What's Your Story?
Share your accomplishments, advice, and goals for a chance to be featured.
Stories Like Yours
Worth Celebrating
UC San Diego Extended Studies’ Dare, Dream, Do Campaign was born from the idea of celebrating the 300,000+ dreamers who are a part of the organization’s 60+ years of history. We are proud of every single one of our achievers. We hope you find inspiration from these award-winning stories of people who dared to dream and do. You may just be the next one we feature, with your very own success story to tell.
Story of Success
Noah Serigny
Interested in Noah's career path? Explore similar career journeys »
Story of Success
Anna Maldonado
Watch Anna's story to explore how the flexible, fully online GIS Certificate Program offered by UC San Diego Extended Studies helped her gain real-world experience and job-ready skills that opened doors before she even graduated.
Interested in Anna's career path? Explore similar programs »
2025 Achievers
Story of Success
Cecilia Stagni
For Cecilia Stagni, art was never just a hobby—it was a lifelong passion ready to take the lead. After moving from Italy to San Diego in 2009, the trained electrical engineer discovered the Art and the Creative Process Professional Certificate at UC San Diego Extended Studies. Inspired by the program’s dynamic curriculum, Stagni found her true path in the expressive world of art.
Interested in Cecilia's career path? Explore similar programs »
Story of Success
Timothy Thomas
At 34, Timothy Thomas returned to school to pursue a new career through the Substance Use Disorder Counseling program at UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies. His journey from uncertainty to success shows how education can help adult learners overcome challenges, find purpose, and make a meaningful impact.
Interested in Timothy 's career path? Explore similar programs »
Story of Success
Vanessa Gong
Eager to elevate her career, Vanessa Gong pursued the HVAC Systems Design and Control certificate at UC San Diego Extended Studies. This led to several promotions and expanded her expertise in the construction industry.
Interested in Vannesa's career path? Explore similar programs »
Story of Success
Eddie Utuk
After a long military career, Eddie Utuk turned to UC San Diego's Lean Six Sigma Black Belt program to help him transition into a civilian role. This journey not only led to a leadership position but also inspired him to create the Infinite Horizon Project, an initiative created for fellow veterans to support their transition into civilian life.
Interested in Eddie's career path? Explore similar programs »
Past Achievers
Awards and Recognition
Sandie Award
'Dare, Dream, Do' was recognized with a Silver Sandie Award from AMA San Diego. This recognition honors the transformative journeys of real people who dared to dream new directions for their lives—and took action to realize their goals through certificate programs and courses at UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies. Thank you to our students, staff and instructors who make stories like these possible every day.
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