By Amie Batton, Director of Transitional Studies at Peninsula College.
When I was 26, I found myself a single mom of a 2-year-old, unemployed, and without a high school diploma or GED. I knew something in my life had to give. Winter quarter 2011 I walked into Peninsula College’s Basic Education for Adults department and started GED prep courses.
I was scared because for so many years I had been told I wasn’t smart enough. What I realized that first quarter was that I was smart and that I loved learning. I got my GED and started college classes right away with the help of Worker Retraining, who paid my first quarter tuition and my books. During my time at the college, I utilized DSHS programs such as WorkFirst, which gave me access to daycare and basic food assistance. I also took advantage of tutoring services for math and writing.
I graduated in June 2013 with my AAS in Administrative Office Systems. A few years later, I came back to PC to get my bachelor’s in Applied Management, and again, the college welcomed me with open arms.
I have encountered so many amazing helpful kind people over the last eight years. I am now employed by PC as the Director of Transitional Studies. I get to give back to the first educational establishment that taught me I was more than a test score. As my dreams keep evolving, so do my educational goals. I am currently working on my Masters in Public Administration at Evergreen State College. If I could give new learners a bit of advice it would be to keep going, keep learning, and never give up. Utilize the services that PC has and talk to your instructors, advisors and support staff. And if all else fails, come see me.
To learn more about Peninsula College Transitional Studies, visit pencol.edu/transitional-studies, call 360-417-6380 or toll free 1-877-452-9277, ext. 6380 or email TShelp@pencol.edu.
