Emma Wordsmith
Community college student Jennifer Toledo revealed the challenges of pursuing a four-year degree amid the complexities of higher education as an immigrant from Mexico.
Benjamin Gregory, a former community college student, overcame obstacles to obtain an associate degree and transfer to a four-year institution, navigating the enrollment process as a mature student.
Loren Van Tilburg’s pursuit of a four-year degree was halted when he left college to establish his own automotive business.
From financial constraints to reevaluating the necessity of a four-year degree, Jennifer, Benjamin, and Loren echo the sentiments of countless students who struggle to make informed decisions about their college paths due to existing barriers.
“Leaving college may be the optimal choice for individuals who have a clear career plan and the ability to apply their skills effectively,” said Loren, underscoring the growing trend among students who prioritize immediate employment over traditional higher education.
Here are the unique journeys that influenced the college decisions of Jennifer, Benjamin, and Loren:
Growing up in Mexico, Jennifer harbored aspirations of living in the U.S. and seized the opportunity by relocating to San Antonio, Texas independently at the age of 15.
Faced with challenges such as the discontinuation of ESL classes in high school, Jennifer persevered by teaching herself English and completing her schoolwork unaided.
“It was daunting,” Jennifer recounted. “I relied on the computer translator because I lacked the ability to express myself verbally.”
Her educational trajectory shifted when she took an education class in high school and received support from a teacher in learning English.
Originally intending to enlist in the U.S. Navy post-graduation, Jennifer’s teacher steered her toward enrolling at Northwest Vista College instead.
Today, Jennifer holds an associate degree in teaching from Northwest Vista College and is set to transfer to The University of Texas at San Antonio in the upcoming semester.
With a goal of obtaining a bachelor’s degree in bilingual education, Jennifer aspires to teach ESL classes, a resource she lacked during her own high school experience.
“My ambition is to assist students and serve as a teacher who fosters English language skills,” Jennifer expressed. “I want to be the educator who empowers them through language education.”
Nevertheless, Jennifer found the transfer process challenging as she juggled academics with part-time work at a local middle school.
“At one point, the stress made me contemplate quitting and returning to Mexico to be with my family,” Jennifer disclosed.
Jennifer credited the counseling services provided by her community college as instrumental in her academic journey.
“I yearned for guidance, for someone to lend an ear and reassure me that everything would be alright,” Jennifer shared.
She hopes that other students overcome language barriers to pursue their higher education aspirations without hindrance.
“I aim to showcase to my family and everyone else that the impossible is achievable,” Jennifer affirmed. “I aspire to be a source of inspiration, demonstrating that the sky’s the limit in what they can accomplish.”
Benjamin completed high school in 2014 and enrolled at Texas A&M University with a major in aerospace engineering.
However, more invested in socializing than academics, Benjamin departed from college after a semester to enter the workforce.
His employment history included three years at Target followed by a year as a mall security guard, where a physical altercation shifted his career perspective.
“My time as a security guard was dreadful because I detest confrontation,” Benjamin recounted. “I faced reprimand for defending myself against an attacker, as captured on surveillance footage, prompting me to resign.”
His parents encouraged him to “give college another try.”
“The routine of hourly jobs in security and retail did not align with my aspirations. Although necessary for sustenance, I wanted a fresh start,” Benjamin voiced. “I desired a clean slate.”
In 2019, Benjamin enrolled at Northwest Vista College before advancing to The University of Texas at San Antonio to pursue a degree in mechanical engineering.
Transitioning back to academics as a mature student without a steady income posed financial hurdles, particularly balancing tuition with other expenses like car payments and credit card debt.
“I was unsure if I could sustain the commitment throughout,” Benjamin admitted. “Fortunately, commencing at a community college initially was cost-effective and less demanding, as professors acknowledged the external pressures on students.”
He noted that starting at a community college facilitated a smoother reentry into higher education.
“The smaller class sizes fostered closer connections with professors,” Benjamin observed. “Without the pressure of research found in universities, community college instructors were more enthusiastic about teaching.”
Having recently graduated with a bachelor’s degree, Benjamin aims to pursue further studies at The University of Texas at San Antonio, transitioning from a lifestyle focused on socializing to one dedicated to pursuing a doctorate in chemical engineering.
“While courses may prove tedious at times…I experienced the workforce without a degree, which I found distinctly more challenging,” Benjamin acknowledged.
“I attribute my professional growth and enhanced interpersonal skills to my community college experience. It ranks among the most fulfilling chapters of my life,” he concluded.
Loren initially enrolled in economics at the University of La Verne but quickly lost interest in his studies.
After one year, Loren decided to depart from the four-year institution and embark on a professional career.
Exploring various avenues for earning income, from day trading to dropshipping, Loren discovered his passion lay in the automotive industry.
By 2023, Loren established a car detailing business, rendering on-site cleaning and repair services for clients.
“The decision was undoubtedly arduous,” Loren shared. “Nonetheless, I was resolute in my desire to establish a business that did not necessitate a degree.”
Simultaneously managing his burgeoning business, Loren embarked on a financial advisor role with a brokerage firm, working towards obtaining a securities license by year-end.
His preference for on-the-job training and trade certification over pursuing a four-year degree mirrors the mindset of a growing cohort of young individuals.
“I harbored a long-standing aspiration to engage in such pursuits, as managing finances yields returns,” Loren reflected, noting a shared perspective among his colleagues who pursued similar educational paths.
“The environment fosters camaraderie and understanding, making it advantageous for individuals following similar trajectories to find a supportive community,” Loren emphasized.
Although encountering initial resistance from his parents, departing from the four-year institution proved the optimal decision for Loren.
“The journey entailed ups and downs, yet I harbor no regrets,” Loren acknowledged.
“Should the need for a return to academics arise, I would deem it a personal setback,” he insisted. “While attending college does not signify failure, my chosen path aligns with my aspirations, and a return would negate the time invested in my current pursuits.”
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