Together Toward the Future: Crafton Couple Finds Strength in Shared Journey

Publish Date: May 6, 2026

At Crafton Hills College, Cayla and Giovanny Chamu have built more than academic success—they’ve built a partnership rooted in perseverance, encouragement, and shared goals.

The couple began their journey at Crafton as partners and took another meaningful step forward when they married in winter 2024. Now, they are preparing to graduate on May 15 side by side, each with a clear vision for the future. Giovanny is earning his associate degree in business administration with plans to pursue a career in marketing. Cayla is completing her associate degree in Elementary Teacher Education, driven by her goal to become an inspirational teacher.

Their path to higher education was not something they initially planned to do together. For Cayla, a visit to campus during a gap semester sparked her interest. “Seeing the campus and all the majors made me want to attend,” she shared. That excitement became contagious, motivating Giovanny to take a chance on college as well. “My wife inspired me,” he said. “I did not intend on going to college, but she and her family gave me that opportunity.”

Balancing school, work, and life as a married couple came with its challenges, but it also strengthened their bond. “Our journey as a family has been about growth and support,” they explained. From navigating different study habits to holding each other accountable, they found motivation in simply knowing the other was counting on them. Whether it was studying together or encouraging one another to attend class, their partnership became a key factor in their success.

Like many students, they faced moments of doubt and stress. Giovanny shared that overcoming procrastination and self-doubt was one of his biggest hurdles, but Cayla’s encouragement helped him stay focused and confident. Cayla, in turn, leaned on Giovanny during times of burnout and overwhelming schedules. From helping with daily responsibilities--such as cleaning the house, keeping up with the bills, cooking meals--to picking up extra work shifts so she could focus on school, Giovanny helped both stay on track.

One of their proudest accomplishments is not just earning their degrees but doing it together—and taking the next step side by side. The couple has been accepted to California State University San Bernardino, where they plan to continue their education before launching their careers and starting a family.

Their time at Crafton is filled with meaningful memories, from simple routines like grabbing coffee and donuts at the campus café to shared experiences like visiting the San Bernardino County Museum for a class field trip. These moments, both big and small, became the foundation of their college experience.

Looking ahead, Cayla and Giovanny are committed to carrying forward the value of education. Giovanny hopes to instill its importance in their future children while encouraging creativity, and Cayla dreams of becoming a teacher—perhaps one day even teaching their own kids.

For other families considering attending college together, their advice is simple but powerful: be a team. They stress how important it is to support one another, hold each other accountable, grow together, take advantage of opportunities, and create memories along the way.

For Cayla and Giovanny Chamu, college has been a shared journey that strengthened their relationship and set the stage for a future built on mutual success.