President's Office

AA-T, Political Science; AA-T, Economics 

I’m an honors scholar, graduating with degrees in political science and economics. Political Science is my passion, and I hope to continue studying it. My research interest: I’m examining the intersection between loneliness and polarization. I hope to work in advocacy (via public service, law, or public interest work). Outside of school, I love playing and watching cricket and soccer. I’ve enjoyed being part of the Foothill community and I’m truly grateful to all the faculty, staff, and fellow students that I’ve gotten to know along my journey! 

AA-T, Sociology; AA-T, Anthropology; and AA-T, Social Justice Studies 

Lucy graduated with an AA-T in Sociology, Anthropology, and Social Justice Studies. Throughout her studies, she developed a strong passion for anti-oppressive work that was echoed in Lucy’s social research and independent projects. Taking advantage of her proximity to the ocean, Lucy also became a Colonial Waterbird Monitor with the San Francisco Bay Birding Observatory! These interests will follow her — both social research and birding — as an incoming junior at Stanford University next fall. Go trees! 

AS-T, Biology 

My name Yara Castillo-Denker and I'm from Palo Alto CA. I began my academic journey at Foothill College during my junior year of high school as a dual enrollment student in the College Now program. Being part of Foothill’s supportive and intellectually engaging community gave me the opportunity to explore college-level coursework early and solidify my passion for science and medicine. I will be attending UCLA as a Physiological Science major, and I plan to pursue a minor in Global Health. I’m excited to deepen my understanding of how biological systems work in the human body while also exploring how health disparities affect communities around the world. After this, I want to study medicine and am interested in pediatrics and sports medicine. This summer, I’ll be interning at the Adolescent Brain and Cognitive Development (ABCD) Research Lab at SRI International, where I’ll have the chance to contribute to meaningful research on brain development and adolescent health. 

AA, Art 

Hello, my name is Leo Cerrillo and I am incredibly honored to be receiving the President's Medal. I am so thankful for all the support and encouragement I received from my family, friends, and professors while attending Foothill. Since I was young, I have loved to create art and am incredibly grateful I could pursue doing what I love at Foothill. 

AA-T, Music Technology 

I'm Benny Dinh, a San Jose, California freelance audio and video professional. I'm graduating from Foothill College with an associate's degree in Music Technology and will be transferring to Chico State to pursue a B.A. in Music Industry and Technology. Foothill has helped me strengthen my recording, mixing, and multimedia production skills through hands-on training and real-world projects. During my time here, I’ve worked with various school districts and individuals on freelance projects, including live audio recording, video editing, and multimedia production. These experiences have prepared me to continue growing in the music and media industry. 

AS-T, Computer Science

My name is Qian Feng, and I am 39 years old. As a re-entry student and a full-time mother of two, I returned to school with the determination to build a better future for my family. Although the journey has been full of challenges, I’ve truly enjoyed it. Along the way, I’ve met kind and supportive faculty, professors, and classmates. I’ve also made full use of the many resources Foothill offers—such as the STEM Center, counselors and the Transfer Center, mental health services, and the Pass the Torch program, among others. I still remember that three years ago, I could barely speak English. Now, I am transferring to UC Berkeley to continue pursuing my Computer Science degree. This is a true milestone in my life. Foothill College is where my dream began. It’s where I found my confidence and discovered my potential. In the future, I hope to give back and support others, just as this community has supported me. 

AA-T, English

AA, Accounting; AS-T, Business Administration 2.0; AA-T, Economics 

I have been attending Foothill College since fall of 2022. During my time at Foothill, I have learned more about myself and interests by taking a variety of classes and interacting with people. Foothill College gave me the space to figure out next steps in my life. I will be graduating with an AA in Accounting, an AS-T in Business Administration 2.0, and AA-T in Economics. I am looking forward to continuing my studies at UCSB to obtain a bachelor’s degree in Economics & Accounting. 

AA-T, Psychology 

I'm currently studying abroad in the USA from Japan until graduating from a four-year university. I came here to make my plan and improve my English skills. I'm now going to go back to Japan after I finish my studies here, but it can be changed. I'm vaguely hoping to find a job in a field that interests me as a hobby, but at the same time, I also want to start studying at a vocational school or similar. Either way, I want to make a choice I won't regret in a few decades.

AS-T, Computer Science; AS-T, Mathematics

I am an Artificial Intelligence/Computer Science major and of course, am extremely interested in everything AI and machine learning but my passion lies in reinforcement learning with game AI and robotics. Before I fell in love with machine learning, basketball was my life and is still something I like to do outside of my academic pursuits alongside weightlifting and learning songs on the guitar. This Summer I will be participating in research at Stanford as part of the SURF program with Professor Kayvon Fatahalian on AI in 3D environments. In Fall I will be transferring to UC Berkeley as a Computer Science major under the CDSS College. I'm incredibly grateful to Foothill College and the community here, and I hope I can pay everything they've done for me forward. 

AS-T, Biology 

Bethany was born and raised here in the Bay Area. She is currently interning with Valley Water’s Vegetation Field Operations unit. In her free time, she enjoys playing games, editing videos, picking up litter, and spending time with her family. Come fall, she will be pursuing a bachelor’s degree in evolution, ecology, and organismal biology at Chico State University. 

AA-T, Studio Arts 

AS, Computer Science; AS-T, Computer Science; AS-T, Mathematics; AA-T, Economics     

AA-T, Economics  

Hi my name is Daniel Le. I'm an economics major currently. I am grateful to attend this college, as well as my friends and family. 

AS, Biochemistry; AS-T Biology    

AS-T, Biology 

Hello everyone! My name is Jocelyn Ma, and I am so elated to say that I will be graduating from Foothill College in the 2024-2025 school year. During my time here, I completed my Biology Associate's Degree for Transfer, and I was able to complete all of my lower-division classes while saving on tuition and graduating a year ahead of my peers. I am so fortunate to have been supported and surrounded by so many amazing people--my professors, family, counselors, and friends--who uplifted my academic journey here. Without them, I would not have been able to achieve such high grades and feel so prepared to crush my upper-division courses at the 4-year university that I transfer to. I am honored to be a President's Medalist, and I cannot wait to apply my experiences at Foothill College to my future courses and career. Thank you! 

AA, Psychology 

After dropping out of college in 2016, I spent years hesitating to return. Moving from Indonesia to the United States in 2021 gave me a new perspective, and with support from loved ones, I re-enrolled in 2023. While pursuing prerequisites for Radiologic Technology, I discovered my passion for psychology and completed an associate degree in the field. Understanding human emotions and thought processes will enhance my ability to connect with patients in healthcare. This achievement has inspired bigger goals and renewed optimism about my future. 

AA-T, Psychology 

I’m grateful to share that my academic journey is only just beginning. At Foothill College, I’ve been fortunate to receive many opportunities to grow, which have allowed me to feel confident in what I have accomplished and what I will achieve in the future. As a first-generation student, this milestone is especially meaningful to me—I'm proud of the hard work and determination that have brought me to this point. As I transfer to UC Berkeley to pursue my education in Cognitive Science, it is the foundation I've built here at Foothill that will continue to fortify and guide me in my future pursuits.

AS-T, Mathematics; AS-T, Physics 

I am an Applied Math Major transferring to UC Berkeley this Fall. I've always been passionate about math and physics, and I hope to petition to double major! I graduated from high school and started college at 15 years old, and I've spent two years here at Foothill. My educational journey has been a bit unconventional, but I'm so happy Foothill was a part of it. I will always cherish the memories I have made at Foothill, and I'm so excited for what the future holds! 

AA, Business

Eliza Morgan graduated from Foothill College with an AA in Business and will attend UC Berkeley in the fall, double majoring in Economics and Legal Studies. Eliza intends to pursue law school after graduation. Outside of academics, Eliza enjoys hiking, reading, Immaculate Grid, and the New York Times games. She is grateful to Foothill College for the educational opportunities it has provided her. 

AA, Graphic & Interactive Design 

AS, Computer Science; AS-T Computer Science; AS, Mathematics; AS-T Mathematics

AA-T, Economics 

AS, Biological Sciences; AS, Chemistry; AS, Biochemistry 

Thomas was born and raised in the Bay Area, graduating from Mountain View High in 2018. After a brief stint at Foothill, he enlisted in the Army as a combat medic, deploying to Afghanistan in 2019 and the Ukrainian border in 2022. Returning to Foothill College in 2023, he is now continuing his education with the hopes of attending medical school, a goal that has been made possible through the overwhelming support of his teachers, peers, and the staff of the Veterans Resource Center. 

AA-T, History

AA-T, English

Sunaina is so proud to have attended Foothill, where she has experienced academic, professional, and personal growth, made dear friends, and become confident in her values and goals. As a student and a writer, she is driven by curiosity and a love for the arts. Aside from reading and writing, her life is characterized by music—listening to it, creating it, and finding community in it. 

AA-T, English 

Born and raised in Northern California, I never attended formal schooling until, for the first time in my life, I stepped foot into a proper classroom in 2022 at Foothill Community College. I received my HiSET earlier that year with the help of my aunts, and with their continued support I was able to move to the Bay Area and allowed to thrive here at Foothill. Though intimidating at first, through the help of amazing instructors, counselors at the DRC, and the GSA Club, I was able to make it through school with far more excellent results than I had ever expected. I owe so much to the support of my loved ones and am so grateful for every opportunity I've been given and every beautiful soul I've met. I'll be continuing my journey at UC Berkeley in Fall 2025, but Foothill and De Anza will always be my foundation! 

AA-T, Economics 

Matthew Tran began his academic journey studying economics. He eventually became drawn to the application of economic theory (i.e. cultural economics) at the intersection of business and entertainment. Through his experience with marketing the Film Club’s first feature-length film and assisting with student-led media creation, Matthew blends analytical insight with his creative passion. He will transition to a Business Economics major at UC Irvine, where he plans to further study how innovation shapes demand. He continues to be grateful for every professor and mentor, from all disciplines, who shape his work ethic and resilience. Matthew hopes to carve out a career that reflects his ambition to merge art and commerce. In our evolving, economic landscape, he intends to develop data-informed strategies that empower artists and filmmakers. 

AA-T, Philosophy

I am an international student from Shanghai, China, and a first-generation college student. At 25, I never thought I’d have the chance to study abroad, but Foothill College made that possible. It didn’t just offer me a path to a four-year university—it gave me a place to grow, heal, and find direction. Through the support of patient and encouraging professors, I’ve learned to face and move beyond my past trauma. Studying philosophy has helped me reflect deeply, see beyond my own limitations, and find meaning in my experiences. I’ve come to accept my past as a part of who I am and use it as motivation to become someone who gives back to the community. Foothill College is like a campfire in a dark forest. It may not light up the entire sky, but it gives warmth and strength to those who gather around it. More importantly, it teaches us to carry the flame forward. With enough light passed on, one day the forest will no longer be dark.