Spanish Is Her first Language
Meeting Carol Leach, one would never realize that Spanish is her first language. Her flawless English is, however, the result of a determined effort on her part. A native Texan, she was raised by her grandmother in a Hispanic household and spoke only Spanish until she entered the public school system.
It wasn't an easy transition. "The instruction was entirely in English and I spoke only Spanish. Basically, I went from 1st through 6th grade without really knowing what was going on. I didn't understand any of the instruction. All I could hear were sounds that had no meaning to me." She began to receive tutoring in high school which improved things but, as she says, "When I graduated from high school in 1978, I was close to being illiterate."
At the time, this wasn't a great concern. "Growing up, all that was ever talked about was graduating from high school and getting a job. That's it, that's what you did." There weren't any thoughts of going any further with her education.
Time passed and life happened. She married her husband Rick and they moved to California. School was the farthest thing from her mind when, in 1993, her husband suggested she enroll for classes at the community college nearby. "It took me completely by surprise; for him to even suggest that I could survive in college was very flattering; I really couldn't believe it." But she decided to give it a try.
Entered Community College
"I was terrified; I didn't understand the college setting or atmosphere. I took the entrance exam and didn't do well." The deficiencies of her earlier education were very apparent. Although she expected to be told that college wasn't for her, her advisor instead told her she would have to take some college prep courses and she found it a great experience. Particularly beneficial were a series of workshops in time management, reading comprehension, test taking strategies and memory improvement that provided survival skills for college.
During Carol's first semester, an English instructor noticed things about her work that suggested a possible learning disability and encouraged her to be tested. It was found that she had a developmental disability and dyslexic-like symptoms resulting from the lost years of her elementary and secondary education.
Although there were ups and downs, her problems didn't prevent her from succeeding. "I enjoyed learning. I started taking extra courses that didn't apply toward my major. I loved being in school." In the spring of 1998 she completed her A.A. degree with a double major in Computer Information Systems and Business Administration and with a 3.14 GPA.
Carol was content with her two year degree. However, when her husband's career led to a move to Reidsville, NC, she had difficulty finding a job and once again Rick encouraged her to go back to school.
Move Led to Attending UNCG
Carol's immediate reaction was to ask Rick if he had forgotten about all the turmoil they had gone through and was he ready for a second time around. She well remembered the pressures and time demands that came with school and was quite reluctant. However, she came to UNCG, "only to get some information," and the next thing she knew she was registered for two classes. She returned to school in the spring of 2003 intending to major in Accounting.
She hadn't planned on getting involved in anything other than her classes but an email from the Office for Adult Students led to her attending the OAS' First Tuesdays at Five coffees for adult students. "The Office for Adult Students was my jumping off point. First Tuesdays has been a great way to meet other adult students and has led to many new friendships." It has been through being involved in other OAS activities that Carol has felt accepted and connected to the UNCG community. "I can remember having no interest in a graduation ceremony; now, I am very excited about it and want to be there!"
She has also become involved with the Office of Student Conduct. "It's been a great experience. Our responsibility is to encourage students and to help them learn from their mistakes. Sometimes they take the guidance, sometimes not, but the process is student centered and very effective." Carol has done so well that the Office of Student Conduct hired her as a part-time employee.
There have been a few problems along the way. When she first returned to UNCG, Carol noticed that "something didn't feel right. I was having difficulties similar to those I had before. I remember going into the classroom, knowing that I had read the assigned chapters and yet I wasn't making a connection to what I had read. I feared I would surely fail unless I could get some help."
Help from Disability Services
Her past experience led her to consult with Disability Services. After a doctor tested Carol, it was determined that she had indeed overcome some of her learning difficulties, but still showed a weakness in fluency and the processing of information. Because of this, Carol has been allowed to take exams in a quiet setting at Disability Services. She has also been given additional time to complete her exams.
"Disability Services has been there for me. They have provided me with a lot of emotional support and helped me stay on track. At times I've felt so overwhelmed, but I call and they make the time to see me and get me through the rough spots. Debbie Roberts, my counselor, has helped a great deal. I truly believe that without her I would not be at UNCG today."
Carol also made the hard choice of changing her major. Accounting was a logical continuation of her A. A. degree, but she found herself getting discouraged anticipating the CPA exam. An Accounting instructor finally asked her, "Why are you pursuing an accounting degree if you have no intention of taking the CPA exam?" The question made her think. She considered the pros and cons and found the cons far outweighed the pros.
She began to think of alternatives and decided on Business Administration with a concentration in Human Resources. It made a big difference; Human Resources has been a much better fit. She has enjoyed the classes and was particularly intrigued with the testing done to find an individual's interests and strengths.
She has also found it an advantage to be an adult student. "My instructors have encouraged me to talk in class." They have told her that "your real world experience is of great value for the class. We want to hear from you." The encouragement has made it easier for Carol to connect to other students in the classroom.
Just a Happy Student
Carol is less aware of the differences between herself and traditional-aged students now than when she first attended community college. "I used to be aware of my age - I was usually the oldest student in the classroom, and at times even older than the instructor. Now I am just a happy student."
Carol thought her graduation at the end of this semester would leave her at loose ends. It marks the end of her undergraduate career as well as her employment with the Office of Student Conduct. She had recently learned to ride a motorcycle and planned on spending some time riding her Harley Road King if the weather permitted. It doesn't look like she will have much free time, however. She was just hired as the new Office Assistant for UNCG's Office of Development and has registered for her first graduate course in the pursuit of a Master's Degree in Conflict Resolution.
"All I know right now is that I don't want to stop the education process and that the ball is rolling in that direction. Based on my past experience, there will surely be people around to help me through the rough spots and to help me succeed."
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Page updated: 06-May-2009
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