Semester kicks off with optimism at LCCC

There are a few reasons Cheyenne native Nathanael Poch chose to start his post-secondary education at Laramie County Community College. It’s close to home, which makes it affordable. 

But Poch, who is in the STEM Pathway at LCCC, said that’s not the biggest advantage of choosing LCCC. 

“What really stands out is the people here — they're fantastic,” he said. “Everyone I've talked to has been more than willing to help. If they don't have an answer, they'll point you toward someone who does. Anywhere you go, you'll find someone who can help. The people are awesome, and the opportunities are endless.”

Poch was one of more than 300 students who participated in the Fall 2024 semester Kickoff event Aug. 16 at LCCC’s Cheyenne campus. The event marks the start of a new academic year with free lunch, lots of connection opportunities for students to meet faculty and staff and a campus resource scavenger hunt to help them explore and learn about LCCC’s resources for students. 

The morning of Aug. 16 also marked Move In for students living in LCCC’s residence halls. Sophomore and Colorado native Yeilyn Bencomo was accompanied by her family as she moved back into Blue Hall for the second consecutive year. 

LCCC’s small scale helped Bencomo to feel involved on campus, she said. In the Health Sciences & Wellness Pathway, Bencomo hopes to study sonography. Like Poch, Bencomo said the people she’s met have made the difference in her educational experience at LCCC. 

“I actually met my best friend last year living on campus,” she said. “She was my suitemate, and we're in the same Pathway, so studying and learning everything I need to know has been a lot easier.”

With all the excitement, it’s fair to acknowledge students can be nervous as they begin their college careers, said LCCC President Joe Schaffer. Coming from a family where his mother, who raised her children on her own, was a first-generation college student, Schaffer said he understood how difficult it can be to navigate the challenges of going to college.

“Reflecting on my college journey, I realized my struggles were not unique,” he said. “Many students face the same challenges I did — navigating a new environment with little support. At LCCC, we're committed to changing that, and the kickoff event is just one way we're helping students find their path and succeed.”

But Schaffer assured the freshmen and their loved ones in the Surbrugg/Prentice Auditorium that they would be given the opportunities they seek if they’re willing to work for them. Whether they need guidance in exploring their interests, navigating the unique environment of a college campus, building connections, support in transition to a university or career — whatever it might be, Schaffer said LCCC will offer support. 

“Sometimes you just have to be like my wife's golden retriever — persistent in asking for help,” he said with a laugh. “Every single person here at LCCC, from faculty to the president, is here to give you the attention you need.”

Even as a first-generation college student, Poch said he felt confident he had the tools and resources to help him reach his ambitions at LCCC. Living on campus he said, brought several advantages, putting him close to all the resources he would need to be successful.

“I'm just a couple minutes' walk from class, and I'm hoping to get an on-campus job, so I'll be close to work, too,” he said. “I can get my groceries, I can get my food — so even if my car breaks down or the weather's terrible, I could still live my life happily. Plus, the connections I'm building are incredible. I'm meeting my RAs and other students. There are so many people and opportunities here that feel so much bigger because I'm right on campus.”

Many college students feel some sense of apprehension on their first day. But Poch said he is confident he’s on the right path to a brighter future at LCCC.

“I'm super excited,” he said. “This is a whole new phase of life, and I'm here for every minute of it.”