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 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
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 »
2024 Achievers
Uyen Tran
After dedicating over a decade to a career in finance, Uyen Tran dared to embark on a journey to become a lactation consultant. Her inspiring story showcases the impact of education to create a purpose-filled career when one dares to step into a new profession.
Interested in Uyen's career path? Explore similar programs »
Kussy Mackenzie
After completing multiple courses at UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies to support her career in public health, watch Kussy Mackenzie share how the Essentials of Entrepreneurship & Innovation course helped her feel more prepared as she ventured into a new industry and role.
Interested in Kussy's career path? Explore similar programs »
Tring Zhu
Eager to take the next step in her career, Tring dedicated herself to completing three certificates at UC San Diego Extended Studies to expand her role from an established chemist to a dynamic role in project management.
Interested in Tring's career path? Explore similar programs »
Lorena Quiroz
Lorena Quiroz has over 20 years of experience working in career services. When Quiroz realized she wanted to pivot from an administrative role to work directly with students, she pursued a certificate program that would help her transition.
Interested in Lorena's career path? Explore similar programs »
