DVC Alumni Spotlight: Karrington’s Journey from DVC to Oxford
At Diablo Valley College, we believe in the promise of each student’s journey—wherever it begins and wherever it leads. This month’s Alumni Spotlight features Karrington, a 2022 graduate whose academic path is now taking her across the Atlantic to pursue graduate studies at the University of Oxford.
Karrington began her studies at DVC in 2019, finding her footing as the world around her shifted due to the pandemic. “I had a great time at DVC, even amidst the pandemic,” she reflected. “The transition to online classes was seamless, and the community was very supportive.” Those early years not only provided a strong academic foundation but also helped her clarify her sense of purpose.
Raised in San Ramon, Karrington described growing up in a place that was “super nice,” yet at times isolating. As one of the few African-American students in her community, she often felt like an outsider. “It was home at the end of the day,” she said, “but definitely, as a kid, it was difficult always being an outsider.” That sense of otherness sparked a deep curiosity—one that would grow into a passion for service and advocacy.
At first, Karrington was on a nursing track. But a pivotal internship at Stanford changed her trajectory. “Coding and data analysis felt like building Legos,” she said, a nod to the joy of discovering something new that connects to who you’ve always been. That internship helped her uncover an interest in mental health policy—something that felt urgent, personal, and full of possibility.
Scholarships, including the Kennedy-King Memorial Scholarship, helped open doors, and Karrington transferred to Cal State East Bay. There, she was awarded the prestigious Obama-Chesky Voyager Scholarship for Public Service—an experience that allowed her to travel the country, studying how different communities address mental health access. “That scholarship gave me the chance to learn directly from people in cities like D.C., Atlanta, and New Orleans,” she shared. “It deepened my commitment to advocacy, policy, and community building.”
This fall, Karrington will begin graduate studies in health policy at the University of Oxford—on a fully-funded scholarship. She sees this opportunity not as a finish line, but as a way to continue giving back. “This is a dream come true,” she said. “It’s a chance to bring back insights that can help make mental health more accessible for everyone.”
When asked what keeps her going, her answer was simple but powerful: “You only have one life. Just do your best. No one has ever directly told me I can’t, so why should I believe otherwise?”
Karrington’s journey is a reminder that meaningful change often starts quietly—in a classroom, during a conversation, or through an internship that opens your eyes to something new. Her story speaks to the power of persistence, of being open to change, and of staying connected to the communities that shaped you.
We’re proud to celebrate Karrington as a member of the DVC alumni family. Her story—like so many others—is one of purpose, resilience, and hope.