2024 PSD Science, Engineering, Mathematics: Daanish Noor
Life held little purpose for Daanish as he grew up. He dropped out of high school, eventually getting his diploma through a special program, but he says this educational experience left him in a bad mental state. He took classes at Cerritos College afterward but fell into addiction and saw no meaning to go on with school, or much else.
He then took a crucial step. He joined the Army which, besides ensuring he would stay clean, brought meaning to his life, a sense that he had the ability to help out in a larger sense. During a recruiting assignment, he visited his sister who was taking classes at Cypress College. He enjoyed the campus, and when it came time for a second chance at college, it was where he wanted to go.
In addition to starting college again, he began pursuing passions such as art and exercise. He competed as a power lifter and started journaling through sketches. His third passion became the sciences, in classes such as biology, chemistry, and with programs like (STEM)2.
Daanish now has a sense of purpose, and dreams for the future. He wants to earn an advanced degree in medicine or research, to focus on projects that could help a large portion of the population. Now, he not only believes in leading a life of meaning for himself, but to create that opportunity for others, too.
Please tell us about yourself. Where did you grow up? What are your interests? What is your story?
I grew up in Cerritos and attended Cerritos High School for a few years. I struggled a lot when I was younger and it was difficult for me to believe that school was anything more than a place I was legally required to be. I missed nearly half of my junior year and I had to finish high school in a special program, in a different state. I came back to California with a diploma, but I was worse off, mentally.
I started using and started making dangerous choices. I enrolled in two semesters at Cerritos College, but I wouldn’t attend class or complete any assignments. When I joined the Army, I was looking for redemption. Instead, I found my purpose. I began to see myself as a part of something bigger. I recognized that, even though life has not been easy, I benefited from freedoms that rely upon a principle of scarcity. I realized that I had a responsibility to use my privilege to help change things for the better.
It’s given me a reason to live. I used to think that I wouldn’t make it to 25, and I lived as if there would not be a tomorrow. When I became sober, I decided to start paying more attention to my health. I tend to become really engrossed in my hobbies and interests, and eventually I was competing as a powerlifter in the 75 kg weight class. I don’t have as much time for it these days, but exercise is something I’m very passionate about.
I also love to sketch things. I have an awful memory and I don’t remember much of my childhood, so I decided that I needed to begin recording things. Journaling is difficult, but I find that drawing things is a way for me to authentically capture memories and emotions. I keep a small notebook in my bag and I’ll occasionally draw pictures of places on campus.
What are you most passionate about? Why?
If anything, I would say that I feel most motivated to understand things. I once had a professor who told us that the goal of physics is to create a model that is so accurate, we can essentially predict the future. Hearing that was paradigm-shifting. It makes me believe in the nobility of education and reminds me of our potential as a species.
Why did you choose Cypress College?
I had a month-long recruiting assignment when I was in the military. It was part of an Army-wide initiative to increase their rate of recruitment. My sister was attending Cypress at the time, and I would come onto the campus and hang out with her. I think I ultimately decided to come here because I liked the architecture. The semi-brutalist design of our buildings makes me feel tiny, which inspires me for some reason.
What have you been involved in at Cypress College? How has your path unfolded?
I began working as a biology tutor in the LRC a little over two years ago. I was tutoring for Professor Ogoshi’s evolution and biodiversity course, with which I felt a strong connection, philosophically. In my first semester as a tutor, I took organic chemistry with Professor Landis. The conceptual approach of that class really resonated with me. On one of the first days of class I asked if I could become her SI leader. I had to wait until I completed both semesters, but once I had, I transitioned to the SI division and began working with her.
The semester that I was working with Professor Landis, I took the electricity and magnetism course with Professor Schwartz. Like I mentioned, my interests tend to consume me. I also asked to be his SI very early on. I intended on working with both professors, but unfortunately, the budget could no longer support as many SI positions. So, I currently work with Professor Schwartz.
I’ve also been a member of the (STEM)2 program for a couple of years. I’ve been more involved in the last year or so. Through that group, I was able to participate in Cal. Poly Pomona’s SURE program.. Summer research was an amazing experience and I owe it all to (STEM)2 for giving me the opportunity.
Share a memorable event or experience while you’ve been a Cypress College student.
I’ll never forget the first time I went to the Bolsa Chica ecological reserve. Our BIO 175 class went near the end of the spring semester and we saw so much wildlife. It’s a salt marsh and some of the paths take you right along the water. We saw an octopus like 3 feet from the paved path, it was super cool.
Who are the faculty and staff (in your major, an academic or other support program, etc.) who have helped you get where you are today?
I’ve been helped by a village of people. Professor Phyllis Mays-Larson, Professor Robin De Roo, Professor Greg Johansen, Professor Eric Brothwell, Professor Fumio Ogoshi, Professor Lenore Landis, Professor Aaron Schwartz, and Professor Scott Roby have all inspired me with their passion and interest. Professor Ogoshi, Professor Landis, and Professor Schwartz have also honored me with their recommendations numerous times. I would not have even been able to tutor without their trust and support.
Janelle, Tanya, Veronica, Sarah, and everyone from the LRC have always been so kind and willing to listen. Working alongside them has been a blessing.
Juan, Nick, and Esmeralda from the VRC provided me with constant, unwavering support. They maintained a space for people like me to feel comfortable and safe.
How has Cypress College supported you throughout your time at the college?
The VRC helped me navigate the myopic rules surrounding education benefits. I know that no matter where I go, I will never meet another group of people as patient and supportive.
(STEM)2 opened the doors to so many different opportunities. Workshops, scholarships, research, and even the PI events connected me to different resources that would require a tremendous amount of effort to associate myself with on my own.
What are your immediate plans after completing your studies at Cypress College (at your transfer institution, in the workforce, etc.)?
I intend to complete a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry. I am still deciding where to transfer to.
What are your long-term goals? What do you aspire to?
My goal is complete a Doctor of Medicine degree or a PhD and be part of an organization focused on research that will benefit a majority of people. I would love to work in pathology with some sort of structural/genetic approach.
What are you most proud of?
My sister, who just finished her bachelor’s degree in psychology at UCI!
What bit of advice would you give to current and future Cypress College students?
It’s OK to make mistakes. We just need to do our best to not make the same ones.
Is there anyone in particular you’d like to thank?
Adriana Duran, the VRC’s resident professional expert. She’s provided me with unwavering, unconditional, and unparalleled support. I owe whatever success I have to her most of all.
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
I’d like to wish everyone the best of luck with what lies ahead!