Decision Day | April 29, 2022
I am very proud to be a first-generation college student. I have transferred to business school to study marketing. My past has made me who I am today and I am so excited to graduate from CCD and further my education.
On Friday, April 29, CCD along with the state of Colorado will celebrate Decision Day, which honors all the pathways that graduating high school students can take. That can include going to university, community college, occupational school or participating in an apprenticeship or serving in the military.
High school seniors have been researching their options, applying to programs, and filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid or Colorado Application for State Financial Aid. Decision Day celebrates their hard work and recognizes their achievements and future goals.
On Decision Day students, staff, and community members are encouraged to wear gear to represent their favorite schools, alma maters or future programs to support students' future educational aspirations.
I am must proud to follow my dreams and be able to work in a place that can help people.
By the Numbers
CCD’s 2022 graduate class is 1,200 students. Out of those students, CCD surveyed them to see what their plans were after graduation. Thirty-eight students responded:
- Transfer to a 4-year School: 81.6%
- Enter the Workforce: 28.9%
Where are Students Transferring to?
- MSU Denver | Auraria Campus: 34.2%
- CU Denver | Auraria: 31.6%
- CU Colorado Springs: 2.6%
- CU Boulder 2.6%
- Other: 3.6%
For those entering the workforce, are you working in your field of study?
- Yes: 47.4%
- No: 23.7%
- Other: 28.9%
I am the first person in my family to ever graduate from College. I am changing statistics for my children and generations to come. This is only the beginning of my story and I am excited about my and my family's future. I applying to nursing school and getting my BSN who knows maybe even my master's degree someday!! No matter what I do I am showing my children anything is possible through hard work and dedication.
Student Stories
Ashley Adame is graduating with a Biology degree and transferring to either CU Boulder or CU Denver to pursue a double major in Chemistry, and Cellular, Molecular and Developmental Biology, and a minor in Italian.
She has also been awarded the CNA certification and will start working as a Nurse Aid this summer.
Her big goal is to get into a well-known medical school so that my experience is richer in every aspect. Neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins is one of the best places to get training for neuro-spinal surgeries and is at the top of my specialty list.
Carson received an Associate of Science degree from CCD. The advice that Carson was given said, the medical field was a safe bet for a career. At the time, Carson didn't have an idea of what he wanted to do. While obtaining an Associate of Science, he obtained the EMT and IV certification. Then, Carson worked in dialysis at St. Josephs's ER. I did not feel happy. I thought that I was stuck in a career that I was not passionate about and that he had no other options.
Carson sat down with his mom about how unhappy he was. She suggested that I try Graphic Design because I've always been artistic so Carson applied for the Associates of Graphic Design degree program and is graduating this May 2022!
Carson’s big dream is to be happy and successful as a graphic designer.
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CCD Student Jenny Ann Santos
Jenny attended the Community College of Denver in pursuit of an associate degree. During her initial studies, she didn't have the strong study skills needed to be successful in college.
Jenny failed several times and felt discouraged with her outcomes, but she was determined to overcome her fear of failing and never gave up on herself.
“I had to be my own cheerleader and get rid of those that didn’t support my educational goal. When I felt like giving up, it was the words of my powerful and strong mother --- who was only allowed to attend elementary school. Enriching my education was my dream to help my future. It has been a healing for the educational disadvantages my mother endured.”
While she was in school, Jenny did not have the resources to pay for her education but pressed on, overcame the fear, and redirected her mind. Over the years she paid for her education—one class at a time. Now Jenny has obtained her Paralegal Certificate and is one class away from earning an associate degree.
Jenny also co-founded the La Raza Youth Leadership Program (since 2003), sat on two nonprofit boards, and worked/volunteered on an array of social justice issues.
Her goal is to transfer to the University of Colorado University and to empower our most vulnerable such as communities of color, women, youth, victims/survivors of crimes to reach their fullest potential, so they may be the architects of their own destiny and create a more equitable world for all.