Kristen De Los Santos: Made to Strive
June 25, 2025
Kristen De Los Santos didn’t wait for the “perfect moment” to attend college. She made one.
In her mid-20s and working full-time in healthcare, Kristian had already overcome many challenges. She was supporting her family, balancing demanding hours, and navigating the pressure of being the first in her family to attend college. But something inside her pushed her forward.
She chose to STRIVE!
"I’ve worked full-time since I was 18. I didn’t think I had the time or energy to attend college. But I wanted more. I wanted to grow—not just for me, but for my family, for my future."
Kristen found her way forward through the Operations Management program at Palo Alto College, offered online through #AlamoONLINE. The program’s flexible format and accelerated 8-week courses allowed her to keep her job while working steadily toward her bachelor’s degree.
"AlamoONLINE gave me the flexibility I needed to do this. The short sessions helped me stay focused, and I started believing I could finish this."
Her sense of purpose grew as she continued—and so did her impact. Her journey inspired her fiancé to go back to school, too. Her confidence at work increased. She started seeing herself not just as a student but also as a leader.
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"I'm striving to grow, to finish, to make an impact. And I won’t stop here." |
Building Leaders, Not Just Graduates
The Bachelor of Applied Technology in Operations Management isn’t just about coursework. It’s about preparing students to lead, grow, and contribute meaningfully in fast-paced, real-world environments. Graduates are trained to design business strategies, lead teams, manage complex projects, and make data-informed decisions.
Dr. Joshua Garcia, program lead for Business Management and Operations at Palo Alto College, describes the Operations Management program as dynamic, responsive, and life-changing.
“By bringing real-life experience into the classroom,” he explains, “our educators create engaging, relevant learning environments that help students succeed.”
This kind of personal investment and mentorship helped Kristen realize her goal of becoming a future operations director in healthcare.
Looking Ahead: A Future Full of Purpose
Kristen isn't stopping with her bachelor’s degree. She plans to continue her education and pursue a master’s degree, fueled by a deeper understanding of operations, leadership, and impact.
“This journey showed me that I’m capable of more than I thought. I want to keep going. I’m already looking at master’s programs and thinking about what else I can do in healthcare and leadership.”
Her sights are set on a future where she can lead change, support her community, and open doors for others, just like she’s done for herself.
A Ripple Effect of Empowerment
Kristen’s story is more than an academic success. It’s a testament to the power of choosing yourself, even when it’s hard. It’s about making progress one course, one late night, and one bold decision at a time.
"This is about more than a degree. It’s about showing myself—and others—that I can do hard things. And it’s never too late to become who you’re meant to be." |
Ready to Strive Like Kristen?
Kristen’s journey shows that it’s never too late to start—and never too soon to keep going. From working full-time to inspiring others around her, she proves that determination and support can open new doors.
Now it’s your turn to write your own story.
Talk to an enrollment coach today and take your first step toward something bigger with AlamoONLINE.