Student Chooses the Right Pathways to Success
Montgomery College Today, Fall '02

Tiffany Leach refuses to give up. The 24-year-old Germantown resident possessed a hard-won general equivalency diploma, but struggled with low self-esteem. “I was raised in a rough neighborhood,” she said matter of factly. “I didn’t have a role model.” Nevertheless, Leach wanted to go to college. “It was the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life,” she said. She took Montgomery College’s reading placement exam, and failed. “I was heartbroken when I found out.

I even shed a few tears,” she recalled. “But I knew there was hope, and I was willing to do whatever it took to become a better reader.” For Leach, hope came in the form of “Pathways to Success,” a unique Workforce Development & Continuing Education (WD&CE) program for students who face significant reading and writing challenges. “I learned how to inquire more about what I was reading—how to ask questions. The program made me want to read more.”

Leach praises Pathways counselor ViNita Warren, who stuck by her every step of the way. “Ms. Warren was great. She went to bat for us. I really appreciate her being there for me and encouraging me. She knew I had a tough childhood and she took an interest in me.”
After successfully completing Pathways, Leach earned an “A” in a developmental reading course, and tested out of another one. She’s now taking credit courses and majoring in psychology.

She hopes to attend the Shady Grove campus of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, and aspires to a career in substance abuse counseling. “It’s a remarkable program in a lot of ways, focusing on both academic and career aspirations,” said WD&CE Dean Clarice Somersall. During the 15-week session, students receive highly individualized instruction in reading comprehension and writing, and attend a weekly counseling course that focuses on student success and career development. Students also meet with a job development specialist to explore realistic career paths. The classes feature a 1-to-10 student to teacher ratio, allowing for extensive personalized attention and tutoring. Pathways students usually have a lot of irons in the fire, and must balance work, family and children. “There are a lot of personal barriers,” said Karla Nabors, program director for developmental education/workforce access, “so the counseling helps them manage their time and focus their energy.” A job development specialist introduces students to career options and organizes field trips to such venues as Montgomery Works. And in fact, some students discover that college is not an option for them.

“Success needs to be defined differently for every student,” said Somersall, stressing the program is named “Pathways,” not “Pathway.” “We’re helping students redefine the notion of success. Success may be matriculating [into credit programs] at Montgomery College or it may be identifying a career goal. Pathways helps students define what would be best for them.” What advice does Pathways graduate Leach offer for those who may be hesitant about starting college?“Don’t be discouraged, she said. Keep your head up. If it worked for me, it can work for anybody.”