Guiding Force

Glendale Community College offers affordable classes with flexible times and small sizes. (Glendale Community College/Submitted)

Community colleges can help adults find their path

BY JOHN HECKENLAIBLE

Sound of Freedom Contributing Writer

Transitioning from military service to civilian life can be challenging.

It can be even more difficult for individuals who choose to go from serving in the armed forces to becoming a college student, for the simple reason that when students enroll in college, they are asked to declare a major when registering for classes.

Often, people entering college do not have a clear idea of what they want to major in. Many students enroll for the sole purpose of exploring their options. That is where a community college can play an important role.

At a community college, adults are encouraged to explore a variety of courses and disciplines so they can discover their interests.

Because community colleges are affordable, students will not accumulate a large student debt while they find their passion and set their path.

To assist students in charting their course for the future, nearby Glendale Community College has a Fields of Interest program with nine main areas of study.

Along with Guided Pathways, an interrelated program with Fields of Interest, GCC’s advisers can help students match their skills, aptitudes and interests with corresponding coursework, classes and majors.

GCC introduced Fields of Interest and Guided Pathways in the Fall semester of 2020 and, since that time, these programs have helped thousands of students find their future.

GCC incorporated the Field of Interest philosophy into its curriculum as part of a greater initiative across the entire Maricopa Community Colleges District.

The program successfully puts students on the right track sooner, so they remain motivated to graduate or transfer to a four-year school.

Research shows that college students are more likely to complete a degree in a timely fashion if they choose a program and develop an academic plan early on. A clear roadmap of courses needed to complete their studies and support are just as important. Fields of Interest and Guided Pathways deliver on all counts.

GCC offers nine Fields of Interest for students to review as they consider their interests and skills. The Fields of Interest include applied technology; behavioral science and human services; business; entrepreneurialism and management; computer information technology; culture and society; health sciences; STEM; and visual and performing arts.

Guided Pathways comes into play once a student selects a Field of Interest; advisers work with the student to create a clear, coordinated and strategic plan that includes coursework and class schedules.

The interrelated programs are designed to enhance the student experience, and GCC has made it happen with a comprehensive redesign of the way students identify their interests and translate that into a clear, coherent educational pathway early on. Through these programs students learn what they need to be successful in their future education and career.

It is never too late to get a fresh start. Prospective students unsure of their direction should strongly consider a community college.

They have the benefit of convenience, affordability, flexible class times, instructors with real-world experience and small class sizes, which gives students personalized attention.

Adults looking for the right way to get started in college should visit GCC, which offers pathways that will help students reach their goals faster. For more information regarding the many benefits of GCC, visit gccaz.edu.

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