My Citrus Story- Sandra Schmid
As if they are now, and later they shall be.
When I was young, I knew I was destined to do something unusual. I didn’t know what that would be, but as I would dress up and perform in front of a mirror, I had a feeling it might have to do with entertaining other people. When I graduated high school, I ended up joining the Air Force instead of going to college. Stationed in Massachusetts, I realized how unpredictable life could be – especially after I was deployed to Africa. I was tempted at times to doubt whether or not I would fulfill my destiny, but I never surrendered hope.
When I left military service, I enrolled at Citrus College intending to transfer to a four-year university. I was nervous about returning to school because I wasn’t sure I belonged. Placing into basic skills courses only added to my doubts and caused me to regret that I postponed college. Nevertheless, my sense of destiny returned as
I dug in and applied myself. Those basic classes gave me a solid academic foundation, and erased all remaining doubts about my collegiate ambitions. Looking back, my only regret is not becoming more involved in the Boots to Books program. Had I met regularly with veterans making the same transition, I would have had more support and felt less alone.
Citrus was part of my destiny. The professors and staff were kind and insightful, and I received both practical help and ongoing, kind encouragement to work hard and follow my dreams. I have since transferred to the Theatre Arts program at UC Riverside, where I am currently completing my B.A. What’s more, I have also been cast in several local theatre productions, and I’m finding out that I am prepared for any new challenges that lay ahead.
Tell us your story at www.citruscollege.edu/mycitrusstory
My experience at Citrus College continues to inspire me to be bold and pursue my dreams, believing I have a destiny yet to fulfill.
My Citrus Story is funded in part by grants supporting the College Success program, and has been developed in cooperation with the Citrus College Foundation and the Citrus College Board of Trustees. Copyright © 2010, Citrus College