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Lisa Bastio

Biography

Profile: Lisa Bastio is your quintessential non-traditional college student. One would think at age 40, after running a successful business with her husband and raising six wonderful children, that it might be time to relax a bit.  Not for Lisa.  In 2008 Lisa, who had dropped out of high school, decided to be the first in her family to ever attend college.  She enrolled at nearby Mt. San Antonio Junior College and almost immediately realized a very important fact: “I discovered that success has little to do with being the most intelligent or family legacy, but it has everything to do with willingness to work hard and a desire to get the most out of education. It was this hard work and desire that led me to the honors program and becoming involved with leadership on campus and volunteer work within my community.” In her three years at Mt. San Antonio she served as the school’s Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society's chapter president, was a member of student government and was student representative to the President's Advisory committee, all while maintaining a 3.75 GPA. 

Inspiration:  Carolyn Kuykendall was Lisa’s mentor and had a tremendous influence on her. “She helped me realize that the best education does not come simply by gaining knowledge: it comes through taking the knowledge gained in the classroom and using that knowledge to make a difference in our world.”  It was Mrs. Kuydendall who introduced Lisa to community service and encouraged her to use her newfound research skills to be a positive influence in society. “She has helped me to understand that the best education is one that helps to develop good character and social responsibility.”

Aspiration:  To teach on the college level.  Lisa’s epiphany involved the realization that she loves to teach.  “Since beginning college, I have discovered that English and teaching are my greatest passions. I worked in our college's writing center and tutored several of my fellow students. I have found that my happiest moments have been in working with these students. I plan to use my education to become a English professor.”

Making a Difference: Right this very moment in Southern California there are several ex-cons making a contribution to society who are literate because of Lisa Bastio.  “My greatest achievement has been the work I have done to improve the literacy levels of inmates incarcerated in a correctional facility,” said Lisa who also discovered that only a handful of correctional facilities have structured educational programs, and many of them lack even basic reading material. She began a book drive and collected over 1000 books which she donated to a local correctional facility. “I consider this service my greatest achievment because I was able to use my education to be a possitive influence in my community.” 

Accolades:  Lisa was presented with the Mt. San Antonio College Student of Distinction in Service Award and also won the Guistwhite Scholarship for academic achievement.  In addition she received the Pepsi Leadership Award.

Interesting Fact:  Lisa has six children and three grandchildren.

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