When Lanae Branch first stepped onto MiraCosta College’s campus, she wasn’t the traditional college student — she was still in high school.
Branch began taking college classes towards the end of her freshman year at Oceanside High School, driven by a clear goal: to challenge herself and prepare for what comes next.
“My main goal was exposure,” she said. “I wanted to understand the rigor and discipline of college classes so that when I got to a four-year university, I already knew the standard.”
Just as important as the academic challenge was the support she found along the way.
“I always felt like MiraCosta was willing to work with me,” she said. “Whether it was counselors or professors, I felt like everything was doable.”
That support system proved critical.
From accessible faculty to dedicated counselors like Elizabeth Leguizamo, who she affectionately referred to as “Miss Liz,” Branch built a strong foundation that guided her in pursuing her high school diploma and an associate degree concurrently.
Beyond the classroom, MiraCosta opened doors that Branch hadn’t expected — including to her first professional experience.
Through a collaborative effort involving MiraCosta, the University of San Diego and the City of Oceanside, Branch secured her first internship at the city.
“That was my first real work opportunity,” she said. “MiraCosta helped push me into that environment.”
Ultimately, it was the people she met along the way who made the biggest difference.
At MiraCosta, Branch found herself surrounded by students from all walks of life: veterans, parents, working professionals and fellow students, all with diverse backgrounds.
“You never know who you’ll meet,” she said. “The diversity, it really pushed me to think deeper and see things from different perspectives.”
That exposure didn’t just expand her worldview — it helped define her future.
Originally intent on studying business administration, Branch found herself increasingly drawn to conversations about policy, government and social issues — topics she had opportunities to explore both in and out of the classroom.
Inspired by her experiences, she ultimately shifted her focus to political science with plans to pursue law school.
Outside of school, Branch’s drive translated into action.
She led efforts to reestablish the City of Oceanside’s Youth Commission, serving as chair, and founded her high school’s speech and debate team — now a state and nationally ranked program.
She also became involved in advocacy work through the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, contributing to legislation at the state level, and interned on Congressman Mike Levin’s recent re-election campaign.
Still, her journey wasn’t without challenges. Between commuting, managing two academic tracks and coping with the loss of her best friend to an unexpected illness, Branch had to stay grounded in her purpose.
Through it all, MiraCosta remained a constant source of support.
“I feel like a fuller human being after these last three years,” she said.
Now, as she prepares to graduate high school with an associate degree already in hand and plans to attend Yale University, Branch said MiraCosta was a defining chapter.
It was a place where she gained confidence, discovered her passion and built the skills she’ll need to succeed at the next level.
Branch hopes her experience shows other students, especially those still in high school, what’s possible through community college.
“I’ve seen how dedicated the professors are and how much you can grow here. It prepares you in a way that really sets you up for success.”
Branch’s story is proof that with the right mindset and support, it’s possible to get a head start — and make every moment count.