Denicia Crutcher–Harris

One day, I took my baby for a walk on the campus of Citrus College. The future was weighing heavily on me. As a newly-single mom with a disabled infant and a young child in school, I knew I needed to make some serious decisions about what I was going to do. Something about that walk inspired me — in spite of whatever misgivings I had about succeeding — to take a big step and enroll in classes. I always liked math, so I figured I might try to work toward a degree that utilized that skill.

Little did I suspect that I was about to enter a process of events through which I would discover what I really wanted to do in life. Alone at the time, I found a new family and lots of friends at school. Among others, the Extended Opportunities Programs and Services (EOP&S) staff in particular encouraged me and provided counseling and support as I began my transformation from a shy person into a confident, active participant in clubs and campus life.

Two years after that walk across campus, I walked across the stage and received not only an A.A. in fine arts/dance, but also an A.S. in natural sciences/math. Now, having transferred to the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, I am pursuing a career in marine and environmental science.