Career Technical Education Student Success Stories
Knowledge takes on new purpose when it is put to work. Across career technical fields — from architecture and automotive technology to public works and water technology — as well as many STEM disciplines, Citrus College students and alumni develop their skills through research, fieldwork, service projects and hands-on training. Their stories trace many routes from the classroom to university transfer, industry experience and careers that serve others.
ARLENE ABUNDIS
Arlene Abundis transformed her child development studies, preschool teaching experience and personal journey with anxiety into "Into the Mighty Sea," a picture book that helps children understand big feelings, resilience and belonging.
GHADAH "GIGI" ALOBAIDI
From computer science to architecture, Ghadah "Gigi" Alobaidi discovered a field that united creativity, service and leadership. Now she is preparing to transfer and pursue thoughtful design for homes, businesses and the communities they serve.
CELINE AMA
Computer science gives Celine Ama the tools to innovate, while architecture shows her how ideas become useful structures. Named a Cooke Scholarship semifinalist, she is preparing to transfer and pursue technology that improves lives.
ALEXIS CARLIN
Motherhood and the pandemic pushed Alexis Carlin to rethink her future. What began as a cosmetology certificate grew into psychology studies, university ambitions and a mission to help young girls feel confident inside and out.
CAROL CONTRERAS
Administration of justice gave Carol Contreras a clear academic direction, while the honors program gave her a community of equally driven scholars. At USC, she is continuing toward law school and a future in immigration advocacy.
EMILY CORREIA-LAMBTON
After years of teaching science in New York, Emily Correia-Lambton returned to college, explored California's ecosystems and built a new career as both a field biologist and earth science instructor.
INTERDISCIPLINARY INNOVATORS
Fuel pressure, engine load and emissions data became hands-on lessons for Citrus College automotive technology and STEM students contributing to published research on cleaner, more stable hydrogen combustion.
ALEXIA JIMENEZ
Architecture became a way for Alexia Jimenez to turn creativity into community care. Service projects, competition success and hands-on county work are preparing her to design affordable housing and pursue interior design.
MAKENA PLOURDE
A high school natural resources team introduced Makena Plourde to forestry, but Citrus College helped make it real. Wildland fire studies, technical fieldwork and a new industry internship are shaping her future in land management.
KATIE STOLO
Skincare once helped Katie Stolo regain her confidence. Now, after completing a demanding esthetician program while working full time, she hopes to give that same feeling to others as she continues toward an associate degree.
SEBASTIAN STJERNBO
What began with remote classes became an education in architecture's human impact. Sebastian Stjernbo helped build a solar-powered mobile shower, gaining construction experience while helping create dignity and care for unhoused neighbors.
JIAJIE YANG
In one year at Citrus College, JiaJie Yang built an academic record strong enough to reach the national Cooke Scholarship semifinals. He is now preparing to transfer and study artificial intelligence, machine learning and language processing.