11/14/2017
After sending her daughter Jade to preschool, Julia West decided to give college another shot. The soon-to-be mother of two received her associate’s degree at Broome Community College before transferring to SUNY Cortland to pursue a bachelor’s degree in business economics.
Juggling school, motherhood and working at the Broome Chenango Tioga ACHIEVE chapter of the NYARC hasn’t been easy for West. She says having a good support system helps her get through it all.
“My husband Justin is great,” West said. “He takes my daughter to karate, dance, and gymnastics if I’m busy with school work. My current job is pretty flexible about scheduling too.”
West, who was adopted from Brazil at age 10, is the president of Non-Traditional Student Organization (NTSO) and plans to graduate in Spring 2018. After finding a job and becoming more financially stable, West dreams of having a side project focusing on autism.
West is another reason why SUNY Cortland recognizes and celebrates these dedicated students during annual Non-Traditional Students Week, Monday Nov. 13 through Friday, Nov. 17.
Non-Traditional Students Week will feature an array of activities.
The College will be publicly recognizing notable non-traditional students throughout the week with a series of feature articles posted on the College website. You can nominate someone for recognition by contacting Non-Traditional Student Support Coordinator Cheryl Hines or visit the website.
Read the stories of other remarkable non-traditional students that have appeared this week:
Prepared by Communications Office writing intern McKenzie Henry