Matt always wanted to work in IT. In 2007 he began attending a community college in Pittsburg, CA, where he lives. He loved the idea of studying how computers work. “But at the time I didn’t think I could cut it, so I dropped the class and got a job at a grocery store,” he said. “I couldn’t balance school and work at the same time, so I just worked. But I’m focusing on school now.”
A friend told him about Calbright. “I think she found an article about it, and she was like ‘hey, you should check this out. They have students go through an IT program, and then they help you find a job afterwards.’ And that’s what I needed,” he said. “Right now I’m not able to be mobile so much, so doing school remotely is better for me. And being able to do it at my own pace really helps.”
He attended an information session, and decided then and there to apply.
Now he’s halfway through his program, and is thrilled. Sometimes, he said, “I feel like I’m behind, but I’m not really. I compare myself to other people going through it and I feel like I’m behind, but then I think about it: I’m going at my own pace, I’m getting there. That’s what I needed, and that’s what I’ve got.”
