Student Success
Every Student is a Success Story! Compton College helps students succeed and provides
personalized support to aid in the achievement of their educational and career goals.
We love sharing Compton College student/alumni stories and hope they inspire YOU to
create your own success story. We're here to help!
Dennis Masias is a first-generation college graduate who was raised by a single mother and turned
to his grandfather and uncle for guidance with the challenges in life. 
Lifelong Compton resident Anaise Miller views her ability to care for others as a gift from God. 
Growing up in Compton, Jonathan Ramirez was interested in art all through his younger years in school, finding many ways
to be creative with class assignments and other projects.
Tre Willingham was recently accepted to the Ph.D. program in applied physics at the University of
California, Irvine where he will begin the next phase of his studies this fall. 
Krystal Markovich earned three associate degrees at Compton College in English, arts and humanities,
and social and behavioral sciences.
When life gave her lemons, Karneisha Christian-Stewart literally used her father’s recipe to make lemonade
Compton College alumna Jamie Alvarez received three job offers before she graduated in December 2023 with her bachelor’s
degree in mechanical engineering from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. 
A Compton native and single mother, Skyy Sorrell is on track to graduate with an associate degree from Compton College in fall 2024
and plans to transfer to California State University, Dominguez Hills 
Compton College alumna LaToya Kennedy is one of three generations of family members who were educated at Compton College,
several of whom have selected careers in healthcare. 
Tiffany Arellano is a 2023 graduate who simultaneously earned both an associate degree from Compton
College and a high school diploma from Compton Early College High School. With two
years of college completed, Arellano transferred last fall to UCLA.
Compton College 2023 graduate Shyanne Bradley wants others to know that even in times of crisis, one can always change their circumstances.
The mother of two enrolled at Compton College in the summer of 2021 and graduated
in 2023 with three associate degrees.
Compton College student Crystal Moore is one of 10 student leaders selected for a 2023-2024 Dymally Institute Fellows program
in partnership with California State University, Dominguez Hills. 
Kendra Carnes served as the Compton Community College District (CCCD) student trustee during the
2022-23 academic year, taking the oath of office on December 12, 2022. 
A lifelong learner and student of life, Yahziq Ohmn-Drayden entered academia at the age of 40 by enrolling at Compton College in 2018. 
Compton College 2023 graduate Armando Arguello has played baseball since age 4 and has fulfilled his lifelong dream of becoming
a collegiate baseball player. 
Compton College 2023 Presidential Scholar Bryan Benitez transferred to the University of California, San Diego in fall 2023 to continue his
higher education after earning two associate degrees at Compton College while also
earning his high school diploma. 
Career changer Mayra Fuentes Pineda knew she wanted to work in the field of healthcare helping others, especially those
from underserved communities and Compton College provided the educational foundation
she needed to pursue a new career direction. 
“The professors at Compton College have inspired me to take the route of becoming
a college professor,” said Claudia Blandino, a 2021 graduate of Compton College who transferred to California State University,
Dominguez Hills (CSUDH) to continue her studies as a sociology major. 
Samantha Valle is devoted to her family, her studies, and her community, all of which drives her
and allows her to persevere through the challenges life presents to her. 
Ernest Wilkerson, Jr., has earned twenty certificates and four associate degrees in automotive repair at
Compton College. Growing up in Compton, college was the last thing on Ernest's mind.
Born and raised in Compton, Malachi Moore grew up playing football and going to Compton College to watch baseball games with
his brother. Together, they had big dreams. But in 2006, his brother lost his life
to gang violence. 
Desiree Sibrian knew a college education was the only way she would be able to secure a stable job,
increase her earnings, and expand her career opportunities. 
In Peru, Marx Guzman was passionate about biology—he loved watching his father work as a biologist. When
he moved to California, Marx knew he wanted to continue exploring the complexity of
living things. 
After 13 years of running a registered daycare out of her home, Yvonne Godfrey realized her limited education was also limiting her income. 
Raised in Compton by grandparents who were Compton College alums, Matthew Morris grew up in a community he loved and like many young men, dreamed of playing pro basketball.
Victoria Torres wanted a rewarding career that fulfilled her life, and Compton offered a supportive
path to get there. 
Browniesha Blackman has been a caring advocate all her life, but growing up in Compton, she felt powerless
as she watched her city struggle to unite.
Raised in Compton, Oscar Espinoza has always appreciated the values and opportunities in his community.
Although a thirty-year resident of Compton, Irlanda Bucio didn’t know that being a college student could not only help her build a better life but could also give her access to much-needed resources.
"As an undocumented student, I attended college during a time when I didn't know if I was going to make it or not. If it wasn't for DACA, I don't think I would have completed college," said Compton College alumni Miguel Quintero.
First-generation, non-traditional student Paul Medina was elected by his peers last spring to serve as ASG President for the 2022-2023 academic year.
Regina Washington is a non-traditional student who enrolled at Compton College with the goal of obtaining a degree in geology and a minor in computer science.
Just a few years ago, Jairo Salgado was grappling with issues of homelessness, substance abuse and incarceration. Today, he has a full-time job as a machine operator at Fastener Innovation Technology
Claudia Blue always knew she wanted to be a teacher. "Growing up, I knew that education was really important," she says. "I could see myself doing that forever."
Compton College alumna Cecilia Almeida was compelled to follow a specific career path when a tragic event occurred in her life. Eleven years ago, her father was murdered and his killer was never found.
When Ricky Robles first went to community college, he didn't know what he wanted to do with his life. He was interested in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) field, so he majored in computer science.
As a DACA recipient, Jose Gonzalez future was very uncertain in high school. "Higher education was a big question mark for me," he says. "I didn't know what I was going to do, because of my situation."
As the only woman in her automotive technology classes at Compton College, Compton resident Nicole Aguirre used the opportunity to challenge herself to perform at the top of her class.
Compton College student Sadia Escovar likes to share her student success story in hopes that it will inspire others to improve their quality of life. "I believe that I am meant to make a difference by helping others..."
"As a DACA student, I'm extremely grateful for the opportunities I've received." says Julio Reyes Cabezas, who is currently working toward his master's degree in counseling at Cal State Long Beach (CSULB).
Dakota McMahand was always taught that she should go to college. The first in her family to do so, it was an important milestone. What she lacked, however, was the how.
Jessica Ramos graduated from Compton College with an associate degree and was accepted to California State University, Dominguez Hills to major in business administration.
Enid Jai Wright graduated from Compton College in spring 2021 and was honored to be selected as the student speaker for the Commencement Ceremony.
Compton College alumna Irma Leyva is currently applying to master's programs at the California State University campuses in Dominguez Hills and Long Beach. She is considering a career as a social worker or a psychotherapy counselor.
Compton College student Queen Ashonti Juarez Ward has not let the many barriers and setbacks she has faced in her past stop her from achieving her life goals.
Steve Hsin is a non-traditional student that began his educational journey at Compton College in 2019.
Compton College sociology major Anthony Onwuegbuzia is one of only 27 students accepted in fall 2018 to the Community College to PhD (CC2PhD) Scholars program sponsored by a UCLA association.
Compton College student Benson Atkins is currently serving as the 2020-2021 student trustee for the Compton Community College District (CCCD).
Jonathan Minero enrolled at Compton College to turn his passion into a career after working for several years following his graduation from high school.
Compton College 2020 graduate Jonathon Riptoe was selected as the student speaker for the college's 2020 Commencement Ceremony.
Twin sisters Arielle and Zoe Hernandez are 2020 Compton College graduates with a passion for designing characters like those that appear in video games or animated shows.
Los Angeles resident Erik Aparicio graduated from Compton College with an associate degree in June 2020 and transfer to a local four-year university in fall 2020 to major in electrical engineering.
Compton College turned out to be the best place for Daniel Astorga to pursue his academic goals; he is now headed toward a career in medicine.
Oscar Miguel Gomez has aspirations to become an astronaut and Compton College is giving him the educational foundation to follow his career dreams.
"I want to thank Compton College from the bottom of my heart. I have made a turnaround in my life, and I feel like I'm winning," said Compton College student Majesty Goodlow.
Jamie Alvarez knows she has potential and does not let the barriers she has faced stop her from shooting for the stars, literally.
Amy Snyder is a 2019 recipient of the Ophelia Scott Memorial Scholarship, which is awarded to full-time nursing students who are entering their second semester of the Nursing Program with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Amy Torres is a non-traditional student who was looking for a short-term solution leading to a better-paying career. While she had started college many years ago, family obligations required her to interrupt her education to enter the workforce.
Yesenia Duarte is a 2019 Compton College graduate who transferred to California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) this fall as a chemistry major. She is interested in possibly pursuing a career as a forensic scientist.
Xavier Francisco Gutierrez graduated from Compton College in June 2019 with several associate degrees.
Brenda Rodriguez-Juarez graduated with an associate degree in June 2019 and is transferring to the UCLA this fall.
Faith Minor graduated with an associate degree in June 2018 and was selected as the student speaker for the 2018 Commencement Ceremony.
Ivan Vasquez graduated in June 2018, earning his associate degree in only three semesters while spending a good deal of that time on the Tartar soccer field
Ana Ruiz Bonaparte is a 2019 Compton College Presidential Scholar. She is a student at the Compton Early College High School.
Armida Ramirez is a 2019 Compton College Presidential Scholar. She graduated with an associate degree in June 2019.
Stephanie Arely Zacatares is a 2019 Compton College Presidential Scholar. She graduated fromCompton College with an associate degree in June 2019.
Ted Somers graduated with an associate degree for transfer in June 2019 with plans to transfer to a local four-year university to pursue a double major in psychology and behavioral science.
Compton native Alejandro Trujillo is a bright and thoughtful man who has had more than his share of adversity in his life.
Once Carlos Ornelas, a single father, made the decision to return to school, he jumped in with both feet.
Carolyn Scott took advantage of her strong educational foundation to return to school to pursue
a master's degree after more than a decade in the workforce.
Jannice Gamble was honored to serve as the student speaker for the 2015 Commencement Ceremony at
El Camino College Compton Center.
Political science major Justin Medrano, and legal studies minor, plans to one day attend law school.
When asked what advice he would give to new students at El Camino College Compton Center, Michael Daugherty simply said, "Anything is possible!"
The day that Terrance Stewart enrolled at El Camino College Compton Center was a day that would change the course of his life for the better.
Math anxiety had plagued Tywanna Davis since she was in the third grade. By the time she was a young adult, she had convinced herself that her lack of math skills would hold her back from earning a college degree.
