Amid a myriad of bleak higher education news like increases in tuition and the recent college admissions scandals, freelance journalist Yashar Ali delivered a welcome reprieve on Twitter that celebrated community colleges across the country. After he called community colleges “the backbone of our secondary education system,” he tweeted: “Did you go to a community college? Quote tweet this and say which community college you attended and what you’re doing today.”
The thread quickly gained traction with thousands and thousands of responses. Many praised community colleges across the nation including the confidence it instilled in them as students, the direction it gave their academic careers, the open and affordable access community colleges give and the career trajectories it started for them.
Southwestern College was no stranger to the love being shared. We saw an outpouring of support from our alumni who have gone on to create incredible journeys for themselves. We collected a few of our favorites.
I began my collegiate studies @swc_news & @MSJCedu. I’m now Asst. Professor of History @BYU. https://t.co/KzUMsEPHWb
— David-James Gonzales (@djgonzoPhD) March 19, 2019
Started @ LBSU. Back after 1 yr bc I couldn’t afford to continue. Attended Southwestern, Mesa, Grossmont and City College b4 transferring to SDSU. (B.A. took 5 years). Traveled the world, finished my M.A. while doing it and now in the 2nd year of my doctorate. https://t.co/AJXRY9GdT3
— Kala Cheers (@kalacheers) March 16, 2019
I like this question. I went to Southwestern College and transferred to San Diego State. I am now a high school assistant principal. https://t.co/QiHvcfFs3f
— Aaron Magnan (@aaronjmagnan) March 16, 2019
I went to southwestern community college. Worked 30 hours a week and coached 3 sports. Took a while to get through southwestern, SDSU AND NATIONAL UNIVERSITY for my teaching credential, now I’ve been teaching for 28 years and coaching for 34!! https://t.co/ghAzQQSMdQ
— EASTLAKE HIGH SCHOOL (@ehs_titan_fb) March 17, 2019
Returned to school at 34 @swc_news, got two Associate degrees and transferred to @SDSU, where I’ll be graduating with a Bachelor’s in journalism this May. Couldn’t be happier with my decision to go back to school. https://t.co/iTUVxJfZ7P
— Mike McDonald (@MikeMcD8681) March 16, 2019
I started at @swc_news. My high school counselor doubted my ability to finish college since I chose to go to a community college. I’m graduating this semester from @SDSU with my B.A in Psychology. I’ll be starting grad school in Fall 2020 getting my M.S in School Counseling. https://t.co/qAADUNCyyt
— Kassandra Garcia 🎀 (@kassmg13) March 16, 2019
Proud student of @swc_news. @Twitch alum, @Sony alum.
Going for my transfer credit for Anthropology, hoping to transfer by the end of this year to SDSU.
Disabled, high school drop out, got my GED to support my immigrant mother. https://t.co/IxUbqlG3MA
— jeremy bearimy, baby (@debaucherie) March 16, 2019
I attended @swc_news and I recently graduated from @SDSU with a B.A in Economics. I’m a first generation Mexican-American college student and I hope to be enrolled in Grad School by August 2020. My goal is to obtain a PhD in Economics. https://t.co/jMxr0YclAj
— Francisco_Econ (@VargasFrank96) March 16, 2019
Started at @swc_news and now a doctoral candidate at @SDSU https://t.co/bBOSrQEzq6
— Melissa Abeyta (@MelissaAbeyta) March 15, 2019
Between SWC and another CCC I’ve been to, SWC has been the best with engagement, involvement, and support to their students (either that or I’ve just been REALLY lucky with my class professors 🤗). Keep up the great and inspirational work! I’m FOREVER appreciative of you! 🥰 https://t.co/R276kPVrQJ
— Charleen AKA Chuck (@thatchickchuck) March 15, 2019
I attended @swc_news along with @JuanitaEGarcia then transferred to @SDSU. The 4 yr would’ve eaten me up and CC really set me on the right path. Plus, some of my most influential prof who led me to becoming a teacher and later receiving my M.Ed. were from CC. https://t.co/xnToc3yH7B
— Christian Moreno (@MrMorenoClass) March 15, 2019
I went to Southwestern Comm in Chula Vista, then SDSU then Peace Corps, Fulbright and CalArts. Comm College is THE most democratic institution I’ve encountered. Now I’m proud to be a Comm College Prof.
— Cy (@cysfilm) March 15, 2019
I went to @swc_news and @LAValleyCollege transferred to @csunorthridge , got my MPA, now I’m an adjunct prof. at @csunorthridge & working full-time at national org & serving on a few commissions and boards with fresh nails every two weeks. 💅🏽 https://t.co/sTzyAwi5tM
— Yvette Lopez-Ledesma (@UrbanPlannerd) March 15, 2019
Southwestern college in Chula Vista, CA. Now I hold a master’s degree.
— Joanna (@cairnsmanor) March 14, 2019
I went to Southwestern Community College, I took what I learned there and worked at the White House, started a business, and now I’m running for the United States Congress.
— Ammar Campa-Najjar (@ACampaNajjar) March 14, 2019
Southwestern College (@swc_news) which is part of the amazing California Community College system. I later went to UC San Diego, then studied for a Phd in Applied Economics at Cornell University. I wouldn’t be where I am without community colleges. https://t.co/B9yLfmcsbj
— Govind Acharya (@gringostani) March 14, 2019
We love all the love community colleges are getting today, especially from our own alumni. We work hard to provide open, affordable access to higher education and help create the next great generation of thinkers, artists, scientists and anything else our students want to become. https://t.co/KPxeElmyUQ
— Southwestern College (@swc_news) March 14, 2019
You can still share your Southwestern College story and join us in celebrating community colleges. Head to Twitter and quote retweet Ali’s tweet and make sure to tag us with @swc_news.
