Ashlee’s college experience began with placement tests; from these she learned that she needed to refresh her skills in order to succeed in college. So along with core college-level classes, she took learning support classes in reading and math.

She also found a passion for art, which she describes as “free of boundaries. It’s the purest gift. Once you get a utensil in your hand, the paper becomes your universe.” Ashlee plans to transfer to a four-year college, where she can major in fine art and explore related fields like graphic design, fashion design and illustration.

She's happy to be back in school developing her interests and expanding her horizons. She says she’s learning a lot from being around other students with different backgrounds. “It’s the school of life.”

Ashlee feels she’s grown since high school, when she thought she wasn’t “college material.” She no longer thinks you can define what makes a good college student. “All I can do is be the best person I can be.”