Let’s meet Brooklyn, who is turning up the heat and giving us insight into her welding career at the Technical Campus in Allen, Texas. The 340,000 square foot four-building complex serves more than 7,000 students. Designed with workforce education in mind, the campus provides classroom and state-of-the-art lab space dedicated to training on latest techniques. Take it away, Brooklyn.
– Aloha, Alex. Going to a trade technical high school, I realized I was excelling in my hands-on classes. When looking for a college, it was important to me that I found a curriculum that was gonna prepare me for the workforce. Collin College offers a variety of transfer options, continuing education, certificates, associate degrees, and bachelor degrees. I’m a first-year student working towards my Associate of Applied Science in Welding Technology, as well as taking a continuing education course in jewelry making called Metals. Being at the Collin College Technical Campus allows me to complete all my hands-on work in high-tech labs, while completing my coursework online. The best part about this hybrid model is that it works at my convenience. Being a hands-on learner, I get the satisfaction of seeing my work after it’s complete. One of my greatest accomplishments is seeing my welds now compared to when I first started. With the support of Collin College, I’ve seen so much improvement. Students that are in these hands-on labs are able to weld different processes like MIG, TIG, and STIC in different positions, including flat, horizontal, vertical, and overhead. I’m able to apply my skills in the workforce as well as on campus. I am a member of the robotics team and part of the American Welding Society. One thing I’m looking forward to upon completion of the program is using robotics in welding. Being able to operate the machine and perform uniform welds are definitely my two interests combined into one. I am grateful for the hands-on education I am receiving at Collin College. Mahalos, back to you, Alex.
– From welding to robotics to HVAC, the Technical Campus really has it all. I’m grateful for the support of Collin College and I’m grateful for workforce students. And not to mention, these high-end facilities are magnificent. Thank you, Brooklyn, for that wonderful inside look. We are all wishing you the very best.
We continue our journey at the Technical Campus with Amrita, here to share what makes Collin such a great community college. The college provides ample student services and resources to maintain a safe and healthy learning environment. Each campus has a resource center that helps students adjust to life beyond high school. Amrita, it’s your time to shine. Take it away.
– Thanks, Alex. Hi, guys. While getting my high school education and exploring what I want to pursue when I get older, having opportunities matters to me. Through my counselor, I found out that Collin College partnered with my high school to offer students an associate’s degree program in business, and dual credit classes while concurrently earning a high school diploma. You can really tell Collin College cares for its students. They offer mental health resources, a writing and math center with tutors available throughout the whole week, cultural events to celebrate diversity on campus, and so much more. Collin College offers a wide range of two-year degrees and programs. And taking these classes at Collin College saves you a ton of money. In addition to the wide academic support Collin College offers, there’s so much community support for students. In the beginning and end of every semester, Collin College has a week filled with goodies for students, ranging from donuts with the deans to having therapy dogs in the library during de-stress week when we all have our final exams. I feel really lucky to get these privileges, and it just goes to show how caring the Cougar community is. At Collin College, there’s a welcoming community of staff and students, and everyone is so kind and positive. I had no problem making friends with other students and even some of my previous professors. The small class sizes really help us get proper attention from our professors and really connect in class. So what I’ve learned from my time at Collin College is how to become a great student and member of my community. So wherever my future academic journey takes me, I know I can thank Collin College for giving me a star and wonderful background as a Cougar. Back to you, Alex.
– From mental health counseling, resourceful career centers, and free-of-charge tutoring to empower student engagement, supportive professors, and small classroom settings. And Rita, you’ve touched on many benefits of attending a community college. I think we’re off to a great school year. Thank you for your Cougar insight.
Let’s kick it up a notch and get insight from a Collin College athlete about her journey. Alisha, a high-performing athlete dribbled her way onto the scene, seeking a promising career and an environment that would embrace her love for basketball. Collin College accepted the challenge. Alicia, it’s game time.
– Thanks, Alex. What’s up, y’all? When it came down to choosing the right college to attend, it was a challenge. I envisioned myself playing D1 basketball right after high school, but when it came to the last two months of my senior year, the offers were not where I wanted them to be. But after speaking with the coaches here at Collin College, the visit left me thrilled to finalize my decision. I enjoyed the atmosphere and the opportunities Collin College provides. I have learned a lot about myself and enjoyed the process of seeing myself grow not only as an athlete, but as an individual as well. The staff and professors are very supportive of their students and make sure they are on the right track for success no matter what major you decide to pursue. Collin College offers many degrees and courses that people want to pursue. For me, I am pursuing kinesiology so that later on in life, I can continue my passion with sports and be a coach. Collin College has many clubs, organizations, and athletics like basketball and tennis with the potential of adding more sports in the future. Our women’s basketball team has been a major impact for our sports group, especially for how far we came and how far we are continuing to go. We are blessed to have the support system Collin upholds for us. Collin College has truly impacted me as a person. Being a student-athlete has been an important experience. I have learned the importance of time management and discipline. Being here at Collin College is a blessing from God. Best believe my freshman year here at Collin is the beginning step of my future and destiny. That’s all for me, Alex. Take it back.
– What a throw, Alisha. It’s so great to get a college athlete’s point of view. And did you know that Collin College is expanding its athletics offerings to include golf, e-sports, and volleyball? The new athletics programs will join Collin’s nationally-ranked basketball and tennis programs. Alicia, keep up the great work on and off the court. Thanks again for sharing your story.
Let’s connect with alumni, Jordan, who will tell us more about her nursing school journey. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing is actually one of four baccalaureate degrees Collin College offers, and the BSN degree is all done online. With a growing list of bachelor degree offerings, students like Jordan can complete a four-year degree here at Collin College, not to mention at Collin College tuition rates. Jordan, please take it away.
– Thank you, Alex. Hey, everyone. At an early age, my parents imparted the importance of a college education, indicting me toward Collin College to start my journey. Just like most students, I expected to begin college after graduating from high school at 18. However, with some unforeseen changes, I began attending Collin College sooner than expected, and the best part, experiencing this journey with my twin brother, Jordan. Collin College prides itself on providing affordable and attainable educational opportunities. Through the college’s dual credit program, I earned college credits as a homeschool student at 16. I knew I wanted to use my love of science to help others, so I pursued and successfully completed the college’s nursing program four years later. Collin support didn’t stop there. I knew I wanted to pursue a bachelor’s degree, and it was a no-brainer when I found out I could continue at Collin College to achieve that. With low-cost tuition, flexibility, and on-campus support, the decision was easy. The college’s RN-BSN program is online, offering working nurses the flexibility to complete their bachelor’s degree while pursuing their professional and family lives. I still get access to industry-like simulation labs and one-on-ones with a dedicated faculty. In addition to essential nursing skills, I learned to advance the profession through collaboration and research. As a Collin College alumna, I have access to networking and professional development events that have assisted me in my career growth. Collin called for me to work as a nurse and to function as a leader in my department. I work at a local hospital, providing bedside care and leading unit projects. With Collin College’s commitment and abundant support to their students, Jerry and I successfully graduated and are building a fruitful career in nursing. Back to you, Alex.
– How cool is it that you got to experience this journey with your twin brother, Jordan? Collin College Nursing has been named a Center of Excellence in Nursing Education for more than a decade, and prides itself in providing the resources to shape competitive and prepared nurses just like Jordan. Thanks again for sharing.
Let’s hear from Caleb, a freshman who’s already planning for his future. Collin College provides resources to excel inside the classroom, but also experiences to shape a student’s college life. From unique programs to supportive clubs and organizations, students will surely find their extended family right here at Collin College. Tell us about your experiences, Caleb.
– Thanks for the introduction, Alex. When I was young, I was always intrigued by business. This fascination really showed when I watched the documentary called “The Men Who Built America.” It fascinated me how men could build up empires like Rockefeller’s energy empire. I knew I wanted to major in business when I first started at Collin College, but other than that, I didn’t know what to expect. But once I started, I found that Collin College not only has great academic resources, but has some pretty fun things to do outside of school, like having a mechanical bull to ride on campus. Whether you wanna go to the gym that’s free for students or the Esports Lab with a top-of-the-line gaming experience, you can tell that Collin College puts a lot of time, money, and effort into creating community-like experience for their students. There are opportunities to get you active in the community as well as keep yourself busy with classes. Collin College surrounds you with caring and qualified professors who will try their best to ensure your success. And with resources like the Writing Center, I was able to get all the help I needed to make A’s in my classes. When it came time for me to transfer, Collin College made the process so smooth. They helped me to enroll in classes that would easily transfer over and helped me get my transcripts. My time at Collin prepared me to take my next steps at furthering my education. I learned so much during my time at Collin College. College can be hard, but as long as you work hard, you can accomplish and achieve all your goals at Collin College. Back to you, Alex.
– Thanks, Caleb, for sharing the really cool things Collin College has to offer beyond the classroom. It’s a great feeling to know you’re fully supported while being a student here and given all the tools to successfully transfer to the next step in your educational journey. Thanks again.
Let’s talk with Daniel. Now, Daniel isn’t your typical college student. In fact, he is proud to shed some light on what it means to be a non-traditional student who has just recently decided to set a path in higher education. Let’s hear more from Daniel and his goal to educate the next generation. Daniel.
– Thank you, Alex. Hello, everyone. As a native-born McKinney man, I chose to attend Collin College because it’s home to me. My wife graduated from Collin and four of our six children have attended classes here as well. Collin College is committed to supporting their students. Being much older than my fellow classmates, I was concerned about the awkwardness of the age difference, but I felt very welcome and included in all areas. College algebra was my biggest hurdle. It had been more than 30 years since my last algebra class from McKinney High School. At the beginning of the semester, I was concerned about passing algebra, but thanks to the academic assistance tutors helping me this past semester, my only concern was whether I would receive an A or a B. And after serving in the Army for more than 20 years, three of those on combat deployments, I’m incredibly grateful for the Veterans Resource Office. They’ve made it possible for a retired veteran at my age to continue my goal of becoming a high school history teacher. Collin College is such an impressive place for education right here in my hometown. There are many campuses throughout the county, which makes education accessible for everyone looking to continue their education, no matter how busy your lifestyle. My time spent here on campus is more than just getting a degree to start a new career. I’ve grown as a person in many ways. My professors take a personal interest in teaching us here beyond just our grades. And my message to everyone is that just because life may cause you to delay your dreams and goals, do not abandon them. Always push forward. Back to you, Alex.
– Daniel, it’s inspiring to hear about your time of service and your journey. Collin College serves military-connected students diligently. In fact, it’s been named one of the best for vets colleges, get this, 11 times. Daniel, you are proof of Collin College’s commitment to serve those who have served. Thank you.
Let’s hear from Giovanni over on the McKinney Campus. Opening back in 1985 as the first and original Collin College campus, the McKinney Campus is now home to several of the health sciences programs offered at the college and are shaping the future leaders in healthcare. Giovanni, tell us all about your experiences at the McKinney Campus.
– Muchas gracias, Alex. As a child of two medical professionals, a career in medicine was almost certain for me. I look up to my parents very much and wanted to make a difference as they did, but hopefully take it even further. I started off as a dual credit student in high school and upon graduation, I realized that the Collin College path was right for me. I never really intended to travel far for college and growing up in Plano, man, I had a very affordable and fast growing school in my neighborhood. Collin College offers many health science programs such as respiratory care, ultrasound, sleep tech, surgical tech, and many more. The respiratory program here at Collin College is nationally known as one of the best programs in North Texas. As a student of this program, I have not only been able to learn the exact skills I need to do my career, but utilize them in hospitals with hands-on experience as a clinical student. Respiratory therapy is an underappreciated and understaffed career, but with programs like the one here at Collin growing, hopefully soon, we can change that. The laid back, comfortable campuses of Collin College make it easy to learn and get your work done by providing ample resources and an inviting student life. Collin College has been serving its communities for over 30 years and has allowed countless students like me to achieve their academic goals without having to compromise their living or financial situation. The acclaim that Collin College had in the healthcare professions made me confident in my future. Upon graduation, I plan to work in the field and gain experience that can hopefully lead me to teach the next generation of respiratory students. Back to you, Alex.
– The Respiratory Care Program is proud to be among the few programs in the state that’s continuously awarded for their successful Registered Respiratory Therapist credentialing. In fact, they’ve received the Distinguished Recognition for 11 consecutive years. Giovanni, we know you’ll be the change you wanna see in the field of respiratory care. Thanks again.
From affordable tuition to partnerships with four-year universities, we now get to meet with Temi, a Collin College junior who will talk to us about how his journey has set him up for success, not only academically and professionally, but in his personal life as well. Temi, take it away.
– Thanks for that introduction, Alex. Before I graduated high school, my GPA was a 3.1. Although I could apply to universities and get accepted, I wasn’t gonna get any substantial amount of financial aid and I could not afford tuition out of pocket. Collin College had a representative on campus who reached out to me and told me all about the college. Collin College boasts the lowest in-district tuition rate in the state of Texas. Attending Collin College has been one of the best decisions I have made in my college career. They make college education accessible and affordable even after graduation. Did you know that Collin College has admission partnerships with four-year universities? I joined a partnership with one of the universities last year, and through that partnership, I have a locked tuition rate. This means that if I transfer next year, I still get to pay last year’s tuition rate, even if it is increased. Collin College has made tireless efforts to keep education accessible and affordable to individuals like myself. Affordability aside, Collin College offers quality resources to its students, like counseling, career centers to help you land your dream job, business centers so you can get that summer body, and student organizations to help you develop interpersonal relationships. Everything a student needs to be successful can be found right here at Collin College. From counseling to transferring career guidance, Collin College has provided me with the necessary resources that will be crucial to my professional and personal growth moving forward. Collin College doesn’t just provide you with affordable education, it provides you with the resources needed to advance yourself professionally, academically, and personally. That’s my story. Back to you, Alex.
– Wow, we had no idea how affordable a college education can be right here at Collin College. And the guidance and support offered here is amazing. What a journey you’ve gone through to get where you are now, Temi. I’ll say, getting a degree with little to no debt is definitely a big, big win. And we can’t wait to see what’s in store for your future. Thanks again, Temi.
Let’s head over to meet Maxwell, a freshman at the Wiley Campus, who will introduce us to the Veterinary Technology Program. This program is highly sought after and prepares students to care for our furry four-legged friends with so much hands-on experience. Maxwell is about to tell us about this unique program. Take it away.
– Thanks, Alex. Hi, y’all. Growing up, I’ve always wanted to work with animals, so of course my dream job was to become a licensed veterinary nurse. So I needed to go to a college that is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association, and of course, Collin College’s program was the one. I got my first job at a veterinary clinic during my senior year in high school, where I learned the many responsibilities within each role and learned how much I enjoyed working as a technician. Upon starting my first semester, I was immediately met with compassion and support from my peers and my professors. My professors set aside their time to help us understand the material and practice our essential skills. With the education I’m receiving at Collin College and my current work at Veterinary Emergency Group, I’m learning so much about what it takes to be a licensed veterinary nurse. Collin College has a wide variety of programs that offer certificates, associates, and bachelor’s degrees, which range from art, video production, to business, computer science, and various healthcare tracks. The amount of hands-on learning in not just the veterinary technology program, but other programs allow you to get a headstart in your career. Collin College’s veterinary technology program has allowed me to take a step forward in the advancement of veterinary medicine and patient adequacy. I’m able to take the knowledge that I have learned back to my career and community to offer gold standard medical care for all our patients, thanks to our team of passionate professors who strive to make veterinary students into nurses. I fell in love with the career of veterinary nursing and I can’t wait to see where it takes me. Back to you, Alex.
– Maxwell, thank you for sharing your passion and love of animals with us. That 100% pass rate has been consistent for the last three years. What an accomplishment. We know this accredited program at Collin College is preparing you to join the vet tech workforce right after graduation. Best of luck, Maxwell. Thanks again.
– Thanks, Alex. Hello, everyone. When I started looking at what life would look like after high school, I would have never imagined myself in college, let alone such an amazing school like Collin College. Collin College is a place that prides itself in providing accessible opportunities for higher education to anyone from any background with programs and resources that give us access to mentorship at no cost. A first-generation student like myself has the opportunity to succeed by asking for help from mentors who understand our position personally through these services. My guidance and academic counselors have been amazing through each and every step of the way. They’re providing me with resources and materials to ace my courses during my time here at Collin College. I got to sit down with an academic advisor and for the very first time, get answers to many questions any first-gen student might have. All my encounters here with the staff have been nothing but positive, and I am so grateful I have an entire team here at Collin College who I can turn to when I need help. A college education is for far more than learning skills for a new job or to enter the real world, and Collin College is amazing at reminding us first-gens of that. Collin offers tailored programs that help low-income first-generation students through the college journey and into the corporate world. Whatever major you choose, you won’t just learn about it at Collin College. You’ll get hands-on experience and guidance through the entire process, from first-year academic coaches to job offers after graduation. I am happy to attend class and get my education while being able to attend events and make new memories with friends. That’s all for me. Now, back to you, Alex.
– Supportive staff and faculty make all the difference, and students like Marylaisis are a prime example of what can be accomplished when given the tools to excel. There are resources like these at every single campus, making sure students reach their career goals. Marylaisis, we are sure you will inspire future first-gen students all around. Thanks again.