Debbie Copeland

MiraCosta College graduate Debbie Copeland was born to write.  “I have to write,” she emphasizes.  In fact, Debbie finished her first book at age eleven and, as a preteen, wrote and staged a play for friends and family in her Bronx neighborhood.  Now, Debbie has become a published author with her first novel, “The Kids at Latimar High.”

“‘The Kids at Latimar High’ foreshadows my experience growing up in Bronx. It includes some of my memories as a teen,” she explains.  “It is a coming-of-age novel in which two best friends fall for the same guy, the star quarterback of Latimar High.  Through the story, their friendship and loyalty to one another is tried and tested.”

Debbie began writing her book two years ago.  During that time, she raised her teenage son and worked two jobs.  She says at times it was tough to concentrate, but she stuck to firm deadlines and remained committed to finishing, even when it seemed impossible.

“I had to clear my mind of any distractions.  At times, I even had to isolate myself and give up some of my hobbies.  I had to juggle what life threw at me and finish the book, which I did! Now I’m hard at work on the sequel to ‘The Kids at Latimar High.’”

Debbie is no stranger to hard work.  Even before beginning to write her novel, she kept herself busy with raising her son, working, and being involved in MiraCosta campus life.

While at MiraCosta, she was a student ambassador, a reporter for “The Chariot,” and a student worker.   She graduated from MiraCosta College in 1998 with an A.A. in general studies.

“I love this school. The people at MiraCosta are so warm and supportive. Some of the happiest times of my life were when I was a student at MiraCosta College.”

Debbie has such fond memories of MiraCosta that she persuaded her son, Thomas, to enroll at the college.  Now Thomas is a graphic arts student, and is also the artist responsible for the book’s catchy cover art and design. 

Debbie self-published “The Kids at Latimar High” through iUniverse.  The book is now available for purchase on most major book-selling web sites, including barnesandnoble.com and amazon.com.