荔枝视频

Educators in the Making: 荔枝视频 Seniors Ready to Transform Classrooms

As graduation approaches, the Department of Liberal Studies at 荔枝视频, Dominguez Hills proudly celebrates a remarkable group of future educators poised to make a lasting impact in classrooms and communities. Set to graduate on Friday, May 15 at 9am in the Dignity Health Sports Park Tennis Stadium, these seniors embody the heart of the College of Education鈥檚 mission: preparing compassionate, skilled, and equity-minded teachers for the next generation.

To honor their achievements and inspire their continued academic journeys, the college hosted its first annual Senior Toast on Friday, April 24th in the College of Education鈥檚 courtyard known as The COvE. More than a celebration, the event serves as a bridge to what comes next鈥攊ntroducing graduates to teaching credential programs and advanced degrees that will help them grow as educators and leaders.

鈥淭his event is about celebrating how far our students have come while also encouraging them to take that next step,鈥� said Dr. Mike Karlin, Liberal Studies Department Chair. 鈥淲e see incredible potential in each of our graduates, and we want them to know that their journey in education doesn鈥檛 have to stop here.鈥�

For many students, the path to this milestone has been defined by perseverance, growth, and purpose.

鈥淚t鈥檚 been overwhelming at times with real pressure but even more so, it鈥檚 been exciting and filled with joy,鈥� said graduating senior Alma Hurley.

鈥淭ransferring and starting fresh pushed me to grow in ways I didn鈥檛 expect. As May 15th approaches, I鈥檓 proud of how far I鈥檝e come. This moment truly feels earned.鈥�

A Los Angeles native and transfer student from Compton Community College, Hurley began her journey in Liberal Studies in Fall 2024, quickly establishing herself as a dedicated and resilient student. This fall, she will continue her path in education by entering the Mild/Moderate and Extensive Needs Special Education credential program, driven by her passion for supporting diverse learners.

Luviminda Melendez, an Inglewood native, also celebrates this milestone as a transfer student from El Camino College and a proud first-generation college graduate. As she prepares to begin the PK鈥�3 Credential Program this fall, she carries forward a promise to make her family proud while becoming a dedicated teacher.

鈥淭ake your time, believe in yourself, anything is possible when you refuse to give up,鈥� Melendez shared.

Dean of the College of Education, Jessica Pandya, emphasized the broader impact of these graduates. 鈥淥ur Liberal Studies students are getting closer to stepping into a profession that shapes the future,鈥� Pandya said. 鈥淭hey carry with them a deep commitment to making a difference in our community. We are incredibly proud of them and excited to see the impact they will make.鈥�

The Senior Toast marks the beginning of a new tradition; one that celebrates achievement while opening doors to continued opportunity. As these graduates prepare to walk the stage on May 15th, they do so not only as college graduates, but as future educators ready to inspire, uplift, and lead.

鈥淚 chose Liberal Studies because I鈥檝e always wanted to make a difference in classrooms and in young people鈥檚 lives,鈥� Hurley added. 鈥淐ontinuing into to a teaching credential and learning from my future professors will prepare me for that.鈥�

For high school students and community college transfers considering a path in education, these stories serve as a powerful reminder: at 荔枝视频, the journey to becoming a teacher begins with support, purpose, and possibility.

And for this year鈥檚 Liberal Studies seniors, the future is just beginning.

For more information on earning your Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies, visit: /liberal-studies/

To view additional photos of the Senior Toast event, visit