On her first day of class at Santa Rosa Junior College (SRJC) in 2019, Kanto Raveloson was late. Unsure how to navigate the campus in her new environment, she anxiously arrived at a classroom with no remaining seats and stood in the back of her English class. New to English language classrooms and unable to understand much of what her professor was saying, she did her best to keep a low profile.

During one of her English Classes in SRJC

After explaining the course expectations, what students could expect to learn, and how they would learn it, Kanto’s professor asked the class to write a one-paragraph self-introduction. The short assignment would establish a baseline for each student’s writing ability.

Kanto sat on the floor, using a binder as a writing surface, and got to work. She would receive a D on the assessment and later learn that it was the lowest grade in the class. Just like that, the higher education journey of a future UC Berkeley and Harvard University alumna had begun.

ESL Completion Event with her English Professor (not the one where she got a D)

This was Kanto’s entry point into higher education in the United States. As an international student from Madagascar who had been educated in the country’s rigid, exam-heavy French system, she knew little about the American higher education system, campus and classroom culture, or exactly what would be expected of her as a student. Seven years later, she would graduate from Harvard University as the 2026 recipient of the Titus Award, an honor recognizing a graduating student who has made outstanding contributions to community-building, particularly within Harvard’s Black community. Kanto would become deeply knowledgeable about higher education systems of support through tireless self-education, persistence, and a unique ability to make the most of both campus resources and her own potential. 

When Kanto received the Titus Award for Harvard Black Graduate Class of 2026

Her path was marked by persistence, but also significant hardship and subsequent problem solving. While at SRJC, she faced food insecurity and a brief period of homelessness, temporarily steppin away from her studies to focus on covering her living expenses. “It wasn’t just SRJC that supported me during this time, but also the local [Santa Rosa] community,” she recalled. 

When Kanto received the President Scholarship from Rotary Club in Santa Rosa to transfer

Despite these challenges, her determination and strong candidacy earned her a full-ride scholarship to UC Berkeley and later a full tuition scholarship to Harvard University.

Kanto describes her three colleges as a natural progression, with SRJC serving as the foundation. “I got bad grades in high school and never expected to attend schools like UC Berkeley or Harvard,” she said. 

UC Berkeley Graduation

Kanto first began to view Berkeley as a real possibility after meeting with SRJC international counselor Chris Grant. “He looked at my grades and listened to my story, and he was really the first person who made me feel that attending such a prestigious university was possible.”

Harvard Grduation

Grant offered more than encouragement. He carefully introduced Kanto to the UC system, explained transfer pathways, and showed her how to take advantage of the campus support available to students. Kanto also credits SRJC with helping her develop the academic skills and confidence she would later rely on at Berkeley and Harvard. 

“People at SRJC believed in me more than I believed in myself,” Kanto said. “I would not have been successful had I went directly Berkeley.”  

The D on her English class writing assessment was really the beginning of her support journey. Almost immediately, the professor and Kanto connected to form a partnership to improve her writing skills, including allowing her to use an English dictionary at her desk throughout the semester. “My professor was so understanding of my story, and I began to see her regularly during office hours,” she said. “One of the prouder moments of my academic career was being called up to the front of her class to be celebrated for earning the highest grade on the final paper.” 

During Kanto's ESL Completion Event

If there is one consistent theme in Kanto’s journey, it is persistence and a willingness to seek out help. At every step of her higher education journey, she made full use of the student services available to her. At Berkeley, this included yearlong, for-credit courses focused on graduate applications and campus resources. Those courses helped connect her with research opportunities, which is something she had never expected to pursue when she first arrived on campus. “Don’t be afraid to expose yourself to new things like research, and don’t worry about failure, because it is all part of learning and growing,” Kanto said.

Firebaugh Research Symposium

As Kanto decides her future beyond Harvard, she is patiently assessing her options. “I am not sure yet and I want to see what all my possibilities are, but I know that whatever I do will be focused on making a positive impact in people lives,” she said. Throughout her journey, Kanto consistently sought out support when she needed it. Now, she aims to be that source of support for others.

Start Your Journey at Santa Rosa Junior College

Kanto’s story shows what is possible when international students have the right support, guidance, and transfer pathway. Santa Rosa Junior College helps students build a strong academic foundation, prepare for transfer, and move closer to their goals at top universities across the United States.

Learn more about Santa Rosa Junior College and apply today!