Positive Experience as Re-Entry Student

Note: this is the first of a monthly column in CC News to be dedicated to student success stories and/or the positive experiences students have had at Cuesta. This is a statement from re-entry student Betty Gillespie:

“As I near graduation from Cuesta College, I look back at the time spent there and reflect. I have been extremely impressed by the level of education I have received. The teachers that I have been fortunate enough to have were exceptional and had a true concern for their students’ achievement.

As a re-entry student I hadn’t been to college in 25 years. I decided in finish what I had started so long ago. College had definitely changed in the many years since I had attended. Now, with online classes available, it makes attending convenient and possible, even for those with full time jobs and families.

As a forty-five year old student, I was a bit concerned that I would stick out in a crowd of 18-20 year olds. This was not the case. There are many people of all ages attending and the wide varieties of ages disappear in the classroom. We are all there for a common goal: to learn and better ourselves.

I feel that I not only achieved this goal for myself, but hopefully set an example for my two daughters, the importance of a good education and that with work, perseverance and enthusiasm, anything is possible.

I am very proud that I am nearing completion and also very proud of the school I attended. I would like to express my gratitude to the staff and teachers at Cuesta for helping to make my experience a positive one. I would like to encourage others who may be considering re-entering college. We have a great community college at our fingertips. I feel very confident that I have received a quality education.”

Betty Gillespie