Then and Now

I started at SLCC straight out of high school because college was what you were 'supposed' to do next—though neither of my parents had gone to college. I was living with my dad, working at a burger joint and had no idea what I wanted to do with my life.

At SLCC, I changed my major 6 times in 5 years. I took all kinds of classes but when I took a geography class, suddenly I knew what I wanted to do. It was like I had found my compass and from that point forward I was laser focused on my path. I went on to pursue a bachelor's and then a master's degree in geography at the U of U. Before that first geography class, I thought geography was about memorizing capitals. It's actually about a sense of place.

Eventually, I started teaching at SLCC with the same professors who had taught me as a student; they were one of the reasons I came back. If you had told my friends in high school that I would be where I am now—a full professor at SLCC—they would have said, 'No way.' I was a social kid and jock in high school and not into the books. I didn't think I was smart enough to go to college.

"It was like I had found my compass and from that point forward I was laser focused on my path."

Advice

Trust your instincts and know that you can do hard things. It can take some time, but this is when you'll find your own compass. Be aware though that life can get in the way if you spend too long waiting to get an education.

While in high school, connect with people and programs that can help you prepare for college. I did it through Upward Bound but SLCC has similar programs like PACE and the Summer Bridge programs.