St Clair County Community College

Date: Jun 27 2010
Major: Biology (This Major's Salary over time)
I grew up in Port Huron. SCCCC was the college that was a "last resort" for most of my high school friends. We all wanted to get out of town! The idea was that you only went to SCCCC if your family was poor or you were too stupid to go to a university.

When I graduated from high school, I got pregnant so I got "stuck" going to SCCCC. Well, stuck wasn't such a bad thing…it was the best thing that could have happened! SCCCC was fantastic! SO much better than high school. Nobody looked at me funny because I was pregnant, in fact, nobody looks at anything but your personality. You don't get judged like in high school so whoever said that is full of it!

Long story short, I managed to go to school full time until my son was born, then part time afterward. The day care at the college is phenomenal and my son bonded with everyone there after just a few days (thanks Cathie & Teri). The professors in my department were among the most influential people in my life! They have open minds and are willing to discuss opposing opinions. I even debated answers on a final exam one time. My answers were "wrong" but after discussion they were accepted for my paper and anyone else who chose alike.

Last but not least, I wanted to express my appreciation for the late Mr. Bob Collins. It was his knowledge, passion, and genuine love of teaching that opened my eyes to the beauty of our interconnected living world. He taught me (all of us) that nothing is permanent or exact, that there are always variables, and he taught us to always question and check the "facts". It was because of his great influence on my life that I am doing the things I truly believe I was meant to do. Had it been otherwise I probably would have stayed on track to a job that would not have made me truly happy. Mr. Collins, I thank you and I will never forget you.