General Studies
Shandra Payne, General Studies/Health/Kinesiology

Frank Buckler and Jacob Adkinson have greatly influenced my welding career. Frank recruited me into the program and taught me the basics of welding, and Jacob helped me improve my welding skills. Because of their help, I’ve not only stayed in the program, but I have also succeeded in it. I am a first-generation college student and a female in a male-dominated trade. Choosing a trade instead of the traditional education route has changed my life, and I am looking forward to these next couple of years of learning in school and in the field. I hope to give back and teach others eager to learn the same welding knowledge and skills that I acquired at SLCC. 

Influential Faculty: Frank Buckler and Jacob Adkinson

My success at SLCC has opened the world to me more than I ever expected. The individual attention I received for my special need (autism) and the helpful accommodations I was able to access through the Disability Resource Center helped me not only achieve academically, but I was able to grow socially and professionally through SLCC student organizations. SLCC is the best thing that has ever happened to me. Here, I found several student clubs with like-minded colleagues and similar interests. I was introduced to different engineering clubs whose members helped me develop my two musical inventions, which have since been accepted for presentation and publication at two conferences. I am now more excited about my future than I ever have been, and it is all thanks to SLCC’s wonderful people.

Influential Faculty: Stephanie Smith

I was a teen mom and an addict. I wanted to go to school but didn’t want to cause financial stress on my family and kids. I found SLCC and soon discovered that it was the perfect fit for my educational needs. By early 2020, I applied, enrolled and was set to start at the college, but then COVID hit. I was furloughed from my job, the college shut down and everything went fully remote. Despite the frustration, loss and suffering that life has brought, I applied for graduation in fall 2022. I’m proud to be a mom, full-time employee, wife and soon-to-be college graduate.

Influential Faculty: Dean Barbie Willett

As a first-generation college student, I needed confidence to succeed. I developed my self-assurance as I started taking classes, learned about myself and evolved in academics. I now realize I have accomplished more than I could have ever dreamed. I deeply value the opportunities my education has given me. While here, I have also received numerous generous scholarships that have allowed me to continue my educational journey. I now view success not as a destination but as the path I take to better myself and the world around me. 

Influential Faculty: N/A

As a first-generation student of color, I like taking part in community engagement projects. It affords me the opportunity to change the perception that people have of my background and leave a positive representation of my community. Being president of the SLCC Psychology Club has allowed me the opportunity to grow, develop leadership skills, learn to communicate and acquire management skills. The events I have participated in at SLCC have not only provided me the space to express myself but have created an outlet for me to share my writing.

Influential Faculty: Kathy Trans-Peter, Shannon Flynt and Tom Hanson

Neither of my parents went to college. I never graduated from high school, so it never crossed my mind that I could go to college. After decades of battling poor decisions and toxic cycles, I sought help. I broke the cycles, obtained my GED and registered for SLCC. My journey has taught me to let go of what I had left behind to move forward. This degree means so much more to me than just passing my classes. It means I will have a brighter tomorrow and safety in my future. 

Influential Faculty: Jodie Jones, Ann Canavan and Charlotte Howe