For many students, the semester’s beginning is the time to reflect on opportunities ahead as well as look at goals accomplished. For Tila DeMille, Salt Lake Community College freshman, and Nathan Nethery, a student ready to transfer to a four-year school, the emotions and reflections are different.
DeMille started at SLCC in the 2014 fall semester. She is studying general education to discover what she would like to accomplish in her life, academically and professionally.
She, like many students, came to SLCC to discover how she can combine her abilities and skills to excel in a chosen major and career.
“I’m studying my generals until I can figure something out,” DeMille says.
She chose to come to SLCC because it was close to home and affordable, but her hopes are to take all that she learns at SLCC and apply it into her future education. She says she hopes to attend Utah State University and take what she learns from college to strengthen a future family.
Although many new students may be faced with uncertainty about their future, they, like Tila, are determined to fulfill their dreams.
In contrast, those finishing at SLCC may be experiencing some of the same emotions, but are focused on academic goals beyond SLCC. Many have found the career path they will pursue from what they have learned. Many have made connections in the workforce they would not have made without attending SLCC.
Students like Nethery are finishing their SLCC education with the hopes of continuing their studies at a university.
Nethery plans to attend Utah Valley University once he completes spring semester at SLCC. He began his studies at SLCC in 2009. Though his major has changed over time, through the influence of his family he is studying health administration.
Nethery says he is grateful for the connections he has made at SLCC.
“One of the biggest opportunities is that I have been able to meet some really awesome people and to just make connections and friendships that will last for a long time,” he says.
Looking back, Nethery says SLCC has impacted his life through the years he studied here.
“I have a wealth of knowledge that some people don’t have,” says Nethery. “I feel more confident when talking to people.”
Nethery advises students who are just beginning at SLCC, “Don’t slack off, even though it’s a community college.” He says it is easy for students to fall behind thinking it won’t impact their future.
