Mark’s college journey began at a difficult time in his young life. He sought guidance and help from a professional therapist, but didn’t relate. He was drawn then to the older guys in the hanging out near home, but soon realized that in spite of the advice they gave, they kept on doing the same old things. Mark determined he needed to talk to someone who was both book smart and street smart, and wanted to become that person for others.
About the same time, his aunt requested live-in help and Mark began to take care of her while working. A young man, his aunt asked about his future plans and if he had interest in college. A graduate herself of Harcum@Deliverance, she arranged for Mark to meet the team at Deliverance and learn about the program.
Mark had considered a college degree before, connecting his interests to majors at two other institutions. However, after meeting staff and coming close to enrollment, he determined the price tag too high to pay out of pocket. He did not know and was not told about financial aid!
The Deliverance team did not waste the opportunity to inform Mark that government grants were available to help fund his education. With a sigh of relief, he realized that the opportunity to earn a degree was real this time and expressed his interest in the mental health field. In addition to opening his eyes to the existence of financial aid, the team sent Mark home with information about careers in mental health to ensure he would not start training for a career that ultimately did not suit him. The readings confirmed his interest and he enrolled.
“The team made it easy for me. They helped me understand how to do college work and connected me to tutoring when I needed it. They were always available no matter how busy.” Mark enjoyed learning about the different approaches to mental health that can be applied to diverse clients. “Not everyone is the same. You need to walk alongside a person, go at their pace.” Throughout his studies, Mark identified with the content and recalled moments of his life as case examples of several class lessons. Mark built relationships with the instructors and his fellow students. Instructors created a sense of community in the online classroom by initiating icebreakers before class and interactive dialog while teaching. Mark joined a group of peers to study together, discuss class content, and encourage one another.
On the right path to graduate in December with an Associate Degree in Human Services, Mark will then transfer to Alvernia University and pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work.
His advice for future students? “Give college a try. How else will you know? College is different from high school. Maybe school didn’t work for you then, but it may now. You can become a better person for yourself and your future.”