Last updated on September 26, 2019
This post is written by Ashley Griffin, a DCCCD student blogger and an El Centro student.
I was enrolled in college once before I came to DCCCD. In 2010, I was accepted into Suffolk University as a freshman. A private university located in the heart of Boston, my family and friends were ecstatic about what the future held for me. I walked into my dorm room that September, starry-eyed and naive to what kind of work getting my degree would actually take. The allure of freedom, the big city, and the parties waiting outside of my door would eventually lead to my dropping out of Suffolk my sophomore year.
I got married in 2016 to a man from Dallas, Texas. I was working as a flight attendant for American Airlines, and was away from home four nights a week. The job was beginning to wear on me, and I knew I needed something more. I wanted a career that would ignite my passion and excitement for learning again, something that would make me feel challenged and fulfilled.
My husband encouraged me to quit my job as a flight attendant, and enroll at El Centro for nursing. He has always pushed me to pursue my dreams, and after many long chats I knew nursing was what I was meant to do. After a few years out of college, I had learned what mistakes I made the first time. I know myself better now, and the desire to create a quality life for my husband and I are the tools of commitment I use to motivate myself every day. When I feel like giving up, I remember how proud he and I will be the day I feel that diploma touch my hand. Envision that moment for yourself too, and know that it is all worth it in the end.
Stay tuned for more posts from Ashley throughout the semester.
- Check out other DCCCD student blog posts.
- Looking for ideas on what to study? Browse the DCCCD class schedule.