Where the System Ends, CAA Begins. We Built the College We Couldn't Find. CAA Story #30: Student Ali K.

When student Ali Kennedy first started taking classes at CAA in 2015, she found a community that accepted everyone and a place where she could truly be herself. After earning her degree in journalism from San Jose City College, Ali continued to explore her passion for storytelling and furthering her education at CAA.

Ali first heard about the College of Adaptive Arts from another CAA student in her church group. And ever since, Ali has been taking classes and loves being able to grow and express herself creatively. She especially loved the acting and dance classes she has taken over the years, she loves that everyone is willing to try and gives it their all in classes.

One of Ali’s favorite things about CAA is the way that everyone accepts one another, she appreciates that no one is trying to change anyone. The sense of belonging she feels has kept Ali coming back for more and more classes at CAA.

Today, Ali continues to learn and grow her skills through CAA’s Digital Publishing class, which she is really enjoying. She is also working in CAA’s apprentice program, where she is finding new ways to learn, create, and contribute to the CAA community.

In 2025, Ali started The Cardinal Times, a student-run newspaper covering everything that happens at CAA. By writing the newspaper, Ali gets to collect and share stories about events with the CAA community.

After more than ten years at CAA, Ali’s story shows how important it is to find a community that encourages and supports you to be yourself. Through journalism, performing arts, and her love of storytelling, Ali continues to find and make her voice known in the CAA community.

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Written by Nina Pal

Volunteer