Saying Yes to Life: Morgen’s Journey at College of the Redwoods
Published on Sep 5 2025When Morgen first walked through the doors of College of the Redwoods, she wasn’t sure what to expect. What she found was more than an education—it was a lifeline.
Her journey to CR wasn’t a straight path. Born and raised in Sacramento, Morgen moved north in 2014, hoping to raise her first child in Humboldt County. Life soon took her on a winding route—relationships, cross-country moves, work at the Jefferson Community Center in Eureka, and even a fight with cancer.
“I was diagnosed with cervical cancer right before starting school,” Morgen recalled. “It was terrifying. I was sick, a single mom, and even spent time at a homeless shelter with my kids. But I knew I wanted to pursue my education—to be an example for my children and to show them that you can always start again.”
Despite setbacks, Morgen enrolled at CR, juggling parenting, work, and classes. “Honestly, CR saved my life,” she said. “Having professors to show up for, having classmates to connect with—it gave me purpose. Even on my hardest days, I knew I had to get to class.”
And she didn’t just get to class—she thrived. Morgen has maintained a 3.95 GPA, poured her energy into the campus art gallery, and discovered a passion for museum sciences that she plans to pursue at Cal Poly Humboldt. “I’ve always loved museums,” she explained. “The idea that I could help preserve art for future generations—it’s like a dream I didn’t know I had until CR showed me it was possible.”
Along the way, she found mentors who shaped her path. From professors like Lupe Galvan, who introduced her to the world of museum studies, to staff like Sherrie Porter in EOPS, Rose James in the Welcome Center, and Ruth Jensen in the Floyd Bettiga Art Gallery, Morgen credits the CR community for lifting her up. “Every professor, every staff member—whether they knew it or not—helped me to keep going. It wasn’t just about grades. It was about being inspired and supported.”
But perhaps her proudest moments have been sharing this journey with her children, Margaux and Joaquin. “My daughter comes to class with me during her school breaks, and she tells me she can’t wait to go to college herself,” Morgen said with a smile. “That makes me so proud. She’s seen the struggles and the victories, and she knows it’s possible.”
For Morgen, success isn’t just about her GPA or her transfer plans. It’s about resilience. “Success is never losing sight of who I am—with or without a degree,” she said. “It’s about getting back up when you fall. You can fail, but the real success is in how you rise again.”
Her advice to other students? “Ask for help. Walk into any building on campus and talk to someone. You’re not alone here. CR is a place where people want to see you succeed.”
Now, with her graduation (spring 2026) on the horizon, Morgen looks back on her time at CR as nothing short of transformative. “When I first came here, I was scared and unsure. Now, I feel like I can do anything. CR has been my second home, and it’s given me—and my kids—the future we dreamed about.”