Shyanne Bradley

Compton College 2023 graduate Shyanne Bradley wants others to know that even in times of crisis, one can always change their circumstances. “I’m just like anyone else that is indecisive about going to school but I want to emphasize that even as a mom, attending college is possible. It’s harder, but possible,” said Bradley.

The mother of two enrolled at Compton College in the summer of 2021 and graduated in 2023 with three associate degrees — in biological and physical sciences, social and behavioral sciences, and arts and humanities. Bradley was also honored as a 2023 Presidential Scholar, maintaining a 4.0 GPA.

“I started my educational journey being married and I finished while going through a divorce,” Bradley explained. “I went through moments of homelessness, was very tight for cash, and had to find a new place to live, however, this did not stop me from accomplishing my goals. I talked to my Extended Opportunities Programs and Services (EOPS) counselor who introduced me to all the resources that Compton College has to offer. I was also able to apply for emergency grants that helped me out of some of my debt and into an apartment. The EOPS program provided me with gas cards and grocery vouchers to help me and my children.” Regular visits with her EOPS counselor helped her stay on track to achieve her goals.

She has gained increased self-sufficiency, earning power, and independence through Los Angeles County’s Greater Avenues for Independence (GAIN) program which provides employment-related services to those with dependents. “Having the assistance of GAIN has provided me with opportunities for a better future for myself and my children,” she said.

Bradley currently works at Long Beach Memorial Hospital as a patient care assistant. “My goal is to further my career opportunities and advancement, and to facilitate becoming a registered nurse,” she said. Helping people has always been a passion of mine. I want my children to understand how helping people can make such a big difference in other’s lives.”

She hopes to have a future career as a registered nurse serving in an emergency room or specializing in wound care. As one who believes contingency plans are important, Bradley has applied to the nursing program at Compton College, as well as to transfer to one of the California State University campuses at either Long Beach, Fullerton, or Los Angeles. This spring, she is taking classes in the Certified Nursing Assistant program at Compton College while she waits for her acceptance to a nursing program for fall 2024.

“To have Compton College in my corner has given me the push I need to be the best I can be, and I know I can continue to do so much more,” said Bradley. “I’m doing this for myself and my children so they can see that anything is possible if you put your mind to it.”