Five Lone Star College students presented their personal stories of how a community college education is changing their lives during the Twelfth Annual Lone Star College Foundation Chancellor’s Breakfast.
More than 150 foundation members and scholarship donors attended the event at Shirley Acres.
The students, one from each Lone Star College, were selected to read essays each had written on “What Lone Star College Means to Me.” Each will receive a $1000 scholarship for having a selected essay.
The recipients were able to put a face on the diversity of the Lone Star College student population. Their messages of determination, accomplishment and need resonated with the mission of the college.
“This is the most heartwarming and gratifying event that I attend each year,” said Stan St. Pierre, Foundation former board chair. “Hearing the stories of the students that we help with scholarship funds and having a better understanding of what they have been through and how we helped them meet their education goals is truly worthwhile.”
Last year, the LSCS Foundation presented scholarships to more than 150 students, and plans to award more than 200 in the coming year.
“Those scholarships are made possible by people who believe in the power of education to change lives,” said Foundation Executive Director John Hooker.
Lone Star College System consists of five colleges, including CyFair, Kingwood, Montgomery, North Harris, and Tomball, six centers and Lone Star College-University Center. It is the largest college system in the Houston area, and third largest community college district in Texas. To learn more, visit LoneStar.edu.
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Photos of the essay winners will be available following the Chancellor’s Breakfast on January 30, 2008. Please email emily.f.demilliano@lonestar.edu or call 832-813-6558 to request a photo or complete essay.
Excerpts from Winning Essays
Pollyanna Campbell
LSC-CyFair
“With two children at home, ailing parents moving in, and a demanding job, I wasn’t sure I could juggle all the hats I would have to wear and still be successful. However, the options that Lone Star College-CyFair offers have made the difference. I can attend class via the internet or study for an exam with classmates on Vista.
Being a community college student allows me to be a student, stay connected with my family, and continue to work all while being successful in class.”
Tralisa Hallmark
LSC-Kingwood
“Lone Star College-Kingwood has given me a direction and confidence I was lacking and so desperately needed. I will transfer to Sam Houston State University in the summer to finish my degree and graduate in December, 2008.
Although I’ve always had the intelligence, I would NEVER have had the confidence to grab hold of my dreams again, if it had not been for my experience at LSC-Kingwood.”
Traci Campbell
LSC-Montgomery
“Finding money in our budget for tuition and books has been a struggle. Trying to juggle my school and homework, my children’s school and homework, and all of my other responsibilities has been huge challenge. My husband has really helped lighten the load and having this common goal has made us stronger.
I know the example I am setting for [my children] is priceless. Going back to school is making me a better mom and wife and citizen. I hope to enroll in the nursing program and fulfill a dream of working in labor and delivery.”
Monique James
LSC-North Harris
“My college education has encouraged me to encourage others. This semester in my Education 1301 course the first thing I learned was that educators must meet students were they are. At first this concept didn’t mean much to me. I worked with a student that has Autism for about three months on subtraction, as did other teachers. He simply did not get what we were saying.
I noticed that the student was making dots and then counting them all together to get his answer. So, I used his skill of dots to teach him subtraction. I told him, “four minus three means that you are going to start with four dots and then x out three dots.” Because my professor kept reflecting on how all students are capable of learning, I was encouraged to encourage my student, and I will never stop.”
Mistie Hernandez
LSC-Tomball
“One way community college has improved my life is by providing an environment that is completely geared toward my success. I remember the first class I took was pre-algebra taught by Mrs. Falbo. I was determined to try my best in that class.
I was delighted and amazed when I made an A on my first exam. About half way through the semester, my grades started dropping as the material became harder. I spent many hours in Mrs. Falbo’s office as she explained the material to me and offered heart felt encouragement. I practically lived in the math lab! The support offered by the tutors was incredible, and they honestly wanted me to succeed.”