By Cody Nichelson | “Amazing and exhausting.” Those are two words that Ruth Colquitt of Loganville uses to describe her journey back to college. Some 16 years after dropping out, she wanted to gain a steady career in an increasingly competitive environment.
Her desire for a degree, however, started much earlier.
Colquitt
At 12 years old, Ruth’s father brought her to the United States fleeing the communist country of Cuba and searching for a better life. Part of that better life was the ability to set personal goals and obtain them through hard work, perseverance and education — regardless of age, gender or race.
To fulfill her father’s wishes and her own hopes and dreams, she went back to school in 2009.
Ruth says: “I cannot say that the path to my success has been easy or smooth. But what I can say is that it’s been totally worth it.”
Ruth originally started college in 1996 at DeKalb College but had to leave because of financial circumstances and family obligations. Although her husband was incredibly hardworking and supportive, they simply did not have money to afford college. Today, she doesn’t focus on how long it has taken to get here; instead, she focuses only on the fact that she got here.
During the years in between Ruth’s college career, she worked as a teacher’s assistant at a private school. Though rewarding, she felt “stuck” in her position — unable to apply for more advanced roles.
Meanwhile, her sons have progressed well, one close to graduating high school and the other about to enroll in middle school.
Ruth recognized the opportunity, and she seized it.
In 2007, she enrolled at Georgia Perimeter College, receiving financial assistance through the federal Pell Grant. She was able to transfer earned credits from her initial years in school. Working a full-time job, Ruth attended night classes, and in 2009, she obtained an associate degree in psychology.
Then Ruth enrolled at Georgia Gwinnett College, working toward bachelor’s degree in psychology.
“The resources available today for students who are struggling in any or all areas are incredibly beneficial and easily obtained,” Ruth says.
Those resources were created as part of the state’s “Go Back. Move Ahead” initiative, a collaborative effort from the University System, Technical College System and Georgia Student Finance Commission, that makes it easier for adults to return to college.
It’s projected that by 2025, more than 60 percent of jobs in Georgia will require a post-secondary credential. Today, less than 45 percent of Georgians are prepared to such a level.
By offering a simpler enrollment process, more ways to transfer earned credits, flexible course schedules and financial aid resources, the state hopes more adults will head back to school.
Ruth graduated with her degree last December. As she begins searching for a full-time job, for the first time Ruth sees a light at the end of the tunnel for her and her family.
“Finally, the future I’ve always wanted is within reach, thanks to the resources in place to help me in completing my college degree.”
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