Success Stories

I started my journey with Valley College as a student, looking for a chance to change my life and seeking the support to make that change. Once I completed my diploma program as a Medical Assistant and was no longer a student, I began working for Valley College in August 2017 and obtained my associate’s degree in business administration with the encouragement from my work peers. After being successful in various positions with the college, I can definitively say it was the best decision I ever made to walk through those doors in 2017.

I found Valley when I was new to the area, recently divorced and suddenly a single mother of four in a strange state knowing no one.  I knew I had to do something for myself and my children without relying on anyone else. My kids were little when I graduated from here – my youngest still in diapers and now he has graduated from here and is a successful IT specialist.  First to enroll in the IT Networking program and first to graduate from it when they created it.  I describe my life as being in a fog back then and Valley was my lighthouse guiding me to calmer waters and to this day it still is.  I love helping students find their way in their storms just like I did.  Even as I face storms today – working here and helping others find their way calms my storms.  We are not just a school; we are family loving you through it till the end and always.  I love seeing my students out in the field wearing scrubs and remembering their stories, watching their children grow — sometimes I end up enrolling their little ones Lol Valley has always been and will always be a culture of caring. You have a second family with us always.

I have not been without work this entire pandemic. As a matter of fact I changed jobs and was hired quickly because they need professionals. Job security is real in the cyber field.

When I started at Valley, I thought the staff was “lying” to me. They kept saying things like “You can do this,” or “You are smart,” or “You’ve got this.” I thought they were saying this to everyone, so it had no meaning. BUT, the encouragement did not stop, and the grades starting coming. Along the way, I learned that everyone has value despite their mistakes. I started figuring out who I was and eventually became myself; another unique, special person that can make people laugh and encourage them the way the wonderful people at Valley still do for me and each other.

None of my family has ever graduated from college. I wanted to challenge myself, and I wanted to be an example for my kids. I wanted them to see me graduate and show them that hard work pays off. I had to believe in myself that I could do it. All of the Valley instructors helped guide me along the way and motivate me, which helped me succeed. Do your best, try hard and don’t procrastinate. Anybody can succeed if they put forward the effort!

When I started at Valley I was barely getting on by government assistance. It was a difficult 9 months, but with the encouragement of a fabulous staff, I persevered. The students have become like a family and my time spent at Valley College will always be treasured. I graduated on a Thursday and got hired on a Friday. My life is so much better now. I have a full time job with a plethora of benefits. Valley College gave me the knowledge and tools needed to better my life for me and my family.

I loved that I could start quickly. I was able to get started just 2 weeks after I met with admissions!

The entire team supported me here at Valley College. They all have a positive attitude, which makes you feel positive as well!