In just two years, Lesly Mulato went from Compton College student to employee in her
chosen career path. A first-generation college student, Mulato started at Compton
College in fall 2023 studying early childhood education with the goal of becoming
a preschool teacher. She quickly took steps to move closer to her goal by applying
and being hired as a student worker at Compton College’s Child Development Center,
which offers child care and preschool for children of students, employees, and local
residents.In fall 2025, Mulato graduated from Compton College with three associate degrees in social and behavioral sciences, arts and humanities, and an associate degree for transfer in early childhood education. Upon graduating, she was hired as a provisional preschool teacher at the college’s Child Development Center. She is transferring to earn a bachelor’s degree at California State University, Dominguez Hills in fall 2026 as an early childhood education major.
Just a few years ago, the South Gate resident was in an unfulfilling job and looking to make a change. She would often drive past Compton College and became inspired to further her education. “I thought, this is my time to go back to school and pick a career I’m interested in,” said Mulato. She decided on a career in early childhood education because she is passionate about working with children.
She learned the Child Development Center on campus was hiring during her Child Development 103 class and realized it was the perfect opportunity to gain some experience in the field. She has worked at the center for over two years. After graduating, she was promoted to her current position as a preschool teacher for three-year olds. “I’m honored to have my own classroom and am dedicated to creating an environment where my students feel important, safe and cared for,” Mulato said. “I want my students to always feel comfortable and open to learning.” She plans to continue working at the center while she pursues her bachelor’s degree.
When she first enrolled at Compton College, her goal was to earn a certificate but not a degree, however, her plans changed after a classmate referred Mulato to Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOPS). EOPS is a state-funded program designed to help low-income and educationally disadvantaged students overcome economic, social, and educational barriers to succeed in college. At Compton College, it is one of the most popular and recommended student-support programs for eligible students.
An EOPS counselor encouraged her to dream bigger and take her education further. “When I enrolled at Compton College, I planned to just get a certificate, and I wasn’t thinking about earning an associate degree or transferring to a four-year university,” said Mulato. My EOPS counselor gently encouraged me by asking ‘why don’t you just give it a try?’ She gave me that little push to go further.” Mulato praised EOPS counseling services as being incredibly helpful, especially when it came to creating her educational plan and outlining the classes she needed to take each semester to stay on track. “EOPS is a really good program that provides great resources for students such as book vouchers, counseling, workshops, general guidance, and more,” Mulato shared.
Mulato took advantage of many Compton College resources to ensure her success, including tutoring services. “When finals were coming up and I needed study support, I would go to tutoring sessions,” she said. “I went to the Math Center at the Library-Student Success Center, and I used the private study rooms. Sometimes you need a quiet place to concentrate.” She also enjoyed checking out the weekly Farmer’s Market on campus to take advantage of the free $20 worth of vouchers to spend at the market.
Mulato shared some advice for anyone considering enrolling at Compton College. “My advice is to get involved in activities on campus. Choose something related to your interests or get involved with other like-minded students because it will help you feel connected and not experiencing college alone. It will make you feel more comfortable and pushes you to accomplish things you might not have originally thought possible.”
