El Camino College's Outstanding Students Set to Transfer

Shaminna Mingon Jones is on her way to a nursing career, a path she is proud to pursue.

As the student speaker at the 62nd Annual Commencement ceremony at El Camino College. Shaminna is eager to share her story with classmates and guests. It is a story full of challenges - and ultimately triumph. After graduation from El Camino College, she will transfer to California State University, Los Angeles to major in nursing.

"I want to be a nurse because my deceased mother started in nursing, but was unable to finish," said Shaminna, who plans on a career as an emergency room nurse. "So, I decided to finish. It took more than two years, but I stuck in there. I bounced back from hardships and continued."

Born and raised in Los Angeles, Shaminna attended El Camino Real High School in Woodland Hills. When she was 16 Shaminna's mother passed away. By the time she was 17, she enrolled at El Camino College - her first choice.

"When I first came to El Camino College, the campus reminded me of my high school, because of the diversity of the students. I love that," she said. "After getting more involved in my studies, I found the courses were great, the teachers and counselors were outstanding, and so many people were ready to help me."

Shaminna pursued her studies while working full time at Harbor UCLA Medical Center. She got married three years ago and now she and her husband have a 1-year-old baby.

Working full time, a new baby, and a full load of classes - all this makes her life quite busy. But she is happy to do it - she said she is motivated by her husband and family, who are all very proud.

"My mother was my inspiration - I know that this is what she would like me to do if she were still here. I know she would also be proud."

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