San Diego resident Malarie McKinney had her sights set on attending San Francisco State University – until she realized that her family couldn’t afford the costs that come with an out-of-town college education.

It turned out to be a blessing in disguise.

“I was definitely disappointed and unhappy at the time,” McKinney said. “But I came to realize there was a reason this had happened. It led me to attend City College, which helped me discover what City is all about. Education is liberation, and at City, I saw how motivated people are to get an education here. I realized I had a real opportunity to do a lot more here. And I learned that you don’t have to leave your home for a good education; you could get a great education at City.”

McKinney earned an associate degree in sociology from City in spring 2025 and is now majoring in the subject at San Diego State University as a junior. She’s on track to graduate at the end of the fall 2026 semester.

But she hasn’t left City behind. Far from it. McKinney has continued her work as a City College outreach specialist, often connecting with students at Lincoln High School just down the street from where she grew up. She was recently promoted to project analyst, a role that involves analyzing data from the Welcome Center and following up with students to ensure they receive the support they need.

Born in Los Angeles but raised in San Diego after her father enlisted in the Navy when she was a toddler, McKinney, the oldest of four siblings, grew up in Southeast San Diego and attended elementary, middle, and high school in East County. Her inspiration came when her mother enrolled at Cuyamaca College while McKinney was in middle school.

“She loved her sociology class, and every day she’d come home and show me what she was learning and everything they were doing,” said McKinney, who graduated from Steele Canyon High School around the same time her mother earned an associate degree.

McKinney was hooked. “I love analyzing different groups in society, seeing why certain things are happening to certain populations, and asking what we can do about it. I came to believe that if you see something, say something. If you say something, do something.”

Visions of becoming a college counselor or going to law school began to take shape.

She’s been able to put her words into action while working in the City College Outreach Department. “I’m meeting new people and showing them the resources we have to help them grow and learn.”

Her plans for the future? Effecting change. Whether by becoming an attorney, a counselor, or an educator, McKinney is determined to be a leader. And an educator, no matter the capacity.

With Black History Month in full swing, McKinney has taken time to reflect on her journey – and on the journeys of other Black Americans.

“Black History Month means having your voice heard,” she said. “People who came before me worked hard and sacrificed so people like me can have a voice and be heard.”