MiraCosta College students Carlos Castro and Rita Viland are great examples of overcoming obstacles and taking advantage of programs offered by community colleges.

Castro, just a few years ago, was expelled from high school, sidetracked by substance abuse, and had little interest in education. Thanks to MiraCosta College, the PUENTE Program, and Castro’s involvement with the MiraCosta College soccer team, he earned an Associate of Arts degree in liberal arts with an emphasis in social and behavioral sciences.

“Being involved in school, being engaged in class, it just made me feel like I belonged, it made me feel good about myself,” Castro said.

Viland, born in the Transylvanian city of Oradea, originally came to MiraCosta College for its English Language Institute that offers international students the opportunity to improve their proficiency in English. That led to her enrolling in MiraCosta College’s Global Studies program that was launched last fall. Viland graduated in May with a certificate in Global Studies.

“The people who work at MiraCosta have gone out of their way to try to help me navigate the challenges that you can find when you’re here on a student visa,” said Viland. “I feel like I’m being supported by everybody.”

This article originally appeared on Oceanside Chamber of Commerce website. To read the full article, please visit https://www.oceansidechamber.com/member-news/miracosta-college-student-success-stories