After the birth of my youngest child, I launched myself into the life of a full-time college student, driving 45 minutes to school and working 20 hours a week. In my first two semesters, I got all A’s, but my home life was very rocky. 4 days after my second semester ended, my husband was arrested for child abuse. It felt like my life had ended.
I suffer from all five forms of recognized domestic violence abuse, but I didn’t let that stop me. I went back to college the next semester, and I was absolutely terrified. If it had not been for the excellent staff and faculty at Shasta College, I would not have gotten through the next two years.
I joined the Shasta College Student Senate and began working in Shasta College Food Services, where I found two of the best bosses I’ve ever had in my life. Denise Axtell and Ryan Newcomber took me in and helped me grow into the student leader that I am today.
I graduated with three AS degrees in the unheard-of time frame of 3 years and I am now transferring to Chico State University. Shasta College helped me to dream again after domestic abuse, and Shasta College launched the foundation of my career.
When people ask, I proudly say I got my start at Shasta College.
Leslie
Shasta College Knight, 2020