by Vila Phetsilasack, Merritt College Class of 2025 Graduate

This is a story of resilience, a refusal to let someone else’s prophecy become my reality.

I came to the U.S. at 13 years old, stepping into a life that was supposed to offer opportunity. But early on, someone said, "Raising someone else’s child is a bad idea." That wasn’t just a comment, it became a curse they tried to fulfill. Every barrier thrown at me felt like it was placed there to prove them right.

Nick Arata remembers watching car repair programs on TV with his grandfather when he was growing up. He always wanted to know how things work and how to fix them when they broke. He started taking Auto classes at COA right out of high school.

Peralta TV can be seen on

Channel 27: Alameda, Berkeley

Channel 28: Emeryville, Piedmont, Oakland

AT&T U-Verse Channel 99

Pauel Kniha shares his experience with the Construction Management Program at Laney College. He emphasizes that Laney is a unique college that offers classes specifically for construction management. He states that there are outstanding professors who are professionals in their fields, and great staff assistants who help students. He is glad to be at Laney, and encourages everybody who is considering coming to Laney for their education to do so.

Editor’s Note: 2025 marks the 55th anniversary of EOPS. Students and alumni from each of the Peralta Colleges shared stories with the Board of Trustees at their April 8, 2025 meeting, and we will be sharing student and alumni stories about their EOPS experiences throughout the rest of the Spring 2025 semester.

Meet David Zheng, a Laney College EOPS alum! The Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOPS) is a state-funded program designed to provide support services to low-income and academically-disadvantaged students to become successful in college. EOPS is available to assist students with support services like early registration, academic counseling, career guidance, tutoring, book grants, transfer assistance, and tons more.

The Peralta Community College District made a significant splash at the recent Community College Public Relations Organization (CCPRO) 2025 conference held on beautiful Shelter Island in San Diego!

The Office of International Education is proud to have selected Liam Bailey as the recipient of the Sir Cyril Taylor Memorial Scholarship. Liam is an amazing and talented College of Alameda student who is studying Accounting.

Karin Nguyen from Merritt College emphasizes her love of Merritt's services and students. She explains that Merritt College's food pantry and its supplies, such as clothing and basic necessities, are very helpful for students' daily usage.  She very much enjoys what Merritt College offers and is proud to be a Merritt student.

Peralta TV can be seen on
Channel 27: Alameda, Berkeley
Channel 28: Emeryville, Piedmont, Oakland
AT&T U-Verse Channel 99