Peralta Colleges Alumni Profiles
Finding Your Passion
Imagine going to college at age 16. That's what McCabe Jones did after testing out of high school, but he chose community college to help him prepare for the rigor of the University of California, Berkeley.
"My classes at Laney College and Berkeley City College prepared me perfectly," said McCabe. "I learned discipline and gained dedication that made it possible for me to succeed academically and pursue a career path."
As a teenager, McCabe was at a crossroads. He didn't like high school and associated with a group of kids who, like him, really didn't think of college as an option. An aunt knew her intelligent nephew had tremendous potential and convinced him to try community college, which proved a turning point in the young man's life. After graduating from Cal, McCabe entered a master's program at San Francisco State University, where he is working toward a degree that will allow him to teach writing and composition at the community college level.
"Community college helps anyone with an interest in learning to ease into higher education and to discover their interests and passions," said McCabe. "My teachers at Laney and Berkeley City colleges were enthusiastic and focused on their students; they provided so much help and guidance. I want to do the same."
Career Transition: Medical Technician to Fine Art Advisory
Sometimes our journey to achieve what we want takes a few turns. That's how it was for Suzy Locke, who never doubted what she wanted – a career in fine art – but getting there took a while. And she enjoyed the journey, which led her from medical laboratories to art studios at Laney and Merritt Colleges, to San Francisco State University to a career as a Fine Art Advisor.
The Detroit native spent 10 years as a medical technologist before she decided to combine her creative interests, business savvy and entrepreneurial spirit into a career as a fine art appraiser, independent curator and consultant to corporations, healthcare organizations and individuals throughout the United States. Her firm, Suzy Locke and Associates, boasts an impressive list of clients.
"I was always drawn to the history of art and studio arts and knew I would work in the field," said Suzy.
After a decade of working in the medical profession though, she needed to ease back into the academic life. "I loved my time at Laney and Merritt colleges. The teachers – not teaching assistants – were enthusiastic and devoted to helping students learn."
Suzy notes that her classes helped broaden her horizon beyond the arts. For example, she gained an appreciation for the environment through her Desert Studies and Marine Biology classes, which took her into the field.
"Most importantly, my classes at Laney and Merritt prepared me to write again, which was crucial to my academic success," notes Suzy, who went on to graduate summa cum laude with a degree in Fine Arts from San Francisco State University and launch her own successful business, now 35 years old.
