The Power of Community College – North Lake College in Irving, Texas
As I’ve discussed before, I’m working on my second book which is about the power of community college. As part of this book I’ve been interviewing students all over the country to hear their stories, some of which I want to share with you before the book comes out.
Community college is not only a great way to get an education, but it’s often the most economic option, allowing students to get a degree with little to no debt. Whether they are pursuing an associates degree, or using community college as a jumping off point to a four-year degree program, it gives people an incredible number of options without breaking the bank.
And let me tell you, you will not find a more motivated and excited group of students. These guys are in class because they want to be, many are working while taking classes, and nearly all have a plan of what they’re working towards.
Last week at North Lake College in Irving, Texas I had the pleasure of talking to Anna and Josue, two students working on the associates degrees.
Check out the video below for the full story and like Josue told me when I was talking to him, “You gotta dream big”.
Cheers,
Greg
The Power of Community College with Soccer Star Oumar Ballo
I’ve been championing community college for years. Not only did I attend community college myself, but I’ve been teaching at variety of community colleges for last 20 years. In that time I’ve had over 3,000 students, and let me tell you, they come from all walks of life. With their grit and determination I’ve seen them go on to be incredibly successful.
I’m so excited about community college that it will be the subject of my second book. As part of writing that book, I’ve been interviewing people with amazing and inspiring stories whose journeys took them through community college. It’s amazing work, and conversations I truly enjoy.
In this video I speak to professional soccer player Oumar Ballo. He’s a defender for the Swope Park Rangers in the United Soccer League and on his way to playing for the Sporting Kansas City team in the MLS (Major League Soccer).
Apart from being a community college alum, he’s an incredible young man who has gone through a lot to get to where he is today. After a hard day of training, we talk about enthusiasm, vision, optimism and action. Oumar was keen to point out that bringing positive energy everyday is one of his keys to success.
Check out the video below for more, and stay tuned for the next interview coming soon!
Cheers,
Greg
The Power of Community College (my next book)
Last week I was at the CONCACAF Champions League game between Sporting Kansas City and Vancouver Whitecaps. Really beautiful stadium at Children’s Mercy Park, and I always love supporting my Kansas City teams.
Midway through the game there was a weather delay, and I had a few minutes to record this video (on Facebook live) and I talk about lots of exciting news and interviews I have coming up.
My next video is with Oumar Ballo, a defender for the Swope Park Rangers in the United Soccer League. We talk about lots of great things, and community college is of course one of them.
Check out the video below to see what’s coming!
Cheers,
Greg
Live Stream this Friday, 20 May 2016!
I’m so honored to be the 2016 Commencement speaker at Barstow College this Friday, May 20th at 3:00 PM PST. If you are in the area, please let me know. The event will also be live on live stream here:https://www.youtube.com/c/barstowcommunitycollege/live
I’ve had the pleasure of teaching for Barstow College since 1997. I’ve been able to teach 2-3 classes every semester for BCC since 2004. I have over 2,700 students that have gone on to do amazing things around the world! I’ve had the pleasure of teaching at 7 different community colleges and also the Univ of Kansas, Univ of Nevada, Las Vegas, Univ of Maryland, Park College, and the Univ of Texas. Over 130 college courses taught while having the OPPORTUNITY ( I hate the word “work” in reference to a job) to serve in the military on active duty and as a DoD civilian and now run my speaking business. It all started with Barstow College and I love this college and the OPPORTUNITY it provides for everyone.
It’s a long way from not graduating high school in Northern California. I tell every audience, “Life is not a SPRINT, it’s a beautiful MARATHON” Have a GREAT Day and enjoy the ride with ENTHUSIASM and OPPORTUNITY!
Aug Geht’s,
~Greg
America’s Educational Gem
“Community colleges play an important role in helping people transition between careers by providing the retooling they need to take on a new career” – President Barack Obama
Community College is America – Opportunity!
Community college sets the United States apart from any other place in the world in offering open educational opportunities to anyone. The community college is a cornerstone of success and education in the United States, and a shining example of educational opportunity to everyone around the world. I’m an extremely proud graduate of Shasta College. Some of the key advantages of a community college education are listed below. .
- Allows everyone the opportunity to attend college
- Smaller student-to-faculty ratio.
- Many students are returning back to college after a break from the dream of pursuing their college degree or getting a second chance at a college education.
- Long list of amazing two-year degrees, vocational programs, technology programs, and four-year university transfer programs.
- Easy transfer to state colleges, private colleges to ivy league universities.
- Smooth transition between high school to a university.
- Momentum of an Associate of Arts degree (AA) before transferring to a university.
- Amazing faculty, extremely helpful staff, and the most optimistic students anywhere in the world! You can feel the educational enthusiasm!
Community College Remains an Amazing Value
The community college is a wonderful place to knock out the first two years of college at a much lower cost than the four year university.
- Online education through a community college is an inexpensive way to take college courses from anywhere in the world.
- My past students proudly have bachelor’s degrees, MBAs, PhDs, and are now successful entrepreneurs, pursuing hundreds of professions around the world.
- My students boast about the financial advantage of community college vs the four year college.
My current communication course is similar to any community college course I’ve attended as a student or taught as a faculty member.
- A large number of the faculty members have worked in other professions outside of academia.
- Many of the faculty members are extremely talented and pursuing collegiate teaching as a second or third career.
- The class has students ranging in age from 17 to 64 years old. All amazing students perusing their educational dreams.
- The demography of the class is made up of the first-time college student, returning college student, single parent working multiple jobs, service member deployed around the world, or someone who can only attend a college class virtually.
- Passion and energy! Amazing to watch as they seize this educational opportunity.
Notable Community College Alumni
“Community College made me what I am I am today” –Tom Hanks
Community college mentorship and support is forever, and the lineage is long and caring! This is a strong fraternity of sharing knowledge and assisting the next generation of community college graduates.
Notable community college graduates include George Lucas, Tom Hanks, Walt Disney, Bonnie Blair, Halle Barry, Eddie Murphy, Billy Crystal, Clint Eastwood, James Dean, Sam Sheppard, Eileen Collins, Nolan Ryan, Ross Perot, Sarah Palin, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Queen Laifah, James Belushi, Aaron Rodgers, Kweisi Mfume, George Brett and the list goes on.
I distinctly remember each and every one of my instructors while I attended Shasta College. My Associates of Arts degree (AA) is my most memorable achievement after failing to graduate from high school. I’m forever grateful that this “American Gem” gave me a second chance at educational success.
The clip below documents the travels NFL Superstar Cam Newton and how Blinn College in Brenham, Texas changed his life and developed the amazing superstar we see today.
“In the coming years, jobs requiring at least an associate degree are projected to grow twice as fast as jobs requiring no college experience. We will not fill those jobs – or keep those jobs on our shores – without the training offered by community colleges.” – President Barack Obama
A great resource for community college students is the book by Isa Adney, Community College Success
Cheers,
Greg
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