Kent Tablada
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology

Tablada, 43, of North Hollywood, arrived with his wife from Belize in 1981 seeking a better life in America. He struggled in low-level jobs, and then became a machinist, working in freelance sales on the side.

All the while, Tablada supported a succession of friends and family members who moved from Belize to California. His sisters, a brother, parents, and in-laws all lived with the Tabladas for a year or two until they were able to save enough money to become independent.

Finally in 1992, Tablada began attending CSUN at night, but the 1994 Northridge earthquake so traumatized him that he dropped out. Then in 1998, he suddenly realized, “I’m losing sight of my dreams.” Tablada was working days. The classes he needed were in the morning. “My wife and I made a choice. I retired.”

Tablada hopes to be a role model for “a host of young nieces and nephews” whom he wants to inspire to attend college. He has been accepted to the master’s program in psychology at CSUN, and plans to continue his education until he earns a doctorate degree. He wants to become a therapist.

“I am changing,” Tablada said. “Back in 1981, a bachelor’s degree may have been something to aspire to. But I think I need to be more educated so I can play a greater role in society.”

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