At San Diego City College, stories of determination and success resonate through the halls, but few are as compelling as that of Neary Sim. With a tenure spanning over two decades, her recent academic achievement is not just a personal victory but a beacon of inspiration for all who believe it's never too late to chase their dreams.

Neary's odyssey began in the computer labs of City College in 1998, a journey marked not by the passage of time, but by the evolution of technology from typewriters to the digital age. "Back in the days, everything was on a typewriter,” she said as she reminisced about her early days at the college. “I bring it with me wherever I go."

The turn of the millennium saw Neary step into a role that would define her career - the phone operator for City College. She became the lifeline of the college, connecting students to their future. As she ventured through various roles, her presence became as integral to the institution as the buildings around her.

But her story is more than a professional journey; it's a saga of personal triumph. Upon her arrival in the United States in 1982 as a refugee from war-torn Cambodia, Neary had to quickly adapt to an unfamiliar environment where she wasn’t fluent in the language. After completing high school, she started a family with her high school sweetheart and made her family life a priority. Nevertheless, she harbored a strong determination to pursue higher education.

After earning her associate degree at City College in 1998, she decided to further her education and enrolled at Bellevue University in 2011. Her dedication led her to a Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems. Yet, life, as it often does, presented its trials. Family health crises and personal challenges threatened to derail her aspirations. "I went into a depression...it affected my health...everything tumbled down. I felt like I couldn’t do it anymore," Neary said.

Despite the hardships, her resolve never wavered. In the silence of early mornings and the solidarity of the library, Neary persevered, her mother's memory fueling her determination. "Every day I keep saying that I am strong and resilient. I can do this; I will make it," she affirmed.

And make it she did. After years of persistence, Neary earned her Master of Science degree in Management and Leadership from Western Governors University (WGU). She participated in WGU’s commencement ceremony on March 15, 2024, at the Honda Center in Anaheim. Her story is not just about attaining a degree; it's about overcoming life's insurmountable obstacles with unwavering tenacity.

Neary’s advice to those embarking on their educational journey speaks volumes of her character, "Always connect with someone, ask for help...ask the questions you need to ask. And if you don't know what to ask, still ask." It's this spirit of inquiry and the quest for knowledge that embodies the heart of San Diego City College.

Neary’s enduring message to students is filled with hope and guidance: "Don't ever think that you're alone...don't quit. You're not a quitter; you're a fighter." Her narrative is a clarion call to all students that with belief, tenacity, and the courage to ask for help, success is not just a possibility; it's a promise.

In the end, her journey echoes as a powerful reminder: no matter the obstacles, education remains a path open to all, irrespective of age or circumstance, a pathway that Neary has walked with grace and fortitude.