Kingwood College played a huge role in preparing me for a successful career in the real world! At the time I entered Kingwood College, I really had no idea of what I wanted to be or do when I grew up. I was raised in Kingwood, and when the time came to make a decision on where to go to college, Kingwood College was the best fit for me. It allowed me to begin my college education without having to spend huge amounts of money at a larger university and it provided a suitable learning environment for me where I was given one-on-one attention from my professors and the ability to excel in my studies.

As I continued my education at Kingwood College, I was provided with many valuable opportunities that allowed me to get to where I am today. My first opportunity was as a Kingwood College Ambassador. This program enabled me to meet and socialize with other students, learn more about leadership, and provided me with what would be the beginning of a great resume builder. It also offered a small scholarship that helped to offset the cost of my education. The Ambassador program also opened the door to other opportunities that would eventually allow me to get to where I am today. In addition to being an ambassador, I was able to become a member of Phi Theta Kappa, a two-year college honor society that focuses on scholarship, fellowship, leadership, and service. My membership in this wonderful organization provided me with an abundance of exciting experiences. I attended conferences in California, Tennessee, and Texas, all of which allowed me to meet many wonderful people and expand my network of friends and professionals. PTK also provided scholarship money that again, helped me to offset the costs of my education. Finally, it allowed me to enhance my leadership skills, participate in global philanthropy, create relationships that will last a lifetime, and again, became a great resume builder.

In conclusion, Kingwood College provided me with a strong two-year curriculum that allowed me to gain acceptance to Indiana University where I completed my degree in Sports Marketing and Management. Kingwood College offered extracurricular activities that provided great opportunities for me, including an internship with the Department of Education in Washington, D.C., scholarship money to help offset school costs, and the opportunity to begin building my resume.

After completing, my degree at Indiana University, I landed an internship with the NFL’s 32nd franchise, the Houston Texans and was soon hired on full-time as the Client Service Coordinator. My job responsibilities include managing and executing the contractual partnerships with corporate sponsors that total over $10 million in revenue for the team. I love my job and had it not been for Kingwood College, who knows where I might have ended up!!

Every day my staff, my clients and I reap the benefits of my education. Kingwood College was a significant player in my educational journey.

I began that path with North Harris County Community College in 1974 during my senior year at New Caney High School, so when I returned in the late 1980’s to complete the Associate of Arts Degree, Kingwood College was the natural choice. It fit. It was a suitable environment in which to get back into the groove of school and study. Location was perfect; I lived in Splendora and worked in Kingwood. The quality of education was exceptional. The cost was affordable even for me, a single mom with two sons. After graduating from Kingwood College in 1990, I went on to the University of Houston and received dual degrees, Bachelor of Accounting and Bachelor of Accountancy, in 1994.

Without the convenience and affordability of Kingwood College, it would have been much more difficult to achieve my life-long dream of completing my formal education.

Vie Mixon, CPA
9802 FM1960 Suite 190
Humble, TX 77338

Shortly after my son left home for college, I made the decision to return to school. Perhaps not a big event to most, but it was one of the most difficult things I have ever done and took more courage than I could have ever imagined.

The day I enrolled at Kingwood College I was greeted by the Dean of Technology who took her precious time to help me chart a course for returning to school after almost thirty years. I was touched by her kindness and compassion and frankly, I am not sure I would have continued had I not had such a positive initial experience. I soon realized that this was what I could come to expect at Kingwood College.

I initially thought I would enroll for just a couple of courses, but with the support of incredible faculty and staff, my goals soon changed. I have encountered academic advisors who go far beyond their job requirements to help students succeed;

Educators who spend countless hours in the classroom, sponsoring clubs and organizations, grading papers late at night, and devising creative ways to help their students learn;

Administrators who have sacrificed more than we will ever know dedicating their lives to insure that students just like me have an opportunity to seek higher education.

Each individuals who could see more in me than I could see in myself.

At Kingwood College I began to explore a more creative approach to living and began work toward a degree in Visual Communication. After my first semester, I was invited to join Phi Theta Kappa, the International Honor Society for two-year colleges, and there I found a home. I have been honored to serve as the 2003-2004 Kingwood College Phi Theta Kappa Chapter President and 2004-2005 Texas Regional Vice President. In 2005 I was one of twenty students named as a member of the 2005 All-USA Academic First Team, was named as a 2005 Guistwhite Scholar, and received the 2005 Phi Theta Kappa Orlowski Candidate Scholarship.

On May 14th, at the age of 51, I received an Associate of Applied Science in Visual Communication from Kingwood College and will attend the University of Houston in the fall. It is my goal to ultimately return to Kingwood College to teach.

It is uncharacteristic for me to tout my accomplishments in such a way, but I think this is a story that needs to be told. There are great things happening in community colleges! Here I am, a mom and a grandmother who returned to school after almost 30 years – just to take a couple of courses. Completing my education always felt just outside my reach. Today it is becoming a reality. Those who know me well have heard me quote Helen Keller on many occasions – “Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.” What an adventure this has been for me. I am without a doubt the luckiest woman in the world!

But my story is just one of many that can be told …

A young adult disappointed by a letter of rejection from the university he planned to attend all his life;

A brilliant high school student unable to afford tuition or not yet ready for a 4-year institution;

A student with no idea of her potential or looking for a second start after a failed attempt away from home;

A mom and grandmother returning to school after almost 30 years.

All descriptions of community college students with their own struggles… their own stories… their own dreams. And in many cases, each able to rise above their circumstances and not only succeed, but shine like a bright star due in large part to the supportive environment found right here at Kingwood College.

Thank you Kingwood College!

Debbie Esparza