After graduating from El Camino High School in Oceanside, Bruce Hoskins decided to join the Navy. “At the time, I didn’t even know about MiraCosta,” says Bruce. “I didn’t know that you could work full time and go to college full time.”

After talking to friends who were MiraCosta students, Bruce left the Navy and decided to obtain his associate in arts degree. In 1995, he graduated from MiraCosta with an associate degree in math. Nine years later, Bruce returned to MiraCosta as an instructor of sociology.

“I always wanted to work here,” says Bruce. “Actually, it was my grand plan to come back and teach for the math department. But that changed. Now I’m teaching sociology.”

Bruce completed a bachelor’s degree in ethnic studies at the University of California, San Diego and a master’s degree and a doctorate in sociology at University of Southern California.

Bruce says that students regularly tell him that his sociology classes are some of the most fun and most interesting classes they have ever taken. He attributes this to the open class environment and student interaction that he promotes.

“I assume students have knowledge. My job is to help them frame what they know using a sociological perspective,” explains Bruce. “I truly believe students are equal shareholders in the educational process.”

Bruce is dedicated to ensuring that his students feel comfortable participating in their own education. He’s also convinced that MiraCosta is one of the best places for students to be.

“I love it here!” exclaims Bruce. “I feel comfortable with people in the MiraCosta community. This has always been home to me. When I think of being an alum, I think about MiraCosta.”