Graduate of Foothill's first bachelor's program is a commencement speaker

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Foothill College is a place where students accomplish many firsts. On June 29, Lydia Daniel becomes the first person in her family to graduate from college. She also joins the first class of Foothill students receiving their bachelor of science degree in dental hygiene. Lydia plans to continue her education and pursue a master’s degree.

“To be getting my degree, a bachelor’s degree at that, is just a really proud moment for me and my

family,” Lydia said.

Lydia studied and worked as a dental assistant for eight years in Arizona. After getting married she and her husband moved back to the Bay Area and had their first child. Lydia spent time at home with her son before deciding to return to school, and while completing her prerequisites she had two more children. She was accepted into Foothill’s dental hygiene baccalaureate program on her first try.

Lydia split her time between her family and the rigorous dental hygiene program. She said her children would find her up late studying.

“It got to a point where I would take my textbooks into the room with them when I would read them a bedtime story. I would just read out of my textbook,” Lydia said. “For them, they didn’t care so much about the story but that I was in the room reading to them. I wouldn’t be surprised if they are well versed in anatomy and dental hygiene.”

Lydia said she could not have completed the program without the support from her family, classmates and teachers. She thanks them for helping her through her higher education journey.