Making My College Dreams Come True

As a little girl, I always dreamed of going to college and even though I struggled with self-worth, I had heard repeatedly I was “college material.” I saw college as the door to freedom, fortune, and fame. After a very long break from school, I decided to bring my dream back to life and pursue a higher education.

Going back to college as a mom has proven a difficult journey already, but I know it was an inspired choice, and I am fully invested in making it work, even as I juggle my motherhood duties and my work as an influencer, storyteller, and coach.

One of the joys of being a “college mom” is that I am setting an example for my daughters. I have taught my daughters to dream about pursuing a college education since they were toddlers, but you and I know that our actions speak louder than anything we can say to them.

Sometimes it feels selfish to devote time, effort, energy, and money into something other than our kids or our home, but education is an investment that pays off for life and all eternity. As I follow my dreams, I give my daughters permission to follow theirs, and I know that education is essential in the process of achieving each and every one of those dreams and for their self-made success.

I am very fortunate to help moms all over the world to ignite, design, and build their dreams, and I know that my college studies and college degree will expand my access to the lessons and credentials I need to fulfill my potential as a transformational teacher.

Sometimes it is surreal that Elisha and Elyssa are teenagers now and that the college years are technically around the corner. As aware as I am that children need both roots and wings, the latter can be quite challenging. It’s not a secret that I want them to stay in the nest as long as possible and as close as possible after they’ve left the nest.

I know it will ultimately be their decision when and where they go, but I want them to know that community college is an alternative to a university (because students can get the knowledge and skills they need to get a job straight out of community college), and can also be more cost-effective way for them to earn credit for the first two years of college and then transfer to a university of their choice.

On June 22nd, the girls and I arrived at Brookhaven College in Farmers Branch at around 1:30 PM for a campus tour by Madeline Bottoni. Dallas County Community College District has seven colleges (Brookhaven, Cedar Valley, Eastfield, El Centro, North Lake, Mountain View and Richland) located throughout Dallas County. Their tagline: “higher education that actually gets you hired.”

Elyssa was impressed with our tour guides and told me they were very kind and helpful, answering our questions and acting playful with Eliana, who also came along (I told you I start them thinking about college in early childhood).

She absolutely loved seeing the students’ artwork displayed on creative exhibits throughout the campus and she hopes to take advantage of the counseling to decide what courses would best fit for her and the career she is currently dreaming of.

It’s wonderful to have a wide range of classes and that students don’t have to choose a major or a certain degree right away. They have the freedom to start with a few courses that interest them, still gain credits and experience from that class, and build up towards their aspirations.

Elyssa’s top areas of interest are:

• Psychology
• Social Work
• Sociology

As we walked through the campus, Elisha enjoyed its layout, with the buildings being close and within short walking distance, and was inspired by the architecture and the greenery and nature.

Her eyes are so big when she found out that Brookhaven College has a mostly student-run newspaper. The students take part in designing, writing articles, and even the photography, while receiving instruction and improving under the direction of a professor. These are all subjects Elisha is passionate about.

Elisha’s favorite areas of study available at Dallas Community Colleges are:

• English
• Developmental Reading and Writing
• Education Courses and Teaching Degrees

I was surprised by how much the girls observed while on campus and how engaged they were asking questions. We all got a sense that the faculty and staff at DCCCD truly have an interest and a sincere desire to get to know students, talk to them, and invest in their future.

The social aspect is quite diverse and they have many clubs and organizations for students to get to know each other and get involved with the community. I particularly liked seeing the foreign student department!

My daughters thought it was “cool” that Dallas Community Colleges offer early preparation classes for high school students to improve and get credits for college and they are motivated to get a jump-start to advanced learning.

We had a long drive back home after touring Brookhaven College and we chatted and daydreamed about taking hands-on courses and what it would be like if they stayed home past high school graduation – for at least the first two years.

The fact that community colleges offer a quality education at a fraction of the tuition cost of a university education makes dreams come true easier (only $177 for a three-hour class!).

The programs at Dallas Community Colleges provide education for in-demand jobs and training to move you up in a career or get you into your dream career. As Elisha said, “you can study yourself into a job and get hired straight out of college, which is wonderful for students who need a job and want the work.”

We had so much fun and learned so much about Brookhaven College and how they implement real life situations into the classes.

People who are currently in the workplace and looking to grow their skills to get a promotion or a new job. (Potential areas of study to upgrade your skills include Project Management, Computer Information Technology and Small Business.)

I often wished I lived my college dream when I was younger. I had more time, more energy, and I was focused (no household chores, no business, no homeschooling). But you know what? Sharing my college journey with my daughters is making my college dreams come true in a way that I never would have imagined.

I feel really blessed to dream with them, lead the way, and explore education options together. I am excited for what lies ahead and to see them pursue a vocation they love and see their dreams come true, too!

How has education helped make your dreams come true? Share with us! For more info visit the Dallas Community Colleges website to and apply for admission, follow on Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, YouTube, and subscribe to the blog for updates.

Elayna is a single mom of 4, an award-winning Storyteller, Story Strategist, and Student of Pain. She’s a bestselling author, internationally acclaimed keynote speaker, and 4x TEDx speaker. Founder of the Positive MOM® and creator of the S.T.O.R.Y. System: a blueprint to craft and share powerful stories that will transform your results, so you can have the wealth, opportunities, and freedom you deserve. Connect with Elayna Fernández at thepositivemom.com/keynote-speaker and follow @thepositivemom. To receive a gift from Elayna, click HERE.

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