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Isaac Powell

Biography

PROFILE: At 6’4”, Isaac Powell was a pretty good basketball player and had been told (“warned” might be more accurate) that the only path into a major university for young African-Americans was through sports. “After years of believing this lie I decided to do something different, and this is when I chose to enroll in community college,” said Isaac. He discovered something very important those first days at Mt. San Antonio College; first, he realized he was smart, and second he found that he enjoyed, literally loved, going to class, and getting involved in campus activities other than athletics. A whole new world opened up for Isaac, who embraced the college community with open arms. Isaac didn’t totally turn his back on his  athletic abilities as he was a member of the Mt. San Antonio “Mounties” basketball team his freshman year but concentrated on academics afterward. When all was said and done in the spring of 2010, Isaac donned his cap and gown with a perfect 4.0 GPA, various scholarships and awards in hand, and accepted his degree from College President, John Nixon.

INSPIRATION: One man is all it took for Isaac. That man’s name is John Brantingham, one of Isaac’s professors at Mt. San Antonio College. “Not only did this man show me how to think critically and write clearly, he believed I was capable of making a real difference in society even when I didn't believe it myself. His mentorship led me to examine my own personal motivations and career goals and set me on a path to public service.”

ASPIRATION: The ultimate goal for Isaac is to someday be appointed the U.S. Secretary of Education. “This particular position will allow me direct access to the information, budget, and personnel needed to make strategic improvements in America’s high schools, as well as, the power to administer financial aid to the nation’s colleges and universities.”

MAKING A DIFFERENCE: For over 18 months, Isaac mentored a local high school student until the young man graduated from high school and made a successful transition to college. Isaac was especially proud to do this because the student “was a near duplicate of my former self.” Like Isaac, he initially had very little interest in school and didn't give much thought to his studies. “So I did for him what I would have liked someone to have done for me at his age, and showed him all of the benefits that come with attaining a college degree.”

ACCOLADES: Isaac was named a Coca-Cola New Century Scholar, earned Phi Theta Kappa All-California Academic First Team honors, and was presented with the Mt. San Antonio College Student of Distinction Award.

INTERESTING FACT: Isaac is one of two Cooke Scholarship winners from Mt. San Antonio College this year. The other is Carmina Del Mundo.

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