Child Development Student Success Stories
From early childhood classrooms and support for students with special needs to teaching and school leadership, these Citrus College students and alumni are preparing to shape how young people learn and grow. Their stories show how family, mentorship, resilience and campus involvement can inspire a lasting commitment to education.
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.
EVA BUYHER
A noon aide job rekindled Eva Buyher's dream of becoming an educator. Since then, the single mother and grandmother has gone from one class to full-time study, earned top grades and begun preparing for a career with special needs students.
JENNIFER CASTANEDA
When Jennifer Castaneda needed stability most, teachers and school staff gave her a place of safety. The Citrus College graduate is now preparing to become an elementary school principal who offers children that same care and support.
JOR'DENAY COLLIER-BROWN
Jor'Denay Collier-Brown balanced mentorship, campus leadership and five academic programs at Citrus College. Her work as the first Black Scholars Student Ambassador prepared her to continue studying early childhood education at Cal Poly Pomona.
KEVIN FERMIN
Community college was not Kevin Fermin's original plan, but it became the place where mentors sharpened his voice, restored his confidence and inspired a future teaching history to students who might otherwise be overlooked.
MIA GODOY
Softball taught Mia Godoy to keep swinging; motherhood gave her an even greater reason to persist. Now the aspiring elementary teacher is balancing family, athletics and college while showing her son what determination looks like.
JOY THURMAN
The support Joy Thurman once lacked is now something she helps create for others. A former foster youth and single mother, she found her voice through NextUp, Rising Stars and campus leadership while pursuing a career devoted to children.