As a first-generation student from El Paso, Texas, college was a distant dream, weighed down by concerns about tuition fees and the possibility of debt. I began my path to education attending a traditional four-year state university. But the truth of attempting to juggle a more than 50-hour workweek and keep up with my coursework soon had me struggling. No matter how much I labored, the financial aid I received was not sufficient, and I contemplated dropping out, struggling to focus amidst the chaos of school and work.

My transfer to Paul Quinn College was the start of the transformation of my college experience.

The Work College experience at Paul Quinn played an important role in shaping my future goals and career. Being able to work and obtain my degree provided me with real world experience that positioned me to be more competitive upon entering the workforce. This valuable experience not only helped me obtain an internship in my field but also led to a full time job after graduation.