“At CI, I found my niche, I found my calling, and I found something to be passionate about. I was allowed to pursue what I actually wanted to do,” - Kosta Grammatis, '07 BA Liberal Studies, Entrepreneur & Founder of A Human Right.
“My instructors at CI really cared about me and went above and beyond to support me,” she said. “They noticed when I was struggling and dedicated time outside of class to helping me. They genuinely wanted me to succeed and that meant a lot.” - Cristina Miranda, '11 BA Sociology, Congressional Intern
“When I got there, I was super-shy. Even though I’d been in the U.S. for six years, my confidence in speaking to people wasn’t the best. My professors pushed me to present research, collaborate on projects, and interact and compete with students from prestigious research universities. Thanks to CI, I gained confidence and realized my potential.” - Victor Moreno, '09 MS Mathematics, '04 BS Mathematics, CI Student Success Coordinator/Project ACCESO
“I want to be the mentor to students that my professors at CI were to me,” she said. “If you are a student that really wants to learn and excel, the faculty there does everything within its power to make you successful.” - Ashley Bonneau, '11 BS Biology, pursuing a Ph.D. in genetics at Yale University
“Some people doubted my ability to go to a four-year university. I proved I could do it regardless of my challenges. CI made a big difference in my life. It helped me become more independent, confident, flexible and patient, and challenged me to become a better artist. There was always someone to listen, whether it was a student or instructor.” Calvin Nye, an art student diagnosed with autism at the age of 4
“The Veteran Affairs department here is very focused on helping veterans feel proud of their military time and the contributions they have made to this country. ... I am very proud to be an example to my children of adapting and overcoming life’s twists and turns – of showing them that they can do and be anything, no matter what phase of life they are in.”- River Rose, a former sonar technician who served in the U.S. Navy for 24 years and now a nursing student
“CI is a second family. Everyone knows each other and supports each other. It’s different from other schools because you get to know your professors and work closely with them. Not everyone gets to go to a school where you feel like you belong.” Jessica Rodriguez, a sociology and psychology student and a first-generation college student and daughter of former migrant workers
“CI has made such a huge impact in my life. The current students are very lucky because not only they are getting a great education, but also they are getting one-on-one interaction and building strong relationships with the professors. The professors care about their students’ success and do their best to understand each student's situation.”- Gardy Borromeo, a chemistry and biology student who won an international scholarship to spend the summer studying at South Korea's Yonsei University
“CI’s small class sizes really allow you to make strong connections with the faculty. It was at CI – more specifically at Dr. Phil Hampton's lab – where I decided I wanted a career in Chemistry. What I was able to learn in class and apply in the lab was the biggest factor in my decision to attend grad school.”- Jose Medina, '12 bachelor's in chemistry who won a fellowship from UCLA to earn his master's and Ph.D. in organic chemistry:
“CI lives by its motto of being a student-centered campus. The people here do everything they can to help you further your education. As an R.A., I enjoyed knowing that I made someone’s first year smoother and helped them find clubs and organizations where they could thrive.”- Sequoia Hill, a communication student who also serves as a resident assistant in student housing