A step in their desired direction

Christine Carrillo

Monica Deam made a choice. At 32 years old, she moved back into her

parents’ house and started going to school full time. On Friday, two

years later, her dedication paid off.

In a blue cap and gown, with her head held high and a constant

smile on her face, Deam was filled with pride for achieving what she

had worked toward for the past 18 years. She earned her associate in

arts degree.

She was an Orange Coast College graduate.

“For me, this was a long time coming,” said Deam, who plans to

transfer to Cal State Long Beach in the fall. “It’s been very

difficult ... but education is so important.”

Deam was one of 2,025 students honored with an associate in arts

degree or certificate of completion in an OCC vocational program at

the college’s 55th commencement ceremony Friday evening.

“This is just so wonderful,” said Samantha Macleroy, who drove

from Riverside County to see her godson graduate. “These students are

working toward something. ... It’s just great to stop and recognize

them for that.”

While the college recognized the students for their achievements,

it also recognized one specific member of the OCC community for his

dedication.

After working for 28 years at OCC, 56-year-old Tim Richey received

an associate in arts degree, an honorary one. Richey, who worked in

maintenance, was diagnosed with brain cancer in January and has been

aggressively fighting ever since.

On Friday, he too was recognized.

From recognizing past efforts to looking toward the future, many

graduates said they felt the ceremony represented the first step.

“It’s kind of just another day for me because I still have school,

but I am happy,” said 21-year-old Liana Pham, who will transfer to

Cal State Fullerton in the fall. “This is just one step, but it shows

I’m moving forward. My family and friends are proud.”

For others, the ceremony represented their tenacity.

“This means a lot to me and it means a lot to my family,” Deam

said. “I’m just so excited. I finally have my degree.”

* CHRISTINE CARRILLO covers education and may be reached at (949)

574-4268 or by e-mail at christine.carrillo@latimes.com.