Howard Community College

T HE M ANY FAC E S O F S T U DE N T S U C C E S S <<< CONFIDENCE TO SET NEW GOALS New students who enter HCC's adult basic skills program are often welcomed by Lillian Grant. She confidently tells them "This is where I started, and look at me now." Lillian has come a long way since she left school when she was 17, before graduation. She worked for years in customer service, moved to Columbia, and raised four children on her own. When it came to her children's education, she set the bar higher and her advice was taken seriously. Lillian's oldest daughter, now 33, earned her high school diploma through HCC and continued on to earn bachelor's and master's degrees. Her youngest daughter also attended HCC. "When my children encouraged me to go back to school, I had no confidence in myself," says Lillian. "However, I decided to enroll at HCC, and when my daughters' teachers became my teachers, everything changed. I already had a bond with them." Lillian says she has learned far more than how to study. "I learned how to ask my teachers questions whenever I need help," she says. "The college's Learning Assistance Center and Career Links program have also provided me with help in setting career goals." Lillian continues to redefine success. After completing the National External Diploma Program through HCC, an alternative to the GED exam for adults seeking their high school diploma, she completed the college's 90-hour childcare certification program, as well as CPR/first aid certification. As a result of a work-study position helping adult students who have developmental disabilities, Lillian is now taking credit classes in education and early childhood development to achieve her new goal of teaching children with special needs. According to Meredith Lowman, intake/assessment and literacy Lillian Grant GOAL AT HCC: Earn a high school diploma LONG-TERM GOAL: Teacher for children with special needs QUOTE: "Go after every dream you thought specialist, there's a strong rapport between Lillian and the special needs students. The Maryland Association of Adult, Community, and Continuing Education agrees. The organization presented Lillian with an outstanding achievement award. "One thing that makes her so successful is that she understands from personal experience how difficult it is to ask for help," says Lowman. wouldn't come true, go to school every day, and believe in what's inside of you." Lillian is amazed and proud of the many unexpected benefits resulting from her return to school. She established a better relationship with her adult children, improved her poetry writing ability and had one of her poems read at graduation from the adult basic skills program, and she's inspired others who are returning to school with the motivational speeches she gives at orientation. "I've also become a no-nonsense grandma for my 10 grandchildren," she says. "I tell them there is nothing you can't do if you stay with it." 6 Pathways | Howard Community College Spring 2012

• Cover