Student-Parent-Spotlights - Frederick Community College

Manuela Caceres

Student Parent

It’s never too late to go back to school, no matter the age or even if it is one class, it’s all worth it in the end. Read more

Cristian Vidal

Student Parent

A few years after taking my first ESOL classes, I realized the need to go back to school and provide me and my family with a wider job opportunity to balance our family life. Read more

Courtney Crenshaw

Student Parent

Do this for you, you deserve it. Read more

Kate Hanson

Student Parent

As long as you are willing to take the chance, there really are no limits to the goals that can be achieved.

Why is school important to you? School is incredibly important because it provides opportunities, across the board. Not only can you attain knowledge via your studies, but you can make connections that foster both personal and professional growth. Higher education also shows the individual that no matter where you "are," there are always options for your future. As long as you are willing to take the chance, there really are no limits to the goals that can be achieved. Higher education offers a paradigm shift and consistently allows for out-of-the-box thinking, which can totally transform your world! Tell us about your journey to FCC. Coming back to school was a big decision for me, one that was full of careful consideration, uncertainty, anxiety, as well as excitement. But once I made the decision to officially "enroll," everything took off from there. I've been a student since summer of 2023 and looking to graduate this upcoming spring of 2025 with an A.A.S in paralegal/legal studies, and I couldn't be more excited!

I previously worked in behavioral health, with those navigating complex systems while coping with co-occurring disorders. A few years ago (after dealing with various personal and professional experiences) I felt drawn towards a focus on legal advocacy and opportunity, specifically assisting women and children. I'm hoping to work with mothers who are looking to build stability and create increasingly positive futures for not just themselves but for their families, as well. What would you tell a parent who is considering coming to FCC or returning to school in general and may be unsure? I would encourage that parent to try the door! You honestly don't know until you try. Regardless of the outcome and/or trajectory, you are getting to know yourself, identifying your goals, and learning along the way. I see it as a win-win. In addition, I would share the pleasure of being a parent-student and the unexpected joy that carries having little students of my own at home while being a student myself. I have two small children, and the power of learning in tandem via generational education and opportunity is profound, beyond measure! Read more

Devon Hall

Student Parent

I have come a long way and am so thankful that FCC has given me this opportunity to do this for myself and my son. Why is school important to you? School is important to me because it gives me the chance to excel personally, educationally, and within the workforce. It is an opportunity to challenge the way that we think, the way we connect with others, and the way that we tackle everyday life. There are so many stigmas around the education system, and I love how education impacts every area of your life for the better. Tell us about your journey to FCC. My journey at FCC has not been an easy one, yet it has shown me that perseverance can bring you a long way in anything that you do. When I started this journey in 2017, I was single, working two jobs, walking over an hour to work and school every single day. If funds were ever available after paying rent, internet, food, etc., I would take the bus. I wanted this so bad, but even in the midst of anxiety and depression and at the time undiagnosed ADHD, I felt like I was drowning and could not keep up, especially when covid hit.

I took a break for a while, until I knew that I could do this full-on and push through whatever life had thrown at me. Along the way there was always help from FCC staff. Whether it was visiting the health and wellness department for counseling, professors doing their best to work with me, but still knowing that at the end of the day it was my choice on whether or not I would succeed. So, thank you to Professor Anne Hoffman on the support during that time, even though I had you twice for ENGL101 (covering my face right now from embarrassment); to Professor Ljubic for checking in with me and providing the support needed when I decided to come back; this is when I passed ENGL101 taking it for a third time. Academic advising (Jennifer Ward) and Parents Lead (Jeniffer Leonard) have all played a serious role in my success.

I have always wanted to continue my education and work within the health field serving others. It is a core passion of mine that throughout my life, I had to learn that even in serving others, boundaries still need to be set, and you still need to take care of yourself. Here I am a returning student and mother pushing full force to succeed and achieve all of my education goals! Education is key even in personal growth, and I see that every day! I have come a long way and am so thankful that FCC has given me this opportunity to do this for myself and my son. To go from academic suspension for a few years to it being lifted, speaks volumes for me personally. What would you tell a parent who is considering coming to FCC or returning to school in general and may be unsure? It is not going to be easy, as nothing in life is. I will say though that with the right support system it is possible. At times you may feel guilty that you are focusing on a homework assignment instead of reading a book to your child, or coloring with them on the sidewalk with chalk, but take a deep breath and remember that you are doing this for you, which ultimately is for them! Many times, I have to take a deep breath and remember the why; the why behind why you need to do this vs. the why behind you wanting to do this.

There are multiple resources on campus if you are ever in need of support. Student Success, Parents Lead, academic advisors and even Disability Access Services- these are all resources that I use currently and some that I have had to use in the past. As a parent, whether you are doing this alone or with a significant other, FCC prides itself in making sure you are not alone in this journey even in moments when you feel you are. Trust me, if I can do this, you can definitely do this, and remember that even if you are unsure, there is a time and a place in everything we do; just because it may not be today, it does not make you a failure.
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Adja Adingra Epse Nquettia

Student Parent

FCC is a great place to learn because you are engaged and guided in the decisions and feel like a family. Read more

Kacoutie Allou

Student Parent

The time we spend in school is never wasted, but rather the time we spend hesitating is wasted time. Read more

Tammy Anderson

Student Parent

I always wanted to continue my education, but fear and life had gotten in the way.

Why is school important to you? School is important to me because all my life I’ve loved school. I always made good grades and took pride in my work. I became pregnant in my 11th grade year and dropped out. Years had gone by and I had two more kids, and no high school diploma. I would be afraid to run into people that I knew from school. Afraid to answer the question, what are you up to now? In 2010 I moved my family from Washington, DC to Frederick for a fresh start. Upon moving to Frederick I also promised myself I would say yes more and try new things, and that is exactly what I did- starting with getting my GED. I completed my GED while being homeless living in a homeless shelter called Hope Alive. Once I walked across the stage at FCC I knew it was real. I immediately felt a sense of self-worth, but I knew my journey was just beginning. About your journey to FCC More years have gone by since my children are much older and didn’t require so much of my time, I figured it was time to start focusing more on myself. I always wanted to continue my education, but fear and life had gotten in the way. Had it not been for my supervisor saying we would sign up together, I probably would still be just talking about it instead of actually doing it. Once I signed up I had no clue what to expect. I was so apprehensive, but from the very first day everyone was pleasant and helpful. When I say everyone from the security, to the admissions, to finance, the professors, and most of all Parent’s Lead. The Parent’s Lead program is one of the best things I can ever be a part of. My Parent’s Lead advisors have been there for me from the beginning, through all the nerves, tears, breakdowns, and even financial hardships. Most of all the success, my Parent’s Lead advisors are my biggest cheer squad outside of my family and friends. My advisors believed in me even when I didn’t believe in myself. I will forever love you guys. What would you tell a parent who may be on the fence about returning to school? My advice for anyone considering attending or even returning to FCC is to, in the words of NIKE, “Just do it!” Stop thinking, stop second guessing yourself it can be done, stop trying to make it make sense, and most of all stop pouring into everyone else and pour into yourself and just do it!!! Read more

Grace Begazo

Student Parent

I knew it was never too late for my dream to be attainable if I just finished school. Read more

Shaun Walmsley

Student Parent

I want to leave a positive impact on this world and show my daughters that it is never too late to chase your dreams.

Why is school important to you?

School is important to me because it provides me with essential knowledge and skills that I can carry with me on a new and exciting journey in my life. It serves as a platform for personal growth, allowing me to explore new interests and develop a well-rounded perspective. I chose to continue my education to help others in recovery. I want to leave a positive impact on this world and show my daughters that it is never too late to chase your dreams.

About your journey to FCC

My journey to FCC has been long overdue. I had never been enthusiastic about school and studying. I was a star athlete in high school and that is all that mattered to me. I was going to be a college athlete and skate through college like some of my contemporaries and “attempted” college 28 years ago. The reality was that I had not yet found my calling. After an adventurous 46 years of my life, two years ago I chose a path of recovery. I want to help others who battle addiction and get their lives back on track. My first two classes here over the summer sealed the deal for me and I found a new appreciation for learning. I currently have a 4.0 GPA for the first time in my life and the sky is the limit.

What would you tell a parent who may be on the fence about returning to school?

I would tell them, “Why not?” Returning to school as a parent can be both challenging and rewarding. It may require adjusting schedules and balancing multiple responsibilities, but it opens doors to new opportunities and personal growth. Remember that the decision to pursue education is an investment in your future and setting a positive example for your children. Consider seeking guidance from academic advisors or support networks to create a realistic plan that accommodates your family's needs.