Students and Alumni of the BA Completion Program
Alumni Profiles
Many of our alums have continued their studies in graduate programs ranging from psychology and sociology to public health, law, social work, writing, and the visual arts. In addition to continuing on to graduate studies, alums have developed careers in a wide variety of businesses and nonprofits, including the fields of government, education, community service, creative arts, human resources, and social services.
Due to financial constraints, personal health issues, and the responsibility of raising a family, Rene Celiz (BA 2011) stopped attending community college over twenty years ago: "There were many times that I dreamt of going back to school, but because of the economy, I didn't give it serious thought...I also had horrible experiences in junior high and high school...The old banking system of education was my only experience." Rene worked in construction for many years, and when the recession caused a decrease in construction jobs, he returned to school. In the BAC Program, Rene found a completely different educational experience: "I loved the cohort model, that we were a community within a community, that we shared on such a deep level. I loved the diversity in age and ancestry, and how the classroom became a very safe space to share ideas." Upon graduating, Rene continued his studies at CIIS in the Community Mental Health Program, working toward an MA in Counseling Psychology. Rene hopes to create a new framework for the current rehabilitation model that is less problem-based and more spiritual and solutions-based. He also aspires to teach at the community college level in health education vocational programs.
An accomplished dancer, choreographer, creative director, and dance teacher, Maija Garcia (BA 2003) decided to finish her BA degree at CIIS because she needed more support than she found at her previous university, where she hoped to create her own major in Sustainable Development: "My determination to focus on a course of study that was not yet charted left me feeling isolated without proper guidance...[At the BAC Program] I found a way to design my own education in a supportive learning environment." Maija appreciated the program's balance between independent investigation and group learning, and its progressive, interdisciplinary approach to education. She also learned how to integrate her varied interests in writing, dance, music, social and political activism, and spirituality: "All of it can be applied to my life's work!" Maija continues to teach, choreograph, and direct her own works, and has started her own company, Organic Magnetics: Binding Theater Arts to create urban folklore for the future. She also toured internationally with the Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company and was the associate choreographer for the Tony Award-winning musical FELA!, which has been performed on Broadway and internationally. Maija will be the creative director for the show's US tour this fall.
"You open the door and make room for things that really need to happen, and they do. You just have to take the first step," Thais Harris (BA 2008) says as she reflects on the past few years of her life. Originally from Brazil, Thais studied International Relations with the intention of becoming a diplomat, but when her perspective and goals changed, she took a break from school. After moving to the U.S., she worked in corporate marketing and searched for the right school for completing her degree. At CIIS's BAC Program, she found an approach to education that considered her whole self: "I never felt like I was putting myself into a box...It grew me as a person." The intensive research and writing in the program helped Thais to develop valuable skills and self-confidence, and her studies in ecology deepened her commitment to better the environment and her community. Since graduating, Thais started Word of Mouth Food Club, which uses food as a way to connect with different cultures. And after many years of wanting to leave the corporate world to become independent, Thais has launched her own freelance graphic design business: thaisharris.com.
Hung Nguyen (BA 2009) chose the BAC Program at CIIS because of its diverse, intimate learning community that integrates Western conceptual and theoretical models with Eastern practices, mindfulness, and spirituality. He appreciated the opportunity to be self-directed, to be "invited, encouraged, well-nurtured, and taken care of around my learning." Although Hung originally intended to quickly complete his degree then return to his career, during the year he became "compelled to continue in scholarly work." Halfway through the program, Hung applied and was accepted to Columbia University for a Master's in Education, with a focus on adult learning and leadership, which he started immediately following his graduation from CIIS in 2009. This summer Hung will complete his MA, then will continue on in the doctorate program at Columbia: "I never would have thought that someone like me, who had dropped out of college, would at this stage in my life be pursuing a doctorate degree...I think for many adults returning to school, especially to complete the BA, it can be an emotionally-challenging, sometimes painful experience. I feel grateful that I made that choice, that I had the support to complete it. A new path opened up for me, new opportunities."
