Merritt College is very proud to share another success story from the ranks of our classified professional staff. Ms. Maria Valencia currently works in the Office of Instruction as the assistant to the VPI. She describes herself as a first-generation student from a very impoverished background, but also as someone who always had a strong desire to earn a college degree. After a few fits and starts in her education (including spending years at Chabot without making significant academic progress), she eventually found her way to Merritt College. She recalls that the staff and faculty here were amazing, supportive, and caring—and she is grateful that they showed her how to take the steps necessary to achieve her goals. Maria went on to graduate from Merritt with two Associate degrees (one in Behavioral Science and an AAT in Psychology). But she didn’t stop there, as she transferred to Cal State East Bay to receive her B.A. in Psychology. And then she decided to take it a step further. Two weeks ago, she earned her Master’s Degree in Social Work (MSW) from the University of Southern California (USC)! Please join me in congratulating Maria on this tremendous accomplishment!
This article was included in the May 24, 2023 Merritt College President's Report. To view the full report, click here.