There is the story of the ugly duckling that transformed into a swan and the frog that became a handsome prince when a princess kissed him.

But transformations don’t happen quickly, DVC counselor Kathleen Costa told an audience of about 50 on April 22 in the Performing Arts Center.

“It’s usually not until we look back over the months and years of our own personal journey that we are able to recognize the transformations that have happened in our lives,” Costa said.

In giving DVC’s 45th annual faculty lecture, sponsored by the Faculty Senate, Costa linked the concept of transformation to the “real mission” of California’s community colleges.

 “We transform high school students into college students,” Costa said, “stay-at–home moms into career women, displaced workers into career changers, and underprepared students into scholars.”

Such transformations rarely happen without the help of others, she said.

“No matter how independent or self-reliant we may think we are, we are much better when we help and support each other,” she said.

Costa singled out what she considers some of the most generous and empowering words in the English language: “You can do this and I will help you.”

Such words were once spoken to her by a woman in her local chapter of the National Organization for Women.

Costa said she underwent her own transformations from a quiet girl to an outspoken woman during her years as a college student and adult.

After dropping out of Cal-State Hayward and struggling to discover her place in life, the second generation Portuguese American returned to college 10 years later to finish her bachelor’s degree in behavioral sciences, and earn a master’s degree in counseling.

Since then, she has counseled at DVC, taught classes and held leadership roles, such as vice president of the faculty union, United Faculty.

“When I came to work at Diablo Valley College, I felt at home,” Costa said. “I felt I understood many of our students’ experiences because they were similar to many of my own.

“I remembered how it felt to be a first-generation college student, and the lack of self-confidence I had as a reentry student, and my hope that community college would be a second chance at success, she said.”

Costa offered up what she called her “Red Volkswagen Theory” that experiences shape awareness.

After buying her first red Volkswagen, Costa said she began noticing other red Volkswagens, because they were like her own car.

Her car, she reasoned, could be likened to her past experiences in that they made her more aware of certain things in life.

“It is only when we are aware,” Costa said, “that we can foster transformation.”