MAGDALENA SHORT REFLECTS ON EXPERIENCES IN ASCENDER PROGRAM

I was adopted in 2003 at the age of four and knew nothing of my past other than I was half Hispanic. When coming into community college at ACC, I could tell straight away that my high school did not prepare me well and my path to success was unclear. That was until I was introduced to the CTN Ascender program by my advisor who automatically saw my potential. I was extremely hesitant when it came to my decision to join the program because I didn’t speak Spanish and thought that I wouldn’t belong. On my first day in the program those thoughts all went away as soon as I met my classmates and saw that they were as equally uncomfortable as me. Over time we grew as a “familia,” and I grew as an individual. I began to discover myself as a student and saw that my path to success was becoming clear with the knowledge I was being given by my instructors. I was also introduced to my Hispanic culture.

Now that I have completed my first year, I feel as if I have taken flight, that the training wheels have been removed and I am confident to face any challenge the world throws at me. The CTN Ascender program has truly had an impact on me, with the college tours, the connections, the culture and the resources. I know that my experiences in the program, the ones that have made me stronger, will never be forgotten and the skills learned will be used throughout my life.