While most teenagers were adjusting to remote learning when COVID-19 hit, Moises Fabian saw an opportunity.
Already homeschooled for two months before the pandemic began, Moises found himself with extra time on his hands and parents who weren't about to let him waste it scrolling on his phone.
"During those first few months of COVID, I was really lazy, just like most of my friends," Moises admitted. "If it wasn't for my parents, I might not be where I am today."
As Moises explained, his parents played a huge role in getting him focused.
"Their pressure, in a good way, helped me. They gave me the nudge I needed to make the most of my time," recalled Moises.
That parental push would prove critical. By the time Moises graduated from MiraCosta College this past May, he had accomplished something remarkable, completing over half of his general education requirements while still in high school, graduating a year and a half early, and earning his associate degree in business administration. All before many of his peers had even started their freshman year of college.
For Moises, pursuing higher education wasn't just a personal goal. It was a family milestone. Both of his parents had the opportunity to attend college, making his achievement even more meaningful as a first-generation Latino college graduate.
"My biggest motivation was wanting to complete something that my parents were never able to," he shared. "Knowing all the effort they put into me to have an education, that really motivated me to keep at it and be focused and disciplined at an early age."
And disciplined Moises was. His daily schedule would challenge most adults. Working from 6:30 am to 4:30 pm most days, Moises would then attend class in the afternoon and go straight home to complete his homework before falling asleep and doing it all over again the next day. Yet his commitment to structure allowed him to maintain balance, even traveling solo to Italy at 19 and taking memorable trips with friends, proving that discipline can create space for both achievement and adventure.
The sacrifice wasn't easy, Moises was quick to note. Especially when most of his peers were taking it easy given the backdrop of the pandemic. But he knew he was playing the long gam, and it’s this perspective, plus the support of MiraCosta College, that kept him going.
When Moises first started at MiraCosta College as a dual enrollment student, he was typically the youngest in his classes. Yet instead of feeling out of place, the professors made him feel right at home, a defining characteristic of the MiraCosta College experience.
"My professors were super supportive and made me feel welcome," Moises recalled. "They didn't focus on my age and treated me like any other adult in the class. They took
time to learn about my background and even used my journey to motivate other people in my classes."
When asked what one of the best parts about MiraCosta College was, Moises was quick to point out the freedom to explore different career paths without the time pressure and financial burden. During his time on campus, Moises changed majors multiple times, first starting out as a lawyer, then a marketer, and even trying real estate. Ultimately, he settled on business administration after a positive experience in his social media marketing class. And along the way, he had champions in his corner to help shape his pathway.
As he was exploring possible careers, Moises found an invaluable ally in counselor Candy Owens, who became his consistent guide and advocate.
"With Candy, I felt super comfortable," Moises noted. "She would guide me through different options. We literally sat together, and she would say, 'Well, you could do entrepreneurship, you could do business management, real estate'; and she gave me the whole list of things that she saw I liked to do. Her support helped me so much."
Their partnership lasted his entire time at MiraCosta College, and when Moises saw Candy just before commencement, the emotional impact of her support over the years moved both of them.
Looking back, Moises is nothing short of proud of what he accomplished in such a short period. And he knows that it wouldn't have been possible without the resources at MiraCosta College. From the supportive professors and counselors like Candy, to the countless campus resources like the library's focused study environment and peer tutoring, the food pantry, financial aid, and EOPS services, Moises got the most out of his experience.
"There was no excuse for me not to succeed at MiraCosta College," explained Moises. "I had so much support, not just from my family but also at MiraCosta College."
Graduation day in May was an emotional celebration, with over a dozen friends attending to support Moises alongside his proud parents. The moment was particularly meaningful given the family's investment in his education. The tears from his mom and dad reflected the magnitude of what he had accomplished as a first-generation college graduate.
Now 20 years old and taking a brief summer break for relaxation, Moises isn't slowing down. He's preparing to transfer to Cal State to pursue a degree in Business Administration, while also completing courses to become a certified court interpreter, as well as a certified life and health insurance provider.
When talking about his ambitious next steps, Moises shared, “I love challenging myself, and the feeling of accomplishment I will feel after meeting these goals will surpass the sacrifice.”
As most students his age begin their freshman year of college, Moises is already planning his career. It's a reminder that sometimes the most rewarding path is the one that others aren't taking, especially when you have the support system to help you navigate it successfully.