Life Has Other Plans

Name: LaSharon Alienta “Spark in the Wind” McLean Perez Assistant Director & Academic Integration Liaison

I am a Highlander. I am one of those people that represents a lot of our different student populations that Highlanders face. I was a transfer student. I was a non-traditional student, meaning that I returned to school after serving in the Navy. I am a veteran student. But I am also a disabled veteran. I was a single mom when I worked for my bachelor’s degree, working literally anywhere between two to three jobs, and I have a very diverse background. It’s a struggle, and I know what it is to struggle. I was a theatre student, but looking further back, college was not a part of my plan.

I come from a military family, and although it was not an expectation that I joined, it was almost a given that I served. As far back as I can remember, that is what my family did: we served. But life has other plans for you, and I realized soon after that I was dealing with medical issues which made me leave. I am a cancer survivor. I was diagnosed with cervical cancer, and it was a challenge. I had about a five year gap between dealing with my medical issues, depression, and struggling before I ended up at Riverside Community College. One class led to another, and I found myself transferring to UC Riverside. I had a lot of life experience, but I did not know what I was doing. I was the first in my family to go to college, and I found my passion in theatre and travel. I was asked if I wanted to study abroad, and I thought, “I can do that?” It stuck with me, so I went with it. When I returned, I found myself. I was so fortunate to be mentored by much of the staff here at UCR, and I found myself going to graduate school in Australia. I was looking for diversity from what I was learning here, and I wanted to expand and obtain a graduate degree. Two years later, I had not one, but two degrees from the University of New South Wales. I had come back to UCR, which to me was my new home and community, and explained how much fun I had. When I returned, I was offered a temporary job. That was 11 years ago. I have been here since, and I am now the Assistant Director of the program. I have been very fortunate, and Riverside has truly given me a lot. I am a Highlander through and through. My time here has been very impactful in my life; it continues to shape me, and I get to shape other students' lives as well. I want students to know that we are not here just for their academic experience, but to help them grow and succeed in their lives.

#whotellsyourstory #veteranstudent #cancersurvivor #singleparent