Caleb Kamalu: 2019 President's Medal Honoree

I like to use what I know and help others in their educational journey."

Caleb is an 18-year-old Curtis High School senior and Running Start student who is graduating with his high school diploma and an Associate of Arts degree. He plans to transfer to Corban University in Salem, Ore. and major in math. His goal is to earn an undergraduate degree in math and graduate degree in education to become a math teacher.

“I like helping people, and I really like learning,” he said. “I like to use what I know and help others in their educational journey.”

At TCC, he discovered quite a bit about himself. He learned how to reach out for support, whether it was at the Writing and Tutoring Center or the library, and worked well with other students on group projects. He enjoyed the diversity of students at TCC, and felt the experience at TCC gave him the foundation he needed to successfully transfer to a four-year university.

Caleb credits his organizational skills to keep his busy life on track: He attends college full-time, along with attending a class at Curtis High School, as well as working four hours a day as a tutor for middle school students. His daily checklist kept things organized, he said.

“I’m a visual learner, and that checklist motivated me to do the things I need to do,” he said.

Coming to TCC, Caleb said, helped solidify his career choice, and set a strong foundation for him to pursue his goals.

“I went into TCC knowing I would save time and money,” he said. “But I have definitely enjoyed my experience here much more than I thought I would. I liked the whole campus, the entire experience, and the people … I’m excited to come here every day.”