By VOICE & VIEWPOINT NEWSWIRE
Five students at San Diego Colleges have been named as semifinalists for the prestigious Jack Kent Cook Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship that provides a tuition-free pathway to a four-year degree at a college or university of their choice. The award, which covers unfunded institutional aid, can reach as much as $55,000 each year. Finalists for the Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship will be announced in May.
This year’s semifinalists include:
Nick Lazaris is aiming to transfer to UC San Diego and ultimately earn a Ph.D. in clinical psychology to engage in research, open his own practice, and one day teach psychology at the college level. Being named a national semifinalist brought him joy and validation. “It means that what I am doing matters in a real way.”
Grace Perez is majoring in both theatre and musical theatre at City College and is intent on transferring to San Diego State University for a bachelor’s degree in theatre arts. “I would love to teach visual and performing arts in K through 12 within the San Diego Unified School District,” said Perez.
Husna Ayoubi of Mesa College is majoring in cognitive science. Ayoubi has served as an interpreter at Fort Bliss, Texas, Afghan refugee camp clinic and also has tutored English language learners in the Cajon Valley Union School District.
Namod Pallek Kankanamge is a Miramar College standout who has served as student body president and student trustee on the SDCCD Board of Trustees. “Coming from underrepresented communities, I faced many adversities, from discrimination to living on the street. I decided to major in pre-law political science to become an advocate and make changes that will help more students like me.”
James Nguyen is a Miramar College scholar on track to earn an associate of science degree in earth science studies. He participated in the NASA Proposal Writing and Evaluation Experience Academy, serves in a City of San Diego internship program and volunteers at the San Diego Library.
