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I attended the School of the Arts and experienced classes through the Special Education system. Through the challenges, I found joy in working in the photography dark room and had ideas to take more photo classes at community college.

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I was referred to the Disabled Students Programs and Services advising office to explore class choices. He started off by sharing three times how my test scores were low. When I mentioned Interest￼ in a few majors, the advisor told me that due to my learning deficiencies, I can’t do it. ￼I decided to take a couple of classes i would enjoy and see where that goes anyways. 

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After failing my math and favorite psychology class, I started to internalize my Fears with academics. I thought maybe pursuing my college education was unreachable and decided to discontinue c at CCSF.

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After a 5 year break from school, there was an opportunity to return to CCSF and learn about Child Development and obtain a permit to work with preschoolers. It was a pilot program sponsored by CCSF and Wu Yee Children's Services. As a first-time parent, I thought this could impact my family and me positively. I always enjoyed working with children but had not considered a career path.

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Through the Early Childhood Education Pilot program, I felt connected to the school and felt part of a community. I passed my classes with the support of the cohort and resources. I finished the program and earned a permit to work with children. Advocating and working with children became my passion. I decided to continue taking classes to see where this leads and enroll in general education courses.

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With the support of resources, I started passing the general Ed classes that made me feel terrified. I spoke to an advisor and was told how close I am to transferring. It felt like a victory to return to school with a better advising experience and utilizing the right resources.

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Pandemic life had many challenges, but I was eager to finish my classes. I only needed one more semester to transfer and took three courses online.

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After pushing through the barriers of the pandemic, I finished at CCSF with an Associates Arts Transfer degree in Child and Adolescent Development and an AS in Social and Behavioral Sciences.

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When I thought about transferring and attedning my first semster at SF State I cried. I felt proud of myself and knew that even though we might not have a linear path, everyone will shine at their time. I was excited for the transfer support services at SF State. 

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My plans after graduating are to apply for a Masters's Program. I'm still debating which one, but I hope to work with children and families in a therapeutic setting. I'm exploring the field of child life specialists in the medical setting.