Your Memories & Stories

Have a story or memory of your own to share of how the College has impacted you or your family over its 50 years. Click here to share it with us.

Diane Lobianco Gabrielli

I will start my story at the age of twenty-nine. I had recently broken up with someone and was looking forward to being single. I had my own apartment and job. But instead I meet a man named Gabe Gabrielli. I cannot tell a lie. I approached him. He had dark curly hair and was on the shy side. We dated for a month. He was a widow with four- and five-year-old boys. It wasn't long before all three moved into my apartment. When Julian, the five-year-old, said "Why can't Diane watch us?" I knew I couldn't leave these children.

As time went on we moved to the 'burbs to get the kids in better schools. Years went by. We added baby #1, Adrian, after two years; he's now eighteen. Then later #2, Brendan, now sixteen, and #3 Estella, now fourteen.

I'm sad to say my husband Gabe starting drinking, and the drugs followed soon after. It consumed his life. Sad but true. I knew I had to come up with a plan. I talked to anyone who would listen to me. Finally it led me to a women's resource center, which directed me to the New Choices, New Options program at Delaware County Community College. This is a wonderful program--it's all in the name. I was profiled by counselors who suggested many different kinds of careers, including non-traditional ones.

I chose carpentry, one of the only fields with equal pay for women. But school work and time commitment soon made home life out of control. I'm hustling on the side to pay bills while still in school. A friend drove me to food banks as my car had been repossessed. This was what I call a few years of hell. But my kids ate and were taken care of as I continued school.

I guess you could say enough was finally enough and I threw Gabe out. I had no job and no money but it was affecting my children. I kept all five children, of course, when he left.

As time went on I'm doing whatever a mom needs to do to pay rent, supply food and love my kids in between running around like a headless chicken.
I still had a few years of school left and was far from getting any good job. Well, the crap hit the fan. Finally all resources of mine, gone! What do I do now?

My son had made a friend in first grade, Josh. His mom was a caring, loving, patient, and peaceful woman. I admired her and dreamed like being like her even though I was so opposite from all my life's craziness. I screamed out and everything and everyone in my life.

But she was always sweet to me and one day took me to her church, Church of the Savior. I told them my story--they were so wonderfully compassionate. And they wrote me a check for $2,500 to pay my bills and take care of the kids. What a wonderful miracle from God. Thank you again,Lord! and Nancy and church.

I continued school and finally had some relief.
A few months later, the three younger kids and I were watching television. The older boys were most likely at school.

And BOOM! News flash on Channel 29: found murdered, Gabe Gabrielli. There's a huge picture of my husband on screen. My heart sank. Adrian, who was eight, was old enough to understand.
The days after were dark and sad as we said good by to their father whom they had barely seen the last few years of his life.

But on to the future. I have a small tribe to lead. Carpentry choice for a trade was a good one as now I'll have to be half mom and half dad. Luckily I had a life insurance policy, purchased on the advice of my sister, Susan, years before. With five kids, she said, you had better be prepared. With the money, I bought a house near this wonderful church, and a big red truck.

Now moving forward again, I did complete school, but getting a job is a whole new case. A woman in a man's field wanting to be taken seriously is still hard. Help me, Lord!

So finally, as a last resort I volunteered at a local mill shop, five days a week, eight hours a day. I was the go-fer, go for this go for that. But unfortunately, they attempted to teach me very little. During this time, however, a gentleman, Thomas Traun, came in and said hello and we talked. A month later he came back and said, "I'll pay you $10 an hour to work for me." I ran out of that place fast. Here I am nine and a half years later still working with Tom. (got a few raises) It's been challenging, but after all these years I'm finally confident in what I do. I do a lot of tiny small jobs others will touch. I was once a small job myself!

I meet the most wonderful people and my list for woman friends since I started this part of my life has grown so immensely. We have tea, we fix stuff. But as with my older clients, we just love on one another and they feed me a lot of wonderful food!

Thank you, Lord! New Choices New Options program! And Delaware County Community College for pushing me through the program in the face of not thinking I was good enough! Because by the grace of God we all are good enough.

Thank you for reading my story

Carol R. Myambo

I graduated in 2005 phi theta kappa. I went on to West Chester University and graduated magma cum. I am now perusing a certification in early childhood education at Eastern University. I am a non traditional student. Loved Mr Bakers class. He was so tough.

Jason Harvey '05

First, I would like to thank Doug Ferguson, Director of Alumni Relations for allowing me to share my experience of DCCC with you. Second, to Coach Motta and my teammates on the 2003 Phantoms Baseball team THANK YOU for giving me a chance and believing in my capabilities as a baseball player.

Back in 2003 I had an opportunity to play baseball on the Phantoms Baseball team. It was one of my best seasons on and off the field. For many of you that do not know me I was the College’s first one-handed baseball player in the school’s storied history. I caught and threw the ball one handed like former Major League Baseball player Jim Abbott. I had more hits (5) and at bats (19) in one season at DCCC then I did in all four years of high school.

The confidence I gained on the field led to the confidence I gained in the classroom. I graduated in 2005 with my Associates in General Studies from DCCC. Upon graduating from DCCC I returned to work in the Learning Resource Centers at the Chester County Campuses while I continued to work towards my Bachelor’s degree. In 2009 I graduated with my Bachelor’s Degree in Sports Management from Columbia Southern University.

As an employee of the college my proudest moment is seeing my former students in the LRC achieve their academic and career goals.
Every few years I return to the field and talk to the new Phantoms players about my experiences at the college and what it means to be a “Student Athlete” at DCCC. Congratulations to DCCC on 50 years and I hope nothing but the best to our current and future student body.

Sean Homsher

I came to DCCC with no academic skills and less preparation for a career. Delaware County was where I learned to be a student and went on to graduate with my AA in Liberal Arts, matriculate to Cabrini college for a BA, and eventually to Penn for a double masters degree in education, but none of that would have been possible if DCCC wasn't the supportive atmosphere that took damaged goods and re built a student who was prepared to follow his dreams.

I met some of the best professors I have ever encountered, and two that stand out above all of the other good ones, were Dr Dessa Ewing, an English professor, and John Cronin, a history professor. My love and appreciation for them and their influence in my life as a student and a citizen is endless. They recognized my desire for more than I had, and they were great teachers in every sense of the word, assisting me in learning a balance between academic and life, which I carry to this day.

I know there are other students like me, and it makes me feel good to know that DCCC is there to help them during a time of economic and social uncertainty to help them move forward and become successful people and good citizens in their communities.

John R. Bailey

I began my college career at DCCC in 1977 but sadly stopped after being hired by my local Police Department, getting married and starting a family.

Fast forward to 1990, when the opportunity presented itself that I could return to the college part-time. I persevered, not an easy task but was successful and determined, graduating six years later. I eventually continued with my education, and obtained my MAS from Fairleigh Dickenson University.

Having the ability to have taught as an adjunct professor for DCCC always allows me the opportunity to stress how important it is to have a college education, and how advanced DCCC has become with the joint partnerships involving four year learning institutions.

It is a valuable asset that DCCC provides to each and every student and they should never take this for granted. The amount of success stories from the graduates and the great reputation that DCCC receives is invaluable.

Paula Hayden Baxter

I was so blessed to have been given an amazing foundation by the Early Childhood Education Department from 1983 to 1985. I want to especially honor Dr. Ronald Padilla who was the head of the department and an amazing educator. My time at DCCC prepared me to be a fantastic Early Childhood Educator, and I am forever grateful.

Nathanaelle Dubreuil

I never really take time to relax, especially during finals. I love when therapy dogs come to campus... you have no choice but to take a moment and enjoy yourself!

Jenny Ngo

One of my favorite memories at DCCC was when the Admissions Office thew a going away party for the student tour guides and student employed at the International Student Service Office. Here's me and my buddy George!

Beth Betancourt

I met Michelle through PTK and my life changed. She has been my rock when I needed one, my shoulder to cry on, and hands down the best friend a person could hope for. Even when competing for the same scholarship we cheered each other on with the sincere happiness that only true friendship can provide. She is a large part of my success and I am a better person having her in my life. If it wasn't for Delaware County Community College I would have never met my best friend.

Ella Erdman

When I first started going to DCCC, I was taking ESL (English as a Second Language) classes. While taking classes and interacting with more students, I met many wonderful people and some life-lasting friends. My major initially was business, then I switched to Nursing. While I was taking a chemistry class, I met many people who were majoring in Engineering. I became friends with them, and switched to Engineering later. In three month from now, I'll be getting my bachelors degree in Civil Engineering. DCCC was a great start with its many resources, clubs, and organizations.

Kathelleen Parsons

I spent many long years trying to find my way while attending DCCC. I am happy to say I was able to complete and graduate with a healthcare administration associates honor degree.

My most inspiring teachers were Lauren Donovan for business and Susan Scalzi for healthcare. I have also connected with many great mentors like Doug Ferguson- DCCC Alumni and Jim Plummer- grad of DCCC himself. With all their support, I was able to strive and continue on through at DCCC. This is how I found myself here.

I also would share New Choice program has helped me as well with career guidance and continue education goals. Without the support of the ladies of New Choice, my career choices would not have allowed me to graduate. I was able to 'Find Myself Here' at DCCC.

I am also a proud parent of two children that attend the Nursing program at DCCC. My daughter has successfully found herself and on to great things, thanks to DCCC. Looking forward to my son's achievements and success with the nursing program in these next few years. You will certainly find yourself here at DCCC.