Paying It Forward

Transcript

Next, we’ll meet Jackie, an online student from Rio Salado College. Jackie is a single working mom whose college plans after high school got derailed long before they ever got started. She’s gonna share her story of redemption and how the flexibility of Rio Salado’s classes threw her a lifeline. Okay, Jackie, over to you.

– Thank you, Alex. Hello, everyone. As a child growing up, I assumed I would finish high school and attend a university just like my parents did. My path did not go in that direction after high school and my life began to revolve around drinking and drugs. As years passed, the vision of me becoming a college graduate dissipated, creating a belief that I would never be able to receive a college degree. I did not love myself and I lost hope in living a happy life. After many years of chaos and destruction, my life changed forever and I welcomed my son into the world. Never did I think I’d be raising him as a single parent. As I accepted the role of being a mother, my belief shifted and I searched to find purpose in life, and I found sobriety. This sparked an immense desire to show my son the importance of self-love, bravery, discipline, determination, and patience. I then decided to do something I never thought I could, become a college graduate. When I decided to enroll in college at the age of 32, I wanted to make sure I chose a fulfilling career path. Pursuing a degree that would provide me with an opportunity to help others as they have helped me. In recovery, I’ve received some of my most influential life guidance. The relationship with my counselors have provided me with hope and a genuine belief that I could change for the better. I want to offer another individual the opportunity to receive help, guidance, and realize their own potential and resiliency. I firmly believe in paying it forward and I chose to become a counselor, specializing in addictions and substance use disorders. As a working single parent, attending classes on a university campus presented challenges. Rio Salado’s courses are all online. They offer flexible start dates and work around my schedule. This allowed me to pursue an associate degree from home while working and being a mom. The faculty for the addictions and substance use disorder program have long term experience in the counseling field, with a variety of real life experience with all forms of counseling. They understand the qualities and education needed to become a certified counselor. Attending Rio Salado College made me realize that even with a busy schedule, going to school is a possibility. I plan to continue my education, getting a bachelor’s degree in clinical counseling, and utilizing everything I have achieved as a Rio student and further my school experience. Back to you, Alex.

– Jackie, wow. Congratulations on overcoming those obstacles. You put your mind to it and made big decisions and big changes in your life. Not only are you an inspiration to your son, but I’m positive you’ll inspire those you go on to counsel. Jackie, well done and keep inspiring us. Thanks again.