Meet our Students

Meet Sasha Tangherian

Sasha Tangherian moved to the United States from London, England at the age of 14. As a teenager, he was eager to explore the new culture. The transition from England to the United States was easy for Sasha, and he soon felt like he was home.

Although Sasha thrived in his new environment, he soon lost track of his future goals. "In my later teen years I was too excited and forgot about my future goals, resulting in me dropping out of high school. I finally decided to go back to school when I was 19, but it was not easy returning to the student mentality."

A close family friend who was also a high school dropout inspired him to once again pursue an education. "The family friend who inspired me to pursue education is now in their third year of residency. He showed me that it was possible to succeed with a gap in your education," says Sasha.

It was difficult for Sasha to find an academic home and he "bounced around from college to college dropping out of classes and wasting time." When Sasha discovered MiraCosta College he immediately felt at home. "The friendliness of the population and the quality of instruction were the first things which got my attention," says Sasha.

During his first semester, Sasha became involved in the Student Ambassador Program. Through the program, Sasha traveled to high schools, telling students all about MiraCosta College. "Kids that I had met at high schools would come up to me at MiraCosta the next semester, hug and thank me for bringing them here. It is the greatest feeling ever, and I hope to do it again next semester."

Through the Student Ambassador Program, Sasha says that he has learned a lot about not only MiraCosta College, but also himself. "I grew to understand more about MiraCosta, which prompted me to become involved in the Associated Student Government. I assumed the role of president, so I could reach out to the community," says Sasha. "Going into the job I thought I knew what it was like to be a leader. After a year, I realized just how little I actually know about it. Leadership is a difficult thing to master, and I found out it is something I have to constantly work on."

Sasha has been named one of the 2012 recipients of MiraCosta College's highest academic award, the Medal of Honor. When asked about the award, Sasha said "I accredit my academic success to my mother, professors, advisers, and friends. These people are constantly pushing me to better myself and are there whenever I need help. I couldn't have done it without them."

"Thanks to MiraCosta College, my life has done a complete 360 degree turn; I am a 4.0 student and clearly see the path I am going," says Sasha.

At MiraCosta College, Sasha found more than a place to study, "I found my academic home. I am constantly comparing MiraCosta College to a UC school, and if I could, I would get my bachelor's degree here."