Follow Krystal's inspiring journey of overcoming personal struggles, including loss and setbacks, to rediscover her passion for learning and return to UCR. Her story shows how one chance encounter and unwavering determination can spark a path to achieving dreams, no matter the obstacles.

Rodrigo Sarmiento shares his experience in UCR University Extension’s Apprenticeship Program. Learn how the program helped him gain real-world experience, build his skills, and gain more confidence in his ability to take on more responsibilities as he progresses his career in project management.

Monica Kusnick enrolled in UCR University Extension’s Postgraduate Diploma in Bioengineering Management after receiving her bachelor’s in food science. She built valuable connections and gained new management skills that make her excited for the future.

Ibrahim Handal shares his positive experience in UCR University Extension’s Postgraduate Diploma in Project Management. Learn how the program helped him gain critical skills, gain work experience in the U.S. and visualize his future career path.

UCR University Extension’s Postgraduate Diploma in Event Management helped give Forum practical skills and an internship opportunity that makes her feel confident about her future in event management. The program’s supportive community also contributed to her positive experience.

Alison Li’s ambitions to pursue a Master of Accountancy and work at one of the Big Four firms was fueled by her experience in UCR University Extension’s Master of Business Preparation Program (MBPP). Learn how she gained the skills, knowledge, and confidence to continue achieving her career goals.

Erick Sarceno’s apprenticeship in project management with UCR University Extension brings him closer to his goals. Learn more about his journey and what he plans to do next.

Making the world a more sustainable place is Arantxa Alcala’s dream.

Ugandan teacher, Suzan Apai, shows us how to think outside the box, and create a unique legacy as a lifelong learner.

Enriching her teaching skills to help the students who need her the most.

Megan took her own advice and found her dream career: “Be patient, be open to change, and be willing to adapt.”

Alumna Deniz Onal had one thing on her mind when she came to UCR: “Reach My Goals.” She did just that. The Disney internship boosted her confidence, and she is now ready to finish her Bachelor’s degree and start on the road to a Master’s!

Dr. Ya-Wei Lin (Dr. Kyohei Wada), 2008 TESOL alum and EdD grad of La Sierra University, is making a name for himself in Taiwan’s AI industry as a Global Brain Trainer and neuroeducator, working with AI/Chip/Semiconductor engineers, professionals, and a variety of diverse learners.

Ethnic Studies Education graduate Erica Aguirre aims to be a catalyst for meaningful, enduring change, contributing significantly to a more tolerant, informed, and united society.

When Miyuki was an exchange student in UCR her American homestay experience touched and changed her life.

Alumna Smile Kaur does her very best to live up to her name! Fueled by a passion for people and the desire to broaden her horizons with meaningful international exchange, Smile and Disney were a perfect match.

Inspired early childhood educator, Tanya Matyas Aragao, tells us how she found joy, fulfillment, and a new career while homeschooling her two young sons.

UCR University Extension’s Apprenticeship Program, recognized as an official US Department of Labor Apprenticeship Ambassador, provides professional certificate training for high-paying IT and manufacturing careers in Southern California.

Noura Bishay, graduate of UCR University Extension’s SEED Lab, and founder and CEO of NPB Design Studio, has a lot to say about how she and her sustainable designs are going to make the world a better place.

Susan Leedy’s inspirational journey from the healthcare industry to law is a teaching moment.

Catching up with a graduate from the Postgraduate Diploma Program in bioengineering to talk about her UCR experience.

Seeing a gap in the human condition and interaction can end up an opportunity to start a business. That’s what Kristie Allison did when she launched MHAEK. Find out more here!

Melissa Holman-Kursky is an Ed Therapist and non-profit theater owner, who specializes in Social-Emotional Learning.

Christina Bolanos earned two professional certificates in Project Management and Lean Six Sigma, and moved up from a Receptionist to the Project Manager with the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians.

Grant Gavin earned advanced degrees and certifications, and came full circle to give back to his Alma Mater.

It was the time spent in UCR University Extension’s Intensive English Program (IEP)—and a little boost from a famous Oscar Hammerstein lyric—that upped her English-speaking game, and allowed everything else to fall into place. Now she’s a well-respected author/publisher, educator, lawyer, mediator, consultant, public speaker, and activist/advocate.

Find your passion and make a splash. Buffy Murphy switched careers and is now changing the lives of her students every day.

From China, Brazil, community college, four-year school and postgraduate diplomas, to knowing five languages and climbing the corporate ladder, Linkai Han can’t be stopped.

Emily Ingistov planned to become an attorney, but sidestepped when she discovered her love of mathematics, and found her real passion was helping young students make sense of problems and building up their confidence toward the subject.

Education doesn’t have to end when you get your undergrad degree. Leo Toyama felt that there was more to learn to back his career in leadership and business management. Let’s take a look at how the UCR University Extension supported his goals.

Marketing is a field under constant iteration. We sat down with UCR University Extension alumnus and Associate Director at UCR Riverside Sharilyn Hunke for an interview on her experiences and the industry.

Educational Therapist Claudia Zimmerman shares her philosophies about challenged learners and her dreams for meeting their needs.

Michael Kauble’s career journey from classroom aide to Chief Business Official.

Holly Hutchins turned her dream of becoming a teacher into a reality, and implemented one of the first dual-language immersion programs at Jamestown Elementary. She speaks to the value of bilingual education, and shares her vision for expanding this learning across the United States.

UCR junior Ankita Ahluwalia is using knowledge and inspiration from UCR University Extension’s SEED Lab program to boost her nonprofit POWAN and POWAN Supplemental Instruction services.

UCR Extension graduate and high school educator, Dave Gerber, reflects on the past, talks about the challenges of post-COVID education, and shares what the future holds for him. Read what it’s like to retire on the high side.

UCR Extension Grad Derrick Armendariz is a busy husband, dad, and lifelong learner who is destined for career success! Read what he has to say about the power of a Professional Certificate in Accounting for Governmental and Nonprofit Organizations -and see where he is now.

UCR Extension grad Danit Kaya’s winding career path has taken her around the world, gathering a “toolbox of skills and experiences to live a robust, healthy, and meaningful life” along the way. See where she is after completing our online program in Educational Therapy!

A woman and her willpower! UCR and UCR Extension Alumna Sahara Powell is all things energy, from marketing grad student to world traveler to professional blogger to author. She’ll inspire you never to shy away from opportunity. Read her Q&A and get inspired to say yes to life.

Earning a Professional Certificate in Paralegal Studies helped UCR Extension grad Kandice Carraway realize new potential, and it launched a bright and exciting future! Her Q&A will inspire you to speak up, ask questions, and advocate for yourself.

Aspiring teacher? Get a boost from Melody Valenzuela, who wants children to feel seen, known, and understood. She gets most excited when she gives them a voice by uncovering what is underneath an academic struggle. Read her Q&A!

A young mother of two, Shanna Trombetta came out of the pandemic with a new career that has ignited her true passion. Learn how to make the most of this moment with a Professional Certificate.

Never stop searching for career fulfillment. UCR Extension Alumna Diana Parsons didn’t, and she’s happier today than ever before! Learn about the boost she got by earning a Professional Certificate in Accounting.

Careers are full of twists and turns, made easier to navigate by a Professional Certificate! In this “Catch-Up Q & A” with Alumna Jennifer Carriere, learn where the supplementary authorization she earned from UCR Extension took her in teaching.

With a financial boost from a UCR University Extension Student Success Scholarship, Thayna De Lima Costa is now experiencing her dream of living and studying in the United States, pursuing a Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) in Engineering Management. Learn about the opportunities created by Dr. Elena Romine.

Ana Lorena Kanagui Leal came to the US with a dream to teach. Thanks to Dr. Teele’s scholarship and determination, she’s closer to her dream. Ana had put her career on hold—and despite obstacles, she’s moving forward toward her California teaching credential. Read her success story.

Meet the man behind HiroNori Craft Ramen, a UCR Extension grad with big goals. Get inspired by Hiromichi Igarashi’s journey from ESL student to 40 Under 40 Honoree!

Meet Hector Acurio, Project Management Certificate Alum. Determination took this electrical engineer from unemployed to new heights, including an Edwards Airforce Base Science and Engineering award. Learn how he leveraged his UCR Extension education to elevate his career!

After a decade overseas, Julia Canaga is home and exploring her true calling: teaching elementary school. Now, she’s charting her own course to gain her English Learner Authorization through UCR University Extension’s CLAD Through CTEL Program. Get inspired!

Meet Educational Therapy grad, Valerie Bromenschenkel, who is working toward opening her own practice. “I was surprised how many strategies were able to be put directly into practice in my classroom.” Learn about how she leveraged her UCR Extension education for career success.

Since earning an Accounting Certificate, Timothy Lin, Business Tax Associate, KPMG LLP, has had the opportunity to work for one of biggest firms in the industry. Learn the secret to his success here!

We sat down with UCR Extension Paralegal Studies program alumni, Trixy Betsworth, to learn the secrets of her success. They say attitude is everything, and hers is nothing short of inspirational. Throughout the program and with the support of top legal instructors, she came to realize that despite her disability, “The sky is literally the limit for a paralegal.”

UCR Extension’s change-making students draw from both life experiences and passions to shape their careers. Linda Shafik Awad has done just that. Now a UCR Extension alum and inspiring educator, she aims to “empower others with knowledge so they can learn how to advocate for their children and give them hope for a better future.” Read on!

Intrigued by the idea of an international exchange program? Read Issac Donhyun Lim’s incredible story about participating in the Sogang University International Summer Program in Seoul, South Korea. Another lifelong ambition fulfilled through education!