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Program which paid for my first semester’s tuition. When I was in ESL<br />
Program, I also received financial aid from the college some<br />
semesters. That was very remarkable for me because I usually do not<br />
qualify for federal aid, so I have to pay every penny for school if the<br />
college doesn’t help me.<br />
Now, I am pursuing a four-year-degree course, and I can say that<br />
according to my grandfather, I am alive. I have my hope back and my<br />
dreams can become a reality.<br />
-Kokou Agbodo<br />
HOW MY COMMUNITY COLLEGE HAS CHANGED MY LIFE<br />
What am I getting myself into? Did I make the right decision? I<br />
was a high school dropout returning to college at the age of thirty-three.<br />
My first week of classes had blindsided me. The work load was<br />
nothing like I expected. After the third week of classes, I got the<br />
answers to my questions. The road in front of me would be<br />
challenging. It was only by questioning my decision to attend college<br />
that I realized how much my life had been affected in those few short<br />
weeks. The choice to enroll in college was the correct one, and it has<br />
made a positive impact on my life ever since.<br />
<strong>Black</strong> <strong>Hawk</strong> <strong>College</strong> improved my life by giving me the opportunity<br />
to correct one of my biggest mistakes. I am fortunate because most<br />
people don’t get that chance. The label of high school dropout has<br />
negative indicators which do not reflect what I am capable of<br />
academically. What seemed like a good decision at the time has<br />
limited my life in more ways than I ever imagined. As the parent of two<br />
young children, my teachings are limited. The general education<br />
diploma has led to many dead ends and low ceilings throughout years<br />
of work. Not only will my degree open up career opportunities, but it<br />
will also more accurately reflect who I am.<br />
Attending <strong>Black</strong> <strong>Hawk</strong> has changed me by revitalizing my spirit<br />
and altering my outlook on life. The beating I feel I've taken in this<br />
world caused me to put up walls and settle for things. <strong>College</strong> life has<br />
returned the youthful approach to life I had given up years ago. I am<br />
hopeful for the future rather than wary of it. The limits people realize<br />
when they become adults are now being challenged by my mind’s eye.<br />
This change in mindset comes from the confidence I have gained<br />
through my academic success at <strong>Black</strong> <strong>Hawk</strong>.<br />
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