Maile Soukup

Maile Soukup grew up on the big island of Hawaii and graduated from Kohala High School.  Even though she was more than 2,000 miles from North San Diego County, she had heard of MiraCosta College and its excellent academic programs.

“People in high school in Hawaii are aware of MiraCosta. It has a good reputation,” explains Maile.  “When I was 18, I came to California to take a job working in the sales and marketing department of a company in Oceanside.  At the time, I wasn’t going to attend college.  However, I soon realized I needed more computer experience.”

Maile enrolled in Computer Information Science (CIS) 100, a personal computer applications course that is part of MiraCosta’s CIS Flexible Learning Program.  In this program, students are given the flexibility to choose from lab or lecture or online instruction at any time throughout the class. 

“This class really helped a lot.  Plus, the program’s flexibility was a blessing,” she says.  “After I finished with CIS 100, I decided to enroll in CIS 105, a more advanced computer class.  Everything I learned in this class I use everyday at my job.”

Even though Maile is working full time, she has decided to continue with her education and hopes to earn an associate’s degree in business from MiraCosta and then transfer to a four-year university.  Ultimately, she would like to work for a company that specializes in health and nutrition. 

“Having the experience of being in the work force and going to school at the same time is great.  I can really see why it’s important to continue with your education and how a good education can make someone a better and more successful employee.”

Now that Maile has been a MiraCosta student for a while, she has experienced first-hand all the great things she heard about the college while a student in Hawaii.

“All the teachers at MiraCosta are encouraging.  Plus, they relate what we’re learning to today’s workforce, which is very helpful.  In all, I’ve been really impressed with the college.” 

Click here for more information about MiraCosta's CIS Flexible Learning Program.