How COD helped her get there?

​

Yesenia began classes at College of the Desert immediately out of high school to reap the benefits of free tuition through COD’s plEDGE program. However, balancing school and work was challenging. Many days she wondered if she should just quit school and work full-time. She loved her culinary program but still the potential to take on more hours at work and make more money now was tempting.

 

Yesenia decided to seek counsel from her trusted professors, and she did not regret it! Seeing her growth potential, they reminded her that if she prioritized school now, she would be grateful she had in the long run. Her certificate would equip and qualify her for jobs involving restaurant operations and grant her access to one of the fastest growing sectors in today’s job market.

 

With fresh commitment to achieving her intermediate culinary certificate, Yesenia is on track to graduate in May 2025.