Kingwood College Alumni Association -- Featured Alum

Kingwood College: A view to the future

Shortly after my son left home for college, I made the decision to return to school. Perhaps not a big event to most, but it was one of the most difficult things I have ever done and took more courage than I could have ever imagined.

The day I enrolled at Kingwood College I was greeted by the Dean of Technology who took her precious time to help me chart a course for returning to school after almost thirty years. I was touched by her kindness and compassion and frankly, I am not sure I would have continued had I not had such a positive initial experience. I soon realized that this was what I could come to expect at Kingwood College.

I initially thought I would enroll for just a couple of courses, but with the support of incredible faculty and staff, my goals soon changed. I have encountered academic advisors who go far beyond their job requirements to help students succeed;

Educators who spend countless hours in the classroom, sponsoring clubs and organizations, grading papers late at night, and devising creative ways to help their students learn;
Administrators who have sacrificed more than we will ever know dedicating their lives to insure that students just like me have an opportunity to seek higher education.
Each individuals who could see more in me than I could see in myself.

At Kingwood College I began to explore a more creative approach to living and began work toward a degree in Visual Communication. After my first semester, I was invited to join Phi Theta Kappa, the International Honor Society for two-year colleges, and there I found a home. I have been honored to serve as the 2003-2004 Kingwood College Phi Theta Kappa Chapter President and 2004-2005 Texas Regional Vice President. In 2005 I was one of twenty students named as a member of the 2005 All-USA Academic First Team, was named as a 2005 Guistwhite Scholar, and received the 2005 Phi Theta Kappa Orlowski Candidate Scholarship.

On May 14th, at the age of 51, I received an Associate of Applied Science in Visual Communication from Kingwood College and will attend the University of Houston in the fall. It is my goal to ultimately return to Kingwood College to teach.

It is uncharacteristic for me to tout my accomplishments in such a way, but I think this is a story that needs to be told. There are great things happening in community colleges! Here I am, a mom and a grandmother who returned to school after almost 30 years – just to take a couple of courses. Completing my education always felt just outside my reach. Today it is becoming a reality. Those who know me well have heard me quote Helen Keller on many occasions – “Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.” What an adventure this has been for me. I am without a doubt the luckiest woman in the world!

But my story is just one of many that can be told …

A young adult disappointed by a letter of rejection from the university he planned to attend all his life;
A brilliant high school student unable to afford tuition or not yet ready for a 4-year institution;
A student with no idea of her potential or looking for a second start after a failed attempt away from home;
A mom and grandmother returning to school after almost 30 years.

All descriptions of community college students with their own struggles… their own stories… their own dreams. And in many cases, each able to rise above their circumstances and not only succeed, but shine like a bright star due in large part to the supportive environment found right here at Kingwood College.

Thank you Kingwood College!

Debbie Esparza

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Featured Alumni