Wave Staff Report
COMPTON — Krystal Markovich, the student commencement speaker at the 2024 Compton College Commencement Ceremony, is a nontraditional student who is fulfilling her “long-deferred dream of continuing her higher education.”
Markovich earned three associate degrees in English, arts and humanities, and social and behavioral sciences. She plans to transfer to a California State University campus to earn a bachelor’s degree in English.
An avid reader, she loves to curl up with a good book.
“Reading ‘Macbeth’ for the first time in a Compton College English class was beautiful and a truly unforgettable experience,” she said. Her ultimate dream is to write a novel and become a published author.
When she enrolled in Compton College in 2020 as a married mother of a six-month-old child while working a full-time job as a customer service representative it had been 10 years since Markovich had been in a classroom.
“I recognize my story diverges from the typical student narrative, yet Compton College never saw that as a limitation,” she said. “Instead, it provided a sanctuary for me to reclaim my dreams, to balance the roles of student, career woman, mother and wife with grace and tenacity.”
She thanks the faculty and staff at Compton College for their support and for making a profound impact on students’ lives.
“Compton College has been more than an institution; it has been a beacon, guiding us through this transformative journey,” Markovich said in her commencement speech. “I am eternally grateful to the campus staff including my counselor, Shay Brown. Thank you for creating attainable goals, inspiring me to continue with my studies, and mapping out my education plan resulting in my earning three associate degrees.”
In addition to working and raising her four-year-old son with her husband of nine years, Markovich is a dedicated community member and serves as chair of the Planning Commission in the city of Cudahy, where she lives She is an advocate for parents of special needs children and is passionate about mental health awareness.
She closed her speech with some inspiring words for her fellow graduates: “Commencement marks the beginning of the most exquisite chapter yet,” said Markovich to the class of 2024. “One in which we are privileged to author the story of our lives, enhanced with an endless number of future goals to achieve and new dreams to dream!”
Compton College’s annual Commencement Ceremony was held June 7 at the Dignity Health Sports Park Tennis Stadium in Carson. A total of 476 students met the requirements to graduate with an associate degree and 366 students earned certificates.
“These graduates have not only conquered rigorous course work but also triumphed over obstacles to be here in this moment,” said Compton College President Keith Curry during the commencement ceremony. “Their determination and perseverance inspire us all.”
