Discover Our Students’ Experiences Through Their Own Words: Kianna, Vaughn

“Despite the challenges of being diabetic and legally blind, I don’t let naysayers discourage me. Academic success is crucial to me.” – Kianna Vaughn, Human Resources Management Student.

"I’m not your typical college student. I didn’t go straight to school after high school because of financial reasons—I started working right away. Now, I work full-time in human resources, but I realized I was feeling stagnant without an educational background. To advance in my career, I recognized the need to continue my education. That’s why I returned to school in January of last year. My dream job is to work in HR for the Dallas Mavericks. They’re my favorite team, and I’ve always been passionate about them.

"Living with diabetes and being legally blind has never stopped me from chasing my goals. I joined Phi Theta Kappa in November 2022 and made the Chancellor’s Honor Roll in January 2023. Those accomplishments remind me that no matter what obstacles I face, I can achieve anything with determination."

A student with a red jacket poses for a photo in a downtown setting

Stephanie Gutierrez

Culinary Student

“At El Centro’s Culinary and Hospitality Institute, I’m learning how to plan a menu and use time management in the kitchen. Now with SkillsUSA, it’s teaching me to get where I want to go.”

Culinary and Pastry Arts

Albert Pantoja III

Senior Accountant American Home Mortgage Servicing

“My experience was really good; I learned a lot about different types of loans, underwriting and loan origination. The program gave us a broad overview from the get-go. I didn’t have any previous experience in mortgage banking at all, so it really helped me to prepare for changing jobs into the industry.”

Banking and Finance

Tammy White

Project Manager Verizon Telecom

“The most important thing I learned in my education was a sense of accomplishment and purpose, and that nothing is impossible as long as I am willing to expend the effort to reach my goals. I have been promoted a number of times in recent years, into positions of more and more responsibility as a direct result of my education.”

Business, Business and Management