Growing up in Lebanon, Gaelle Chahwan heard from her relatives in San Diego County about the advantages of attending MiraCosta College. Two and a half years later, Chahwan has gone from speaking no English to succeeding in her honors classes and graduating from MiraCosta College with a degree in biology. She will be attending UC San Diego in the fall.
“It’s been one of the best experiences in self-growth,” Chahwan said. “Through MiraCosta, I regained my academic confidence. The professors really believed in me and encouraged me.”
Chahwan, 22, said her uncle, who lives in San Diego, told her that MiraCosta College was a good choice on her path to transferring to UC San Diego. She got her green card and moved in with his family while attending MiraCosta College.
She speaks Arabic and French, but speaks almost no English, and picked up the language by watching television shows and movies. Chahwan said MiraCosta employees supported her as she learned English.
“Everyone was really nice and really helpful,” she said. “They were encouraging me to speak up and not to be scared to make mistakes sometimes.”
Chahwan quickly distinguished herself on campus. She thrived in honors courses and worked as a tutor in chemistry, physics, biology, and calculus. Her hard work was recognized through multiple scholarships. In FY23–24, she received the Elizabeth Reid Scholarship ($500), and in FY24–25, she was awarded the Marilyn and Stuart C. Wilson Endowed Scholarship ($1,000). These awards provided both financial relief and encouragement.
“I was under a lot of pressure,” Chahwan said. “The support helped to lift some of that weight off so I could focus on my classes and tutoring instead of stressing about thinking about money.”
Chahwan said she plans to earn her medical degree so that she can become a doctor, perhaps remaining here.
“I really love it in the United States,” she said. “It’s only been two-and-a-half years, but already I feel like it’s a second home.”
Chahwan said her time at MiraCosta College made her more independent and resilient and gave her confidence that she can reach her goals. “MiraCosta is not just a home. It’s a community that supports you,” she said. “Everyone has your back.”