(3) Insights & Advice: A Life of Purpose and Perspective

 Insights & Advice: A Life of Purpose and Perspective

Getting accepted into BYU’s Master of Social Work program brought another major change for Cee Cee and her family. They moved from Ogden to Provo—a significant shift for their small but growing household. During graduate school, Cee Cee gained practical experience working at both Wasatch Mental Health and LDS Family Services. But with more children being born, she eventually found herself stepping away from paid work to focus on being a full-time mom.

After the birth of her fourth child, she returned to the professional world—this time combining her passions for teaching and social work. She began teaching in the Social Work Department at BYU, where she could mentor future social workers and share her lived experience.

Cee Cee’s influence stretched beyond her students. She introduced me to the concept of intersectionality and helped me recognize how my own privileged upbringing shaped my worldview. Her ability to explain the needs of marginalized communities changed the way I saw things. Through our conversations, I began to understand the role of advocacy in education and social justice. Today, in my own professional roles, I carry forward Cee Cee’s insights—especially when working with students affected by poverty, discrimination, and systemic barriers.

Cee Cee’s journey continued to evolve. After moving back to California, she became the assistant girls’ basketball coach at Camarillo High School, a position she held for 13 years while also coaching her own kids. During this time, she returned to school once again to earn her teaching credential in Special Education, which allowed her to become a math teacher. Her work as a coach and teacher reflects her lifelong commitment to helping youth reach their potential.

What drives Cee Cee is her deep belief in the importance of having a meaningful career. As the daughter of immigrants, she understands the challenges that many students face—and the effort it takes to overcome them. She’s passed this determination on to her children and to every student she works with: do what you can, work hard, and always aim to make a difference. 

Finally, Cee Cee says that being a good teacher has made her a good therapist and looking back, it's all worked together for good.