A community college is a very special space. My first foray into academia was a resounding failure. If not for a community college, that is where my academic career would have ended. Instead, I restarted my education at Napa Valley College and then transferred to UC Berkeley, where I took a BA in Molecular and Cellular Biology. After Cal, I worked for 2 years in a environmental microbiology testing lab. I then attended UC Davis, where I investigated cell signaling in muscle fibers and neurons. I received MS and PhD degrees in Pharmacology and Toxicology. What I enjoyed about research was trying to solve a puzzle where many pieces were missing or incorrectly understood. Ultimately, I returned to that arena where I first fell in love with biology and chemistry: a California community college! I love Chabot’s devotion to social justice. I feel very at home here and hope to make my students feel that way as well.