Don’s journey has not been easy. As a high school senior, he felt lost, with no guidance on college, financial aid, or mapping out a future. “My primary purpose for getting into education was to help solve issues of equity for students with backgrounds and stories similar to mine,” he shared. Today, he channels that early frustration into empowering others, providing crucial support and resources many students might not otherwise find.

His colleagues and students speak volumes of his dedication. Dr. Howard Irvin, former Summer Bridge coordinator and now vice president of Student Services at Los Angeles Southwest College, remarks, “Don’s dedication is beyond reproach. He is absolutely top of the line in what he does.” Such admiration underlines Don’s influence not just on students, but across the community.

The Summer Bridge program, which Don leads, offers students a free six-week course to help ease their transition from high school to college. During this time, students engage in classes like Sociology 101, with a focus on the African-American experience. Similarly, the Umoja program aims to enrich the cultural and educational experiences of African-American students and support their long-term academic success through peer mentoring and leadership development.

Reflecting on his own educational journey, Don acknowledges the lack of support that once hindered his path. Despite excelling as a defensive back in high school and earning a football scholarship to San Diego Mesa College, he faced challenges after a severe injury. “I didn’t really know what I was doing,” he recalls, which ultimately led to losing his financial aid and facing hurdles in his quest for a degree.

However, Don has turned his struggles into a source of strength. After spending years in the audiovisual industry, he pivoted to education, inspired by friends in the field and his college-bound nieces facing similar obstacles. “It was disappointing to watch as members of my own family go through the same challenges I did,” he said. Don became compelled to enact real change for students, and his journey provides a powerful reminder to current students: there’s always a way forward.

For many, Don Love is not just a counselor; he is a mentor and a source of motivation. Edwina Williams, a former dropout turned educator, credits him with igniting her ambitions. “Don played an instrumental role in my academic journey,” she says. “His question after commencement, ‘What’s next?’ pushed me to strive for bigger and better opportunities.”

Today, Don continues to inspire and uplift others at MiraCosta College and beyond, demonstrating the profound impact of guidance, empathy, and dedication. As we celebrate Don Love, we are reminded that one person can create extraordinary waves of change in the lives of many.