By Mark Baker-Sanchez
When Collin Miyadi chose to come to Los Medanos College (LMC), he thought he was coming here because of its convenient location (he lived in Oakley), and because it was affordable. However, by the time he was done at LMC, he realized he had gained so much more.
As a Berean Christian High School graduate, Collin felt he was an average, maybe below average, student. He knew he wanted to go to college, but he clearly knew he had some work to do in order to get started.
One thing that Collin was passionate about was football, and he played on the LMC team. Fortunately for Collin, LMC athletes are assigned a particular counselor and that counselor really helped him get his feet on the ground with college-level academics. “She sat me down and explained how I might possibly transfer. After meeting with her a few times, I began to realize how transferring wasn't as scary as I first thought. In fact, after a few semesters, I began to gain momentum on this whole idea of transferring. I didn't have any trouble getting into my classes once I had my education plan put together. That guidance and direction launched me on the right path.”
Collin continued, “I also had a handful of tough professors who pushed me to mentally mature as a student. They kept me accountable while providing the hardest classes I took. They impressed upon me the importance of punctuation, timeliness and communication, which are the baseboards of the working world. When looking back, those classes were the classes that refined me as a student. I have to say that while attending LMC, I was able to learn the everyday skills and habits of being a successful student, taking me farther than just the world of academia. I am truly grateful for this developmental process that gave me the ability to not only transfer but transition successfully into upper division classes at my 4-year college. I graduated from LMC with an Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts in Math & Science and Arts & Humanities.”
“I transferred to Assumption College in Worcester, Massachusetts, where I studied Organizational Communication. I actually was accepted into all of the colleges I applied to, but I ultimately chose Assumption College so that I could play football too. I received a Bachelor’s of Art in Organizational Communication from Assumption College.”
“I now work in marketing and education at USA North 811. They notify utilities to mark their underground lines (e.g. gas, water, fiber optic, etc.) for people who are digging. When one contacts 811 prior to excavation, the chance of hitting a line is reduced to 1%. I love doing work that keeps our communities safe. My projects vary from grassroots efforts to national campaigns (such as ‘Call 811 Before You Dig’ campaign).
An exciting campaign that I led involved professional jockey and Triple Crown winner, Victor Espinoza; as a result, I was invited to ride on a float at the Tournament of Rose Parade. You never know what opportunities your career will present to you!”
Collin has also received the chance to come back to LMC as an employee, and is currently in his 5th season as a football coach. He’s delighted that he can come back and share this special passion of his with LMC’s athletes.
“All in all, I am appreciative and grateful for Los Medanos College because my experiences here gave me the foundation to be a successful student, which in turn helped me evolve into a successful employee. Thanks LMC!”
Collin was recently featured in a commercial for Los Medanos College as seen below
Meet with a counselor Comcast ad spotOur ad has been updated to show the trees all leafed out. If you haven't been to our campus please come and check us our or schedule a tour with one of our student ambassadors.
Posted by Los Medanos College on Friday, September 4, 2015