When I started back in ‘09, I was 16, quite shy and extremely nervous. I spent all four of my high school years home-schooled and I didn’t know what to expect out of the college life. Despite all the crazy rumors of how hard college is, it is fairly easy and FCC has impacted my life in more ways than I can imagine.  

Attending college was not something I planned on doing. I wanted to get a job to make money and support my family. Financial matters were always a problem and I wanted to help my parents as much as I could. They did not want me to go through life struggling like they had. They knew the benefits of going to college and urged me to pursue it.

“I went to city for a semester. But, I dropped out cause I wanted to be dumb. You need to stay in school, Iesha.” Those were the exact words my dad told me.

So, I was on my way to college and worried at how things would unfold. I felt obligated to not fail my parents, especially my dad.

Then, I finished my first semester and  I realized in the long run how beneficial attending college is. If I wanted to make a good living for myself, then I would need to stay in college, get my degree and work as hard as I could. Having that little paper stating I graduated from college and got my degree meant a lot now.

Finishing something once I start is somewhat of a challenge for me and at city, I faced this challenge daily. At times it was so overwhelming that I wanted to quit, but the quizzes, essays and projects kept me grounded. Second semester came along, then my third semester and my fourth. It amazed me at how fast the months went by. And I was proud that I made it through four semesters without quitting.

Now, I am on my fifth semester here at city. Although it is difficult every so often, my time here at city has been nothing but life changing. I don’t know where I would be now if I hadn’t enrolled at city. I love the environment, the people and the teachers I have met have all been very welcoming.

I couldn’t imagine waking up every day and just working somewhere I didn’t enjoy. I can say this, though. I enjoy waking up and getting the chance to learn. Getting the chance to expand and explore what life really has to offer. I feel the need now to make myself better and make my parents proud.

FCC is giving me the opportunity to be the first in my family to finish college. There is nothing quite more amazing than that. Taking each day as it is given, I am determined and hopeful. Everyone needs a push in life and for me, college is it. I thank FCC immensely for giving me the insight that I need.