Dare Dream Do
A Tribute to Ordinary Achievers
Achieving the Extraordinary
Vanessa Gong
Story of Success
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 »
Eddie Utuk
Story of Success
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 »
Uyen Tran
Story of Success
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
Story of Success
After completing multiple courses at UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies to support her career in public health, Kussy Mackenzie decided to pursue a different pathway. Fueled by a vision for sustainability, watch Kussy 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
Story of Success
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
Story of Success
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 »
Magdalena Esparza
Story of Success
A Chilean-born student, dared to pivot from a career in biochemistry to become a full-time freelance artist and pursue her dreams.
Interested in Magdalena's career path? Explore similar programs »
Teresa Seitle-Martinez
Story of Success
German student studied abroad through UC San Diego’s University and Professional Studies program and tapped into a global network she didn’t know she needed.
Interested in Teresa's career path? Explore similar programs »
Stories 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 them and what they’ve achieved. 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.
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