Liseth Espinoza

Grad Stories (2013)

Twenty-year-old Liseth Espinoza joined the Marine Corps Reserves right out of high school. She survived boot camp and combat training. “It was a challenge but I wanted to do it,” Liseth said. “I wanted to do something bigger than myself.” She then took on another challenge. With her parents’ encouragement, she became the first in her family to go to college. In the Norco College Puente program Liseth found the same kind of support that she had experienced in the military, especially from English Professor David Mills and Puente Counselor Zina Chacon. Both encouraged her to study hard and to transfer to a four-year university. “I wouldn't be where I am now without the help of all my loved ones and teachers,” she said. Liseth graduates this week with an associate’s degree in Social Behavioral Studies. She will attend Cal State Fullerton in the fall with financial help from the GI Bill and plans to study communicative disorders. Her goal is to become a speech therapist and to work with elementary school children. Liseth’s perseverance and dedication have not gone unnoticed. She recently received a Certificate of Achievement from the Norco College Veterans Services Office.

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