From triumphing over domestic abuse to achieving academic excellence, Shuanie Linette’s story is one of unrelenting courage, strength, and determination to create a better future for herself and her children.
Shuanie enrolled in community college after graduating high school and began studying business, but her life soon took an unexpected turn. After escaping an abusive marriage and dropping out of college, Shuanie and her two young sons lived out of motels and cars while she worked long hours at multiple jobs, struggling to provide for herself and her boys.
Through every adversity, Shuanie clung to her dream of returning to college and building a better life for her young family. After years of instability, she finally found a lifeline at Saddleback College.
It was here that she discovered not just a school but a sanctuary where she could begin to rebuild her life. Shuanie joined the CalWORKs program, which provides work opportunities for eligible student-parents to help them thrive on their academic journeys.
During this period, the mentorship she received from counselor Maria Castellano was pivotal in reigniting her hope for a better future, something she hadn’t felt in years.
“I’ve had amazing mentors at Saddleback who have supported me every step of the way,” she said. “They don’t just give you the tools to succeed; they also give you the encouragement you need to keep going when you want to quit.”
Shuanie also began working for the Puente Project, a program dedicated to supporting first-generation students and helping reduce dropout rates, and started thriving in the classroom. Her favorite class, Career Exploration Counseling, led her to discover that social work is not just her career choice but a calling in which she can truly make a difference. Despite its challenges, her past uniquely prepared her to help others overcome the same challenges she faced.
“It felt like I was exactly where I was meant to be, helping other students who were just like me and trying to find a way out of difficult situations,” she said. “I know firsthand what it feels like to be without, and I have deep compassion for others who are struggling. I want to empower people to recognize and live up to their own potential,” she said.
With her sights set on eventually transferring to USC to complete her social work degree, Shuanie knows the road ahead won’t always be easy, yet she’s no stranger to overcoming adversity and conquering the seemingly impossible.
“I’ve been through a lot, but I’ve never given up, and I’m determined to make this work for me and my boys.”
Shuanie’s story is a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the impact and importance of Saddleback’s support systems. Not only has she survived unimaginable circumstances, but she has thrived in spite of them. Through her unwavering tenacity, Shuanie is forging a path to a brighter future and plans to help guide others toward that same hope.
To students interested in pursuing a similar academic journey or facing similar hardships, Shuanie has one thing to say: “If I can do it, so can you.”