Free "Pathways to Success" Adult Re-entry Workshop August 7

     El Cajon - "Back to school" includes all ages in today's dynamic world of work. A free workshop for adults interested in returning to school at Grossmont College is designed to help ease the transition and to provide information about the latest career opportunities.
 
     The workshop, "Pathways to Success," is set for 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Grossmont College Griffin Gate, located in the Student Center. The workshop is open to the public. The typical student who participates in the program is in his or her 30s and is returning to school for a variety of reasons.
 
     "We heartily welcome everyone here, and especially want to help re-entry students, whom we've found to be among the most motivated to achieve academic success," said Grossmont College President Ted Martinez, Jr.,
 
     In addition to information and help on admission procedures, counseling, registration, financial aid and other services, participants will hear a panel of peer speakers. Their message, "We did it, so can you," will encourage those who are looking to change career paths, upgrade their skills, and those who have had a break in their work experience or their formal education.
 
     Panelists will include June Dennis, a non-traditional student with more than thirty years of life experience who is fulfilling a lifelong dream to earn a degree in Media Communications. "Without a doubt," says Dennis, "returning to school is one of the best decisions I've ever made for myself and for my circle of influence."
 
     When Grant Young suffered a stroke in 1997, he was unable to return to his former job as an armed courier. After physical rehabilitation, he prepared for transfer at Grossmont College. He completed a bachelor's degree at San Diego State University, where he is now halfway through the Teacher Credential Program. He also works as a tutor at the Grossmont College English Writing Center. Young says his decision to return to school "delivered me from the barren landscape of brain injury and provided a conduit to a productive future."
 
     At age 46, Richard Hemphill realized that the physical demands of work as a paramedic, along with the possibility of work-related injuries, would likely limit his ability to continue in that occupation until retirement. After researching related career options, he chose to pursue a related career in nursing, where the employment outlook is good and will meet his personal and family responsibilities. Hemphill is enrolled in the Grossmont College Evening/Weekend Nursing Program.

     Jill Cobb was a stay-at-home mom for 14 years before she began life as a single parent. "I knew in order to take care of my two girls I needed to finish my college education." Now, she is on her way to receiving her degree in criminal justice, transferring to San Diego State University after graduating from Grossmont College. "I am becoming a much better person, my children are seeing the importance of hard work, delayed gratification, and a college education. My girls are also interested in my field of study, and we watch some crime shows together."
 
     For more information, or to sign up for the free workshop, call Nancy Davis, 644-7615, or Lucinda Bartek, 644-7697.
 
     Grossmont College is at 8800 Grossmont College Drive in El Cajon. Driving instructions are located at www.gcccd.net.