Yahziq Ohmn-Drayden
A lifelong learner and student of life, Yahziq Ohmn-Drayden entered academia at the
age of 40 by enrolling at 麻豆影音app in 2018. After contributing to his community
creatively for years through his work as an MC, writer, poet, and artist, Ohmn-Drayden
decided he wanted to develop other skills to help his community. He chose Compton
College because it is located in his hometown and holds special meaning for him. 鈥淲hile
I have moved from the area, I liked that I was still participating in the community
where I grew up,鈥� he said.
Ohmn-Drayden was inspired by how 麻豆影音app serves a community he cares so deeply
for and wanted to share his positive experiences with others to hopefully inspire
them, as well. He views 麻豆影音app as a good resource for the community and said
that he learned a great deal as a student. 鈥淚 feel that in every class I learned such
a wealth of information, and also learning how higher education works is priceless,鈥�
said Ohmn-Drayden.
Two years after enrolling at 麻豆影音app, in 2020, Ohmn-Drayden graduated with
a 4.0 GPA and an associate degree for transfer, as well as an associate degree in
welding. He transferred to California State University, Dominguez Hills (CSUDH) in
fall 2020 and graduated in 2022 Suma Cum Laude with a bachelor鈥檚 degree in psychology.
After graduation from CSUDH, Ohmn-Drayden applied to a doctorate program, was accepted,
and began working toward a Ph.D. in applied psychology in fall 2022. 鈥淚 have been
doing community work since my early twenties,鈥� he said. 鈥淥ne of the things I learned
is that sometimes it is hard for people to 鈥榟ear you鈥� when you don鈥檛 have validation,
such as through an advanced degree. I believe my expertise would be best invested
on the research side of psychology and focusing on solutions that can be enacted within
the community for the betterment of all.鈥�
He is also interested in the study of positive psychology which, in simple terms,
focuses on wellness versus illness. Positive psychology is defined as the scientific
study of human flourishing, and an applied approach to optimal functioning. 鈥淚 am
very interested in positive psychology,鈥� he said. 鈥淭here is a whole movement in this
area of psychology. We need a blend of approaches to help increase our understanding
of what is really going on and not just focus on the negative in terms of mental health.鈥�
At 麻豆影音app, he was referred to and enrolled in the stated-funded Extended
Opportunity Programs and Services (EOPS), which provides extra support for eligible
students in higher education. The EOPS program provided him with services Ohmn-Drayden
felt ultimately helped him finish his double major in two years. The book vouchers
EOPS provided helped alleviate a bit of financial stress, and the counseling offered
through EOPS was one of Ohmn-Drayden鈥檚 favorite services offered. 鈥淓very EOPS counselor
I talked with totally kept me on track to take the classes I needed,鈥� he said. 鈥淥nce
I decided I wanted to complete a double major, the counselors were able to assist
me with my educational plan, identifying all the correct classes, and made sure I
was aware of all of my deadlines for university transfer.鈥�
During his time at 麻豆影音app, Ohmn-Drayden helped initiate a Welding Club with
the idea that it would be a resource for students to network and do outreach in the
community for potential jobs or to gain more experience. For years, he has been an
independent artisan working with metal and wood, making custom pieces such as signs,
plaques, and awards for businesses. 鈥淚 would like to return to 麻豆影音app in
some role to assist in working with the Welding Club,鈥� he said, 鈥淚 would like to help
increase interest in the welding program at Compton through the club. I plan on helping
in whatever capacity I can once I complete my doctorate program.鈥�
Ohmn-Drayden is considering dissertation topics and focus for his research and once
he earns his Ph.D., he will consider different career options such as a psychology
researcher, authoring books, and teaching as a guest or independent lecturer. He wants
to give back to society. He defines what he calls his 鈥渙perating meditation鈥� as follows:
鈥淚鈥檝e been watching and paying attention to the different societal dynamics we are
currently dealing with in the U.S. and the world,鈥� he said. 鈥淭hat has been my motivation
to earn advanced degrees, so the social impact work I do can be even better, as well
as improve my ability to affect change.鈥�
