I came to Grossmont College in the fall of 2001 to follow my dream of achieving a degree in Music. After two years of study, I transferred to Christian Heritage College in El Cajon. Much to my surprise, I was unable to continue my studies due to being diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer. After three years of chemotherapy and recovery, I returned to Grossmont College to complete my degree in Music and was awarded the Outstanding Student of Department Award in Music, as well as Student of Note for 2007.

I accomplished my dream in earning a Music degree; however, I quickly realized that my career situation as a cancer survivor had changed. Music was my first love, but I needed more marketable skills to transition into the business world.

Once again, Grossmont College came to my aide, and with the help and guidance of the Career Center, I decided to return to school and earn a second degree in Business Office Technology. Despite dealing with post cancer stress disorders, I received my second degree with honors and was awarded the Outstanding Student of Department Award in Business Office Technology, Student of Note Award (for second time), and The Woman of Distinction Award for 2009.

Vernon E. Torres, Jr.

What Prompted You to Return to School?

In October 2006, our son was killed while serving in the army in Iraq. After his death, my wife and I spent our first Christmas without him volunteering at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C. Working with our combat wounded inspired me to change careers so that I could work with our military. While in school, my wife and I have been working with our military through a non-profit organization that we founded in our son’s name: Sgt Joseph W. Perry Memorial Corporation. The sacrifice that my son made for our country and seeing the dedication and heroism of our military men and women is my inspiration.

Gene Paul Cazaux

I will start with my work experience.  I started my employment history as a sales clerk in an industrial supply store.  I spent 5 years doing this and got bored and moved on to the construction field.  The trade I chose was that of a field iron worker.  The job was to install all the steel components of high rise buildings.  I did this type of work for 20 years.

At age 45 I was injured and could not work any longer on construction projects.  I knocked around at different things for a few years with no direction until I had a heart attack.  This was a wakeup call; the realization came that I did not have forever.  My girlfriend Becky, suggested I go to school to find a new direction in my life, and here I am, back in school at age 55.  I’m finding the experience one of the most personally rewarding adventures of my life.

As to my educational background, I never finished high school.  I thought this would be a hindrance, but is has not.  I’ve received certificates of completion as an Advanced Telemetry Technician here at Grossmont college; and EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) from Miramar College, and now I am on my way to completing the units required to attend San Diego State University where I will get my Masters Degree in Nursing.  I am doing very well here at Grossmont College.  My GPA is 3.4 and I am a member of the Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society.

My education will not stop with my Masters Degree in Nursing;  I plan to continue on in research in the Cardio Vascular field. This way I hope to make a contribution to society.