Glendale Community College (GCC) is recognized by the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) through academic year 2024.
Alaina Espinosa is a proud Gaucho student athlete. As a member of the GCC Women’s soccer team she has recently made the move from mid-fielder to wing. This is a big change for her however she is taking it in stride, just as she does with every other challenge she faces; she is attacking it with grit and determination.
Alaina came to GCC from Alhambra High School, where she excelled in the classroom and on the soccer field. She admits that her family’s love of soccer was a big motivation, “everyone in my family plays soccer, my dad, my uncles and my brothers.” In fact, it was her Alhambra soccer coach who recommended that she try out for the community college soccer teams. “Of all the schools I looked at GCC was the best fit for me, from the coaches to captains to players, everyone was so nice, they welcomed me with open arms.” Alaina said that she got the same sense of belonging and community from fellow students, faculty and staff. “Everyone makes me feel like I belong here.”
She does confess that she was nervous about coming to GCC however she acknowledges that she was fortunate that her best friend from high school and soccer teammate, “Yami” Solorio was also attending GCC.
Alaina is quick to point out that the sense of community played a big part in easing her transition from high school to college. Alaina commented, “Making that move is pretty stressful, thinking that I had to have direction and then feeling relieved that GCC would allow me the time to consider my future.” She is interested in criminology and would like to pursue her law degree or become a police officer. No matter which career path she takes one thing is certain, she will find time to coach soccer.
She thanks her soccer coach, Alejandro Luna for constantly challenging her to do her best. Similarly, she pointed out the positive impact of her English instructor, “Professor Roderick really pushed me to improve my writing and speaking skills.” She added, “he is very detailed and takes time to work with students.”
Alaina plans on walking in commencement in May 2020 and then transfer to a four-year school. She said, “no matter what the future brings, I know that GCC got me on the right track.”