It’s time to hear the inspiring story of Santasia. She’s a remarkable individual who just completed her associate of science in human services for pre-social work right here. As a naval veteran, Santasia’s dream is to serve her fellow veterans making her the perfect person to shed light on why CCD is the top choice for veteran and military students. Santasia, please tell us more.
– Thanks, Alex. I aspired to be many things growing up. At first, I wanted to be a teacher, then an architect, and I even wanted to open a dentistry practice for kids with special needs. Unsure of what I wanted to pursue after high school, I enlisted in the United States Navy and served for four years. I also became a mom to two beautiful children after the military. I worked in the beauty industry for years until I realized I miss the fulfillment of truly helping others. Inspired by my aunt and uncle I decided to pursue a dream of becoming a social worker. Initially, I chose CCD due to its convenient location in the city. Upon visiting the campus, I was impressed by the small class sizes and abundant resources available. The knowledgeable staff at the admissions office has been invaluable in guiding me throughout my journey. The Auraria Library offering in-person and online options has become my go-to resource with unlimited access to credible research materials. As a veteran, I greatly appreciate the Veteran Center which provides free printing and study rooms exclusively for military affiliated students. Also, being situated in downtown Denver we get the privilege of being surrounded by numerous events and get to enjoy discounted perks as CCD students. CCD is a dynamic college with a convenient location small class sizes and abundant resources with knowledgeable staff, and a supportive veterans center. CCD provides an enriching environment for our veteran and military students. Having recently graduated from CCD, my next step is to transfer to one of our four year universities here on campus to pursue a master’s degree in social work. My ultimate aspiration is to work within the VA system dedicated to supporting and serving my fellow veterans. Thanks for your time. Back to you, Alex.
– Wow, Santasia. What a remarkable story. A true testament to the power of perseverance, growth, and following one’s true calling. I am so glad to hear that veteran and military students can pursue their passions right here at CCD. Great job.
Okay, everyone. Now let’s head over to the beautiful mountains of Denver to meet up with Alexis a political science student. It was here at CCD where he realized his true passion for helping fellow students. Alexis, the mic is yours.
– Thank you so much, Alex. Growing up in Denver, I’ve always been surrounded by nature. One of the best parts about CCD is I work 20 minutes from this spot right here. Another thing I love about CCD is the support I’ve gotten on my educational journey. I was a full-time mechanic for several years, but always knew that I wanted to have an impact on young people as an educator. Making the transition was a scary proposition but so many people here have helped me make my dream possible. Through this process, I was diagnosed with ADHD and the Accessibility Center has helped me to better understand my brain and to find new study habits that really work. I’ve also found an amazing group of people working at the SPARK office. There I’m able to provide my fellow student with resources. We offer everything from help with finances to mental health support is just another way that CCD is making sure that every student has what they need to further their education. CCD also does an amazing job of supporting underrepresented students. There are countless scholarships that help get students started when they otherwise might not be able to go to college. They also provide housing assistance here in Denver and even emergency aid when students have issues making sure we can stay focused on our studies. I’m so glad that I found CCD. I know that my future, helping others find their pathway, wouldn’t have been possible if it weren’t for the support that I received right here. It’s just one other beautiful thing here in Denver. Back to you, Alex.
– That is awesome. Alexis, I love hearing about how CCD has helped you to be successful and how you plan to pay that forward to future students. From all of us, all the best to you. Thanks for sharing.
Let’s meet Lindsie, a bright star shining in her first semester at CCD with a natural gift for storytelling. She’s here to share her incredible journey and how it led her to CCD to pursue her dreams. Take it away, Lindsie.
– Thanks for the stellar introduction, Alex. I haven’t always known what I wanted to do with my college path, but once I decided that the arts were where my heart was, CCD was there to help me finish my degree and set me up for success doing what I love. Academics have been integral to my life always driving me to excel. After graduating high school a year early with a 4.57 GPA I thought I was ready to conquer the world. But life had different plans. Initially fixated on pursuing business project management or communication. I overlooked my true calling. College became a challenging until I embraced a revelation my lifelong affinity for the arts. Unleashing my freedom of choice, I recognized myself as a natural born storyteller, entertainer, and goofball. Above all, my soul yearned to create. Leaving behind my past plans, I wholeheartedly embraced a future that followed my deepest passions. Since then, not a single regret has clouded my decision to follow my heart song. CCDs Arts program offers diverse classes and electives empowering me to customize my education. The Finish What You Started scholarship designed for students like myself, presents an attainable opportunity to pursue my long awaited dreams. Fortunately, the Auraria campus is nestled within Denver’s vibrant art scene ensuring constant inspiration to fuel my creative journey. CCD ensures a guaranteed statewide transfer for my degree and offers an inter-institutional program that allows me to plan my academic success beyond just two years. With my associate of arts degree in hand. CCD allows for a seamless transition into the perfect undergraduate program for me and that’s my story. Take it back, Alex.
– And there you have it. The captivating story of Lindsie, a beacon of inspiration and creativity. Her journey at CCD has been nothing short of transformative leading her to discover her true passion for the arts and storytelling. Thank you, Lindsie for sharing your extraordinary story with us.
Okay, let’s hear from Adrian. He’s in the dental hygiene program, an Air Force veteran, and uses a number of student services. In addition to veteran services, Adrian credits the tutoring services and disability services with his success here at Owens Community College. Take it away, Adrian.
– Thanks, Alex. When I got into the Air Force, I knew that I wanted to go to school, but I came to Ohio after my father fell ill. And after some research with the VA, I knew that Owens was the school for me. Being at Owens has really made an impact on how I see the education system. There are a few different organizations and quite a bit of services that are offered. I’m hearing impaired, and I’ve been out of high school for about seven years. The Offices of Veteran Services and Disability Services have become like a second home to me. I thought that the transition from military life to student life would be hard, but I have so much help. Owens’ tutoring services are a very good thing to use. I use the ASL tutoring as well as the microbiology tutoring. The Disability Services Center gave me extra time and a quiet place to take my tests and quizzes. They also gave me a microphone device that my instructors can use that works with my hearing aids, and a device that I can use to record and transcribe the lectures. I will not be here forever, though. I will graduate from Owens with three degrees. I really could not have done any of this without the help and support of the administration, faculty, and staff. The level of support here is unmatched. If you’re thinking about going back to school, do it. It doesn’t matter if you’ve been outta school five, 10, 20 plus years, community college is the way to go. And if you’re in the Toledo area, come to Owens. That’s my story. Back to you, Alex.
– Thank you for sharing how these student services help you achieve your goals, Adrian. Owens is a proud Collegiate Purple Star campus, which recognizes institutions around Ohio that support military connected students. Thanks again for sharing your story.
Now we are heading over to meet Tyler. He’s a recent graduate of the physical therapist assistant program. His academic journey had a few twists and turns, but he made sure his second chance and opportunities here at Owens set him up for success in his career and in life. Tell us all about it, Tyler.
– Thank you, Alex. Hey, everybody. My college story starts in 2008 after graduating high school. I changed majors in my old college to athletic training, and I loved it. The only problem was I loved partying even more. Eventually, I ran outta money and had to move back to my hometown. After moving back home I tried a community college where I met great faculty and started a new program in the physical therapist assistant. Unfortunately, my focus shifted again and my life changed in an instant. I faced some challenges from a drunk driving incident and was sent to prison for six years. After I got out, I knew this was my time to restart and change my life. I met my wife, moved, and started a new job. I knew I didn’t want to be in that job forever, so I started looking at local colleges and universities. Found Owens offers a PTA program at an affordable cost, has a solid reputation in the physical therapy community, and has a smaller, more welcoming class size. After two weeks of school starting and getting to know my classmates who are now good friends, I was elected class president and got involved in everything that Owens PTA program has to offer. Being given that second or third chance has changed my life, Owens has given me an opportunity to live the life I want while providing for my loved ones. Faculty and staff have been a foundation that have rebuilt who I want to be. When I first started looking at colleges 15 years ago, I had never heard of Owens Community College. After some hard learning, I found it. Now I’m an officially licensed and practicing physical therapist assistant. Thanks for listening. Back to you, Alex.
– Thank you for sharing your story, Tyler. Owens prides itself on inclusivity for its students. The support from classmates and instructors plays a huge role in your education. Owens students continuously credit their classmates’ and instructors’ support as the biggest reason they find success, which is awesome. Thanks again, Tyler.
It’s time to meet Joe. Imagine a city voting you the best at something you’re still earning a degree in. That’s what happened for Joe, a broadcast media technology student with his own radio show and podcast. Joe, we can’t wait to hear this story. Take it away.
– Hey, thank you so very much, Alex. What’s going on, everybody? You can call me J, Dr. J Thomas to be exact. I’m not a real doctor, but I have seen one on TV. I began my journey as a student at Owens Community College in the fall semester of 2020 as a part-time student in the broadcast media technology program. I had experience coming into the program, but decided that I wanted to take it to the next level. In the time that I’ve been a part of the school and the campus radio station at Owens Community College Radio, I’ve been a multi-year intercollegiate broadcasting system nominee for its Annual Media Awards. And just this past year was voted Best of Toledo 2022 for best radio show and best podcast, for “Randomosity”, Toledo’s only vinyl radio show. It’s a weekly program that I created, produce, and actually own the full rights to. There are quite a few things I love about Owens, but most importantly, they work with my crazy schedule of work and family. They don’t judge me and want to actually see me succeed in what I’m looking to do. They allow me creative freedom to explore and achieve that. What comes next? Besides wanting to possibly go back to back for Best of Toledo 2023, doing what I have to do to graduate and move into a new-to-me potential career field. Well, that’s enough about my story. Back to you, Alex.
– Congratulations, and thank you, Joe. How awesome to be nominated for awards both locally and nationally before you graduate. Broadcast media technology students also learn skills such as video editing, production, and studio operations in multiple broadcast settings. Thanks again, Joe.
Owens has not one, but two campuses. Let’s introduce you to Skyler. She is a nursing student at the Findlay area campus. A smaller campus, but with all the resources to succeed plus it’s near downtown to give you a bigger college feel. Tell us about your connection with the Findlay area campus, Skyler. Take it away.
– Thanks, Alex. When choosing a college to attend, Owens was the easy choice for me. The Findlay area campus is five minutes from my house and I practically grew up here. I’ve been walking the grounds of Owens since I was six years old because my grandpa was a security officer here. I started at Owens when I was a junior in high school, taking College Credit Plus classes and haven’t left. It’s a smaller campus, so you aren’t just a number. The professors are very supportive of student success. I was involved in a serious car accident that involved a head injury, and my professors made sure I had enough time to succeed in my education. Everybody knows everyone, but it’s definitely a good thing when someone’s going through a hard time. The Findlay area campus at Owens really is the place to go. For being a small campus, there are plenty of ways to be involved. From student activities, catered lunches, and transfer fairs for after you graduate if you want to continue on for bachelor’s or master’s. Sometimes Owens even has people from hospitals come in for job opportunities, which we appreciate in nursing. There’s even a food court that serves breakfast and lunch. Campus is about five minutes from downtown Findlay and any restaurant or social gathering places my classmates and I can go. When I first started at Owens, I really did not think I would learn as much as I have. Not only have I learned nursing, I’ve also learned the people at Owens are your family. Owens has definitely built my foundation to be successful as a nurse. That’s my insight on Owens and my story. Back to you, Alex.
– Thanks, Skyler. What a great campus with plenty of opportunities in learning and ways to be involved. From coming on campus as a child with her grandfather to being in the College Credit Plus program and now actively pursuing her nursing degree, the access and success is absolutely endless here. Thanks, Skyler.
Let’s introduce you to Caleb. He’s in the Caterpillar ThinkBIG program, which is available only at a handful of schools around the nation. This is just one of the unique programs offered at Owens Community College, and the hands-on learning opportunities are unmatched. Let’s hear your story, Caleb.
– Thanks for the introduction, Alex. From a young age, I’ve always enjoyed grabbing a wrench and tearing apart engines. This gave me the idea of what I wanted to do for a career. One of the reasons I chose Owens Community College is because it has a great partnership with the Caterpillar ThinkBIG program. It’s one of 11 nationwide, and the only one in the northeast of the US. ThinkBIG trains students to become heavy equipment technicians for Caterpillar, learning how to work on newer equipment with electronics along with the mechanical side of working equipment is a great trade to learn. There’s a lot of satisfaction watching a project work properly after I fix any problems. I have greatly enjoyed the hands-on portion along with the rest of our other classes. I have been very happy and satisfied with all I have learned so far. Hands-on learning at Owens allows me to actively put in use what I’ve learned and really helps me to retain all that I learned. The teachers have always been willing to help us with questions or one-on-one help when needed. All these things set us up for a successful career. After I graduate, I will have an associate’s degree along with a full-time job as a Caterpillar technician at my branch. Knowing my future career uses the skills I’ve learned here makes it all and more fulfilling and fun. That’s it from me, back to you, Alex.
– Caleb, thank you for introducing us to such a unique program that will have a great impact after you graduate. Owens recently hosted the Caterpillar ThinkBIG Global Conference with representatives, dealerships, and educators attending from all over the world. Thanks again, Caleb.
Let me introduce you to Quinton. He is the Dean of Workforce and Community Services here at Owens. Ohio ranks third in the nation in manufacturing, and Owens is answering the call to train the thousands of workers needed to fill jobs. Quinton, tell us all about where these students will learn all these skills. Take it away.
– Thanks, Alex, and welcome, everyone, to the Dana Center for Advanced Manufacturing Training at Owens Community College. In this 59,000 square foot facility, students receive specialized training to fill in-demand jobs in the region. Ohio ranks third in the nation in manufacturing jobs, and labor data predicts several thousand new jobs will be added in the next few years. In the Dana Center, students get hands-on learning experience in a variety of state-of-the-art labs such as robotics, electrical, mechanical, HVAC, and Haas machine. In addition to the training that we offer at the Dana Center, Owens has partnerships with more than three dozen unions around Ohio. We also collaborate with more than 65 large scale companies to train new and existing employees. These companies include Dana Incorporated, First Solar, and General Motors, who awarded Owens a $40,000 grant to explore new training initiatives. Owens also has an apprenticeship program where students pursue their degrees at Owens while also working for a sponsoring company. All of these skilled trades will be needed as Ohio’s economy grows. In northwest Ohio, they will be part of the workforce that brings in additional economic growth of nearly $150 million. But that’s not all. We anticipate that advanced manufacturing locally will benefit from what Intel is doing in central Ohio. Even more technical and skilled trades jobs will be needed to support the growth in advanced manufacturing in Ohio. That’s it from the Dana Center. Back to you, Alex.
– Thank you, Quinton. Owens has also partnered with two other institutions in the area to create the Center for Advanced Manufacturing and Logistics that works to identify employers’ needs in workforce training. Owens is doing its part to help drive this region’s economy, which is awesome. Thanks again, Quinton.
Let’s hear from Hayley. She’s a basketball All American and national champion. The Owens Express has won six national championships and countless conference titles. The Express offers volleyball, men’s and women’s basketball, baseball and softball, and women’s soccer. Tell us all about the winning traditions for the Owens Express, Hayley. Take it away.
– Thanks for the introduction, Alex. I knew I wanted to play collegiate basketball, just finding the right home was a tough decision. And I am so blessed that I’ve had the opportunity to play at Owens. I was nervous coming to Owens for basketball because I committed pretty late due to coaching changes at my previous college. I wasn’t sure if I was going to make friends or if people would welcome me, but turns out they became some of my best friends, we played super well together, and had great chemistry on and off the court. Typically, at most colleges, professors are hit or miss with being understanding a missing class due to sports. But at Owens, not only did the professors do all they could to help you, they also wanted nothing but the best for you in your sport. My teachers would tell me good luck in class or they would even email me. They became more than professors. Our basketball team was extremely successful. We were national champions in 2022. 2023, we were league champions and ranked number one in the nation for most of the year. I was the first team All American, which is a huge honor. After Owens, I will be attending Notre Dame College in Cleveland to obtain my bachelor’s degree in criminal justice as well as continuing my basketball career. Owens definitely set me up for success in athletics and academics. I can’t say enough good things about Owens. And that’s my story. Run it back, Alex.
– Thank you, Hayley, for telling us all about the Express. And congratulations on the national championship. That is amazing. The support from professors during the season plays a huge part in success in the classroom and on the court. And student athletes at Owens definitely see those benefits. Thanks again, Hayley.