Kristy Yam’s daily routine is a careful balance between attending classes at MiraCosta College, completing assignments, and managing the ongoing responsibilities of raising two children.
When she chose to return to school in 2022, the now 41-year-old was fully aware of the challenges ahead and ready to embrace this new endeavor at a different phase of her life.
“I think as I’ve gotten older, it’s been harder for me to process,” Yam admitted. “I don’t feel as quick as I used to in my 20s.”
But rather than staying quiet or letting self-doubt creep in, Yam made a choice that would define her entire journey: she spoke up.
“It didn’t stop me from going to tutoring, talking to a counselor, or connecting with my professors, just to get clarification,” Yam said.
She stayed after class to ask questions, meet with counselors, and spent time in both MiraCosta’s Writing Center and its Learning Center, working through challenges one step at a time.
That mindset made all the difference.
“It didn’t discourage me,” she said. “If I didn’t understand something, I would ask. I would go to tutoring or talk to my professors.”
At MiraCosta, Yam found more than academic support. She found a community that met her with encouragement at every turn.
“I feel like the support that I got at MiraCosta made things a lot easier to continue my education,” she said. “Everybody is just there to help. They don’t have to do what they do, but the fact that they do, and it’s so genuine, it makes me feel appreciated.”
Yam’s dedication and hard work have been widely recognized. She received the Medal of Academic Merit for her consistently outstanding academic performance and was inducted into the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, Alpha Chi Lambda chapter.
She is now graduating with an associate degree in communication. This milestone stands as a testament not only to her academic success but also to her resilience.
What once felt uncertain had turned into undeniable momentum.
Yam is now preparing to transfer to San Diego State University, with UC San Diego still under consideration. For her, the path forward feels clearer than ever.
Still, one of the most important lessons went beyond the grades.
“It’s taught me to never feel scared to speak up,” she said. “It’s okay to ask questions; you never know if someone else is wondering the same thing. If something doesn’t make sense, just ask. It doesn’t hurt.”
That lesson, simple, but powerful, became a foundation of her experience.
Looking back, Yam sees MiraCosta as more than a place to earn a degree. It was a place where she proved to herself that growth doesn’t have an age limit and that asking for help is not a weakness but a strength.
To others considering a similar path, especially those returning to school later in life, her advice is direct:
“Reach out. Talk to your counselors and professors, they’re there for you. And don’t be afraid to ask questions. Community college gives you the chance to build a foundation, save money, and move forward with confidence.”
As she prepares to leave MiraCosta, there’s one thing that Yam knows for certain.
“I’m definitely going to miss everybody,” she said. “They made this experience what it was.”
Yam’s story isn’t just about returning to school. It’s about rediscovering confidence, embracing support, and finding the courage to keep going, even when things feel uncertain.