Forrest College is the best decision I've ever made. - By Yalonda Vann - (Criminal Justice Major)

Forrest College is the best decision I’ve ever made.

Attending Forrest College is the best decision that I've made. For me, this is more than just going back to school, it’s a life changing experience. I am the first to go to college in my entire Family. Yes, my family and friends are proud of me, but they can never be more proud of me than I am of myself. I’ve inspired others in my family and young children to further their education. They look up to me now as someone they want to grow to be like, instead of who I was becoming a year ago. It feels great to be looked at like a role model than just an average young mother who is making nothing of life. It feels great to know that one day I will have something, and a career that my three children will be proud of.

Why did I choose Forrest College?

I’ve been wanting to go back to school for the longest time before I discovered Forrest College. I just didn’t know how to go about it, or what exactly to do to get enrolled. But I just recently moved around the corner from Forrest College, so I decided just to step in and ask questions when I had the chance. I feel like this college is the right college for me because; First of all it’s a small school. I like that because there is extra attention when needed. Also, for shy people such as myself, it makes me comfortable enough to express my thoughts in a class without feeling intimidated by a large amount of students. Due to the small numbered classes it makes opportunities to build a relationship with your fellow classmates and teachers. I honestly feel like I’m a part of a family outside of home. As a child I grew up separate from my family. I had no father figure, no cousins, no grandparents, aunties or uncles. All I had was my mother and one out of three of my brothers, so I never really knew what it’s like to be a part of a family. Being a Forrest college student kind of gives me a taste of what it feels like to have a family. The teachers here are amazing. They’re very friendly and easy to bond with. The students here are very open minded, and are willing to work with you to pass, just like a team, so that no one is left behind. They’re like brothers and sisters to me.

Another thing that I like about Forrest College is how it works around my schedule. I’m allowed to attend evening classes because my day schedule is very busy. They also understand that we students have a life outside of school so if there is any reason why I can’t make it to class, I won’t have to sweat it because the teacher generously posts all assignments to my email address so that I’m never behind. They also have a child care center that is always willing to keep your children for free while you attend class so that finding a babysitter will never hinder you from your education.

Yes, it is hard to be a mother of three young children, go to school, try to find a job, and deal with the stress of the outside world. But even though my kids make attending class, and completing my assignments the hardest part, at the end of the day I let their three little smiling faces be my motivation. Even though I’m doing this for myself, I know that in the future my children will benefit from it and be proud to call me mom.

What do I want to get out of this program?