MaryAnn Landry

After 20 plus years in retail I realized it was time for a change.  The retail business was changing.  In the spring of 2003, I started taking an accounting and an Excel class.  One of my instructors told me about the Office Professional Training (OPT) program at Grossmont College.  It seemed the quickest way to prepare for a new career and return to the workforce.  In the fall of 2003 I entered the program and graduated in January 2004.  I started working as a part-time temporary receptionist in the Instructional Dean’s office and was promoted to a full time Clerical Assistant, Sr.  Recently promoted again and am currently working in the position of Administrative Secretary for the Dean of Humanities, Social & Behavioral Sciences.

OPT prepared me for a successful transition from a retail job with no prospects into a career I truly enjoy.  I now look forward to the future with the knowledge that learning is life long, coupled with confidence that I can achieve whatever goals I set.
 

Rebeca Martinez

I was born in Mexico and became a nursing technician
(RN ) in my country.  After coming to the United States I went through a divorce which was a turning point for my return to school.  As a single parent living in a new country with a different language, without family and friends, it was clear to me that I would need to learn English and get an education.

When I remarried and we moved close to Grossmont College, and I returned to school after twelve years.  There are so many great programs at Grossmont such as counseling, tutoring, EOPS, and financial aid.  They became  the main pillars that helped me achieve my goals.

College has been a challenge, going through the English Second Language classes, starting my General Education Courses and then taking the pre-requisites necessary for my nursing major. 

Presently I have completed my Associate Degree in Science and have enrolled in the Orthopedic Technology program while waiting to go into the nursing program.  My goal is to get a Bachelor Degree of Science in Nursing.  The journey will be challenging but I am proud of what I have achieved so far and have the confidence to move forward!

Tammy Harmon
 

What Prompted Me to Return to School?

Several years ago, my employer at the childcare center, asked me to take a class in Administration in order to be promoted. I had tried to go to college 12 years earlier but found my life to be “too busy” to handle the responsibility of school as well.

One day when I finally had the opportunity to look through the class schedule, I caught the knowledge bug. I decided right then that I was not only going to go to college and take that class but I was also going to take a full-time load and keep going until I received my degree. It wasn’t easy trying to juggle my family, husband and four children, job and studies that first semester but I was enjoying the learning and that kept me motivated.

During my time at Grossmont College I served as president of Phi Theta Kappa – the international honor society of the two year college.

I will be graduating from Grossmont College in May 2007 with my Associates Degree in Child Development/Early Childhood Education. Upon graduation I will begin work on My Bachelor Degree in Early Childhood Education. The pursuit of accomplishing my goals is what drives me everyday!