Alonda Schock

San Joaquin Delta College

Nominated in 2023

I am a good example of the saying “It’s never too late to be what you might have been!”

In 2021 at 52 years old I sat in the same seats you are sitting in now I graduated from Manteca Adult Education 34 years after my original graduation date. When I received that diploma, I was excited but had no plans at the time to continue my education. You see not having a diploma had not held me back from having a successful career at Blue Sheild of California as a trainer/auditor 21 years ago. But times have changed, as you all know diplomas, degrees, and certificates are a part of life if you want a livable wage and suddenly, I wanted to contribute more to my family.

Ofelia Tonero and Larry Machado knew before I did that college was in my future. They put me in contact with Dr. Heather Maloy the director of the DARTE program at Delta College. Her enthusiasm and passion for the program drew me in and I enrolled at Delta College as soon as our call ended, I believe the DARTE Program is the reason I have been so successful. The classes, dedicated counselors, and instructors made for an easy transition to college. Especially for someone who never thought they would attend college. I started attending classes at Delta College in the summer of 2021 and in the spring of 2023, I will graduate with an AA in General Education and a certificate in Substance Abuse Counseling. I will return in the fall of 2023 to complete three additional classes to earn an AA in Psychology and a certificate in Counseling.

On my journey I have also had the privilege of being the first intern for the DARTE Program and have enjoyed encouraging others to enroll at Delta College. I enjoy taking every opportunity to tell people about all the amazing staff and programs Delta has to offer.

I will be the first to graduate college in my family which is an important detail because I was the kid that was not going to amount to anything. But here I am crushing it and excitedly looking towards a bright future!

My hope in telling my story is to encourage each one of you to be bold and take a chance on yourselves and go for what your heart desires!