From Homeschool to Business School — Finding My Place at LCCC

I was homeschooled, and honestly, I wasn’t sure how I’d fit in on a college campus. Walking into my first class at Laramie County Community College felt a little intimidating. But the one-on-one help from my instructors and the way everyone here actually knows your name made it easy to find my place.

I came to LCCC because I want to open my own bakery someday. I’ve been baking for as long as I can remember — my dad went to culinary school, and he was the one who got me hooked. My favorite thing to make is almond croissants. They take forever — layers and layers of dough, butter, and filling — but when they come out just right, there’s nothing better. Real pastry people know what I mean.

With that goal in mind, I decided to study business and accounting. I figured if I’m going to own a bakery, I need to understand how to run one — it wasn’t lost on me that half of small businesses fail in the first five years. If I’m to succeed, I’ll need to know things like bookkeeping, managing the numbers, and everything else. I knew I wanted to go to a college where I would learn what I need to learn — actually leave with the skills — and not be in debt for life because I went there. 

For one, I was already living in Cheyenne when I finished high school. Living at home will save thousands of dollars while I’m getting my associate degree, and that means I’ll graduate with less debt, or even debt-free.

Also, my Student Success Coach showed me some information about graduates from my program, and everyone who finished in Business and Accounting said they felt ready for what came next — whether that was transferring or starting a career. The amount of money they’re making is also what I’m hoping to make in the future, which tells me I’m doing the right thing.

Before LCCC, I hadn’t been in too many classrooms. I wasn’t sure how I would do trying to fit in and keep up with the instructor. But one of the reasons I chose LCCC is that I saw they have small classes, and I knew I could get one-on-one help from my instructor when I needed it. I guess I have to keep learning that my fear and apprehension were the worst part; the reality is working out well. 

My first semester, I took 15 credits — my mom thought I was crazy — but I made it through with mostly A’s and one B.

I’ve had amazing instructors who’ve helped me every step of the way. Danielle, who taught my Accounting classes, explained everything so clearly that it finally clicked. I spend a lot of time in office hours going over study guides and practice problems, and that extra help has made a huge difference.

Now I’m finishing my third semester and getting ready to graduate in May. After that, I’m transferring to the University of Northern Colorado to major in finance and minor in accounting. One of my LCCC instructors, Minden, actually had us build a full transfer and financial plan as part of her class. I might have felt like going through something like that alone was too much, but I knew I’d have support at LCCC to get where I needed to go.

Looking back, I’m really proud of how far I’ve come. LCCC gave me the confidence to succeed and the tools to chase my goals. I can understand why people in a similar situation to me — maybe homeschooled, cautious of debt, or whatever it might be — could be hesitant about pursuing a college degree. A lot of people my age are looking at other ways to get where they want in life. But I know a college degree is still the best path to the future I want, so I’m here at LCCC, and I’m getting everything I need.