Dareen Yonts '67

I had a very fulfilling educational experience at Long Beach State which resulted in a strong foundation for my career in education. I began my collage years in 1963 and as a sophomore was invited to work with Dean Lois Swanson, in the area of student events.  She asked me to head the New Student Orientation which required a full overhaul and updating. It was a very important component of our student's initial college experience.  It was widely recognized as highly successful, so all our hard work and reorganization efforts made a difference!  As an undergraduate, I was also involved in service groups, such as Califias and Sinawik and was the president of both active service organizations. The leadership experiences I had at Long Beach honed my skills in this area which I used throughout my professional career in education organizations. My major was history, and my minor was English. I was in the first year to require the fifth year GOR certification to teach. I had amazing professors, such as Dr. Alquist, who brought history alive. He was one of the teachers I had and an excellent model for engaging students. At the end of my senior year at Long Beach, I was surprised and delighted to be named the outstanding female graduate of the year. I went on to get a teaching job at Huntington Beach City School District and my master's in reading, as I wanted to help students with their reading difficulties. I was connected with Cal State Long Beach and was able to offer my schools to assist with their internship programs. As a Principal I guided my two schools to California distinguished school ratings and was asked to reopen Peterson when we went to class size reduction. I retired in 2007 after 21 years as a principal and 41 years in the education profession. Teaching was challenging and rewarding as was being a principal. The kids warmed my heart and gave me the inspiration and energy to keep working to improve their learning.