Congrats Grads! College of the Desert welcomes Class of 2023 at Acrisure Arena

A first for Acrisure Arena on Wednesday, where around 1,000 College of the Desert students officially became graduates.

It was a sea of red and gold on the arena floor, as COD welcomed the Class of 2023.

More than 900 diplomas and certificates were given to students representing 28 countries.

Dressed in their caps and gowns, students walked the stage-- a moment they’ve all been waiting for.

“They're here. Whatever challenges they faced, before the pandemic, or this year, you can do anything within the future," said COD Class President Allen Pahl.

Thousands of family members and friends were in the stands cheering on the new grads.

For Pahl, the last 4 years have be some of the toughest but also the most rewarding.

“I'm not from the Coachella area, but when I first came to COD, I felt a little lost," Pahl explained. "It was probably the roughest mental challenge I've been through in terms of online, because I couldn't see anyone except virtually. And I think if we're able to push through that kind of challenge, they can push through any challenge that comes into the picture.”

Together as a class, they turned the tassel to symbolizw a new degree and new chapter.

“I started from the bottom here. And I'm finally making my way out and I get to become a registered nurse, which has been my lifelong goal since I was a little girl," said COD graduate Arlene Zamora.

It’s been years of hard work for Zamora, on top of taking care of her daughters with another one on the way.

“They're everything. And I use that as my motivation to keep pushing," she said.

Like thousands of other students, Zamora faced delays due to the pandemic but didn’t let it hold her back.

“At the end of the day, we got to keep going," she said. "If you use those, those obstacles in life as motivation, you will definitely achieve what you want in life.”