Applicant’s Educational Plans: Alessandra has ambitious plans to receive her Bachelor of Nursing. In addition to graduating from Volcano Vista, she also completed the Career Enrichment Center’s Licensed Practical Nursing Program. With this experience, she plans to pursue an associate’s degree in nursing from Odessa College, and then complete her nursing education at Texas Tech.

Quotes from application: ‘I like not feeling comfortable because no matter what gets thrown at me I know that I need to look on the positive side of it and use it as a learning experience. I hope this mindset helps me in terms of my post-graduation plan because I know life isn't easy. But what I do know is that I have to take it day by day, and not stress over the little things I can't control. All I can do is live in the moment and make the best out of every day.’

‘Mr. Goodfellow taught me a lot. Not only about English and how to write papers but also about life. […] This advice always sticks with me because it was told to me at such a crucial 􀆟me in life. I was a junior who knew that she basically needed to start getting her life together but had no idea where to start and because of Mr. Goodfellow, I learned that those feelings were normal. He was always helping me pursue my dreams and would constantly ask for updates on how the program was going and how I was feeling.’

Applicant’s Educational Plans: Ashton will attend the University of New Mexico this fall. He plans to study film and digital media studies in pursuit of a career as a screenwriter.

Quotes from application: ‘Nothing has come easy for me my entire life. I do not see this as a reason for me to give up though, I see this as preparation. I am ready to destroy the obstacles of college. I am tenacious. I am unstoppable […] I plan to use my unique knowledge of resourcefulness and perseverance in the pursuit of higher education.’

‘I walked into the 5th class of the day. I sat down as the teacher, Mr. Goodfellow, began his back-to-school lecture with a joke. The class laughed. I didn't know this at the time, but this man would change my entire outlook on life.’