VCCCD would like to introduce you to the students that make our colleges meaningful institutions. We will be regularly highlighting students across all three colleges sharing their educational paths, goals, activities and fun facts.
We are proud to have students like Bayan and Michael in our District who showcase excellence and leadership on campus and beyond.
Earlier this year, Ventura College student Bayan Duwaik was selected as a semifinalist for the prestigious Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship. The scholarship intends to support high-achieving community college students who are transferring to some of the top universities in the country.
Bayan was the only student selected in the Ventura County Community College District to achieve this milestone. We spent some time catching-up with the high-achiever to learn more about her experience at Ventura College and future goals.
Biology, molecular biology to be specific is Bayan’s intended major. The VC Chemistry tutor has plans to get a Ph.D/M.D. degree which would allow her to focus on a unique area of biomedical sciences and practice clinically as well as in the lab focusing on a specific disease.
In addition to being a tutor on campus, Bayan is the treasurer of the Females in STEM at Ventura College which is a club on campus.
Being identified as a semifinalist is, “really humbling” according to Bayan. In the next few months she will be solidifying exciting decisions that get her one step closer to her dreams.
Michael Schouten, Associated Students of Ventura College Treasurer, has been active in his community. He is the Chair of the Santa Paula Youth Advisory Council. As a leader of the council he has created a Teen Center for youth engagement and serving the Santa Paula Community.
On March 20, Michael spoke at the Santa Paula City Council meeting to give an update on the center.
You can read more about what Michael and his council have done with the teen center here.