Angel Spikes - LAVC Student Spotlight of the Week

Angel first started attending Los Angeles Valley College (LAVC) at the age of 20 years old to pursue a major in fire technology. Angel enrolled with a vision of what she wanted to accomplish in her career. However, after repeatedly failing in her major of fire technology, she took a step back to re-examine and reflect on her educational plans. 

Growing up in the foster care system for the majority of her life, Angel faced many struggles that oftentimes continue to challenge her today as an adult. When she revisited LAVC with her mentor, she was able to locate resources on campus that were able to guide her through her educational journey. She discovered programs such as EOPS, NextUp, Guardian Scholars, Umoja Black Scholars, and the Basic Needs Center to help her reshape her career goals.

At first, she was hesitant with asking for and allowing herself to receive help. With LAVC’s student support services and resources, Angel's life has beautifully blossomed and is on the dean's honor roll list due to her hard work, dedication and the belief that she was capable of being successful. 

She now serves as a state-wide foster youth ambassador for the California Community Colleges Foundation and hopes to improve the educational experiences of historically marginalized student populations.  

After successfully completing a series of general education courses, Angel felt that her calling was within the field of Psychology. Angel enjoys listening, motivating, and advocating for those of all walks of life which led her to pursue her career in therapy specializing in adolescent care. Currently, she is in the process of selecting a four-year university that she will eventually transfer to in 2026.