for a better paying job and to obtain the career she has chosen. Her long-term goal is to obtain a BA in criminal justice. She is currently working as an Administrative Assistant for Village Counseling. Lynn volunteers once a month at Martha's Village and believes we all have a responsibility to give back to our community. Read More

Carol Levinson

NEW!

Carol Levinson from Desert Hot Springs has recently been accepted into the nursing program at COD. Carol has raised 7 children and is now pursuing her dream of becoming a nurse. Carol is a full time student and is the first generation in her family to attend college. Carol has a longer term goal of obtaining her BSN. She wants to specialize in Oncology. Carol has been working for the past ten years as a caretaker.Read More

Antonia Mata

Antonia Mata, of Cathedral City, CA, is a full time student at COD pursing an AA with a longer term goal of obtaining a BA in Psychology. Her dream is to become a social worker helping troubled teens. Antonia is a single mother of two teenage daughters. She has overcome difficult obstacles in her life and is certain that one day she will make a difference in the lives of others. Antonia is a very determined woman and will do whatever it takes to meet her educational goals. Read More

Laura Mack

Laura Mack is a 32 year old single mother of a 4 year old son from Palm Desert. Laura is attending COD part-time taking her prerequisites with the goal of being accepted into the RN program in 2010 with a graduation date of 2012. She is interested in NICU or wants to be a flight nurse on the medivac helicopters. Read More

Mindy Miller

Mindy Miller is a 35 year old single woman with two sons from Palm Desert. Mindy is currently attending COD full time pursuing a nursing degree. She has a long term goal of obtaining a BS in nursing. She has been employed for the past 8 1/2 years at the Westin Mission Hills Spa. Read More

Danielle Palivos

Danielle Palivos is a 29 year old single mother of 3. She lives in Palm Desert and is currently a full time student at COD. She is pursuing a AS majoring in early childhood education with a longer term goal of obtaining a BS with an emphasis in social work. She wants to be an advocate for children. Danielle is very dedicated to her education as evidenced by the fact she has made the dean's list every semester since fall of 2009. Read More

Veronica Parra

Veronica Parra is a 30 year old single woman living in La Quinta with her sister and family. She is the first generation in her family to attend college. She is currently unemployed and while living with her sister she does what she can to help care for her sisters children and the home. Veronica currently attends COD full time with the goal of pursuing an AA and a longer term goal of obtaining a BS and becoming a CPA. Veronica is working hard to put her past behind her and become a better person. Her ability to succeed is high as she has surrounded herself with people who want her to be successful and who provide a positive support system. She is proud of her accomplishments and currently has a GPA of 3.3. Read More

Melissa Pilgrim

NEW!

Melissa Pilgrim from Palm Springs is currently attending COD part time in pursuit of an AA degree in Culinary Management. Melissa is our first "chef" and we have had the privilege of sampling some of her baked goods. Melissa is the first generation in her family to go to college. Melissa has struggled most of her life with medical issues. She feels as though she has been given a second chance in life.Read More

Margaret Reasor

Margaret "Missy" Reasor is a 31 year old single mother of 3. She is currently attending COD full time pursuing a certificate in Drug & Alcohol. Missy is a first generation in her family to attend college. After working through many personal obstacles I was fortunate enough to read these works "Above All, Try Something (Ben Franklin) which motivated her to take a risk and enroll in college. She is dedicated to her education goals in order to provide a better life for her children. Read More

Anna Maria Ryser-Gann

Anna Maria Ryser-Gann is a 41 year old single woman who lives in Indio. She is currently attending COD and hopes to transfer to Cal State where her goal is to become a Spanish Teacher for elementary school children. AnnaMaria is the first generation in her family to attend college. It is her desire to work hard and complete her degree and pass the torch on to my children as well as other females who are in like situations. Read More

Maryanne Rolph

Maryanne Rolph, of Palm Springs, is a 41 year old single mother of two sons. She is currently attending COD full time pursuing her goal of becoming an RN specializing in geriatric nursing. Her journey has been difficult but she is dedicated and motivated to improve her life and the lives of her children. Maryanne is the first member of her family to attend college. Read More

Kelli Roma

Kelli Roma, of Cathedral City, CA, is a full-time student at COD taking classes to pursue a degree in nursing. Kelli wants to work as a surgical nurse specializing in smile surgery for children. Kelli and her husband have two children ages six and three.

Kelli is the past president of the MOMS Club of Palm Springs/Cathedral City and is proud of the key role she played in raising $20,000 for the Natalie Tanner fundraiser. Read More

Adriana Rosas

Adriana Rosas is a 35 year old single mother of 5, including 2 foster daughters. Adriana and her children live in La Quinta. Adriana is the first generation in her family to attend college. She is currently a full time student at COD taking her pre-reqs with the goal of getting into the nursing program. She has a long term goal of becoming a RN. The current economy has impacted Adriana like many others, however she is full of energy and keeps the faith. While she has a way to go to realize her dream of becoming a nurse she is determined to realize her goal and to give back to her Hispanic community. Read More

Jackie Smith

Jackie Smith, of Desert Hot Springs, CA has returned to school to pursue a degree in drug and alcohol studies. She is currently enrolled at COD in her 2nd semester towards her AA. Her long-term goal is to obtain a BS in social work with an emphasis on becoming a counselor. Jackie is a single mother of two and she is raising her 5-year-old granddaughter. Jackie knows all about life's struggles but is a very determined woman. Jackie is currently employed by Riverside County as a caregiver. Her energy and enthusiasm toward life and her career goals are at the forefront of what she is all about. "My education is the key to my financial success," says Jackie. Read More

Debbie Suer

Debbie Suer, of Bermuda Dunes, is a full time student at COD pursuing her AA & CAADAC (California Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors) certificate. Debbie is a wife and mother of two adopted sisters, ages 5 and 8. Besides overcoming the grips of alcoholism 21 years ago, Debbie has seen more than her fair share of personal tragedies. Debbie looks to the future with a positive outlook knowing that what she is trying to accomplish will be in the best interest of her family and the community. She believes that things happen for a reason, and that when one door closes, another one opens. Read More

Vivian Suzuki

NEW!

Vivian Suzuki from Palm Springs in currently attending COD full time in pursuit of a business degree. Vivian is the first generation in her family to attend college. COD has an automotive certificate program and Vivian is hoping to become one of the instructors. Vivian has a long history and career with the automotive business and with her education and experience she want to share her knowledge so that others can learn.Read More

Lindsay Tarango

Lindsay Tarango, of Mecca, is a 28 year old divorced mother with three children. She is currently employed as a physical therapy aide. Lindsay is enrolled at COD as a part time student with the goal of becoming a registered nurse. Laurie has faced many struggles in her life but has never given up on wanting to provide a better life for her family. She is a survivor and will do whatever it takes to reach her goal of becoming a nurse. Read More

Jessica Van Beers

Jessica Van Beers, of La Quinta, a 25 year old married mother of two. She is currently attending COD full time pursuing her goal of becoming a labor and delivery nurse. Her career goal became a realization after her first child was stillborn. Through this tragic experience she has developed an admiral goal in life: to nurture and care for others as her family was nurtured and cared for. Read More