Livier Ixta

After Livier Ixta recovered from a stroke that paralyzed half of her body, she decided she wanted to learn to speak English.  This single mother of two from Guadalajara, México, enrolled in MiraCosta’s English as a Second Language Program and then in the Adult High School Diploma Program.  After graduating, she continued her education, has since earned multiple degrees, and is on her way to becoming a teacher.

“My goal at the beginning was just to learn English,” says Livier.  “But Maria Lopez, who works at the Community Learning Center, really pushed me to continue my education. She was the foundation of my success.”

After earning her adult high school diploma in 2000, Livier was awarded a scholarship to continue her studies at MiraCosta College.  While working on her associate degree, she enrolled in the Today’s Tutors, Tomorrow’s Teachers (T4) Program and volunteered in the Fifth Dimension Program at Mission Elementary School.  These experiences helped convince her to pursue a career in education.

Livier then filled her schedule with community service, including volunteering as a senator for the Associated Student Government, a vice president for the EOPS club, a student ambassador, and a peer educator.  Her commitment to community service was so impressive that she was awarded volunteer of the year from the Philanthropy Council.

“Livier’s service to the community has taken many forms,” says former T4 director Christine Sylvia.  “She possesses the rare combination of task orientation and compassion.”

Livier earned her associate degree in 2003 and enrolled at Cal State San Marcos, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Spanish in 2006.  She was then accepted into the university’s teaching credential program. Once she graduates in 2007, she hopes to teach Spanish and pursue a master’s degree.

“Now that I have my degrees, I feel different.  I feel special.  I feel more powerful,” says Livier.  “A lot of times I thought I would throw in the towel but I knew I had to continue my journey.”

Livier currently works as an instructional aide for MiraCosta’s Adult High School Diploma Program. Like her mentor, Maria, Livier now helps motivate students to continue their education.

“I tell them, ‘I’ve been there.’  I tell them, ‘Yeah, you can do it!’ I support them.  If it wasn’t for the support system I had at MiraCosta, I probably wouldn’t be in the place I am right now.”