Stories

Diagnosed with cancer twice before finishing my AA, I showed up to class with no hair and a singular goal—and more than a decade later, that refusal to quit at Ventura College led me to a BA, an MA, teaching credentials, and 12 years of teaching high school English and Art.

From public school teaching to corporate sales to marketing and entrepreneurship, none of my milestones would have been possible without the confidence, curiosity, and foundation that Ventura College gave me.

From a gap year abroad to graduating Magna Cum Laude at UC Davis, and now enrolling in USC’s Clinical Psychology graduate program, Holly Guzman credits Ventura Community College for showing up at every pivotal turn in her journey

Natalie Galvan graduated from VC in 1993 with her Associate Degree in Nursing and went on to build a decorated four-decade career — earning the March of Dimes Nurse of the Year award in 2007 for her community education work before retiring in 2019.

Gary Anglin is one of the most respected coaches in community college athletics, spending over 36 years with the Ventura College Athletic Department coaching both football and baseball.

From typing memos as a division secretary in 1985 to teaching Geography as a professor today, she never left Ventura College — and after 41 years, it’s clear she never plans to.

From captain of the volleyball court to champion of her community, Monica’s journey through Ventura College gave her the grit, leadership, and confidence to build a life devoted to serving others.

Juan never left his hometown or gave up on his dream, proving that perseverance and Ventura College can take you exactly where you’re meant to go.