Dream of Returning to College Becomes Reality for Brenda Sloan

CONTACT: LISA GARRETT, EXT. 2315

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 6/7/2000
(By Lisa Garrett)

PENDLETON --- The gold lapels, worn by the honor graduates at high school and college graduations, caught Brenda Sloan's eye back in 1975 when she received her diploma from Belton-Honea Path High School. As she got older, she became aware of the hard work and consequent pride that comes with wearing an honor stole. "My goal is to walk down the aisle at college graduation wearing one myself," said Ms. Sloan, who, at 42, is now is a first-time student at Tri-County Technical College.

She recently was honored with the College's Don C. Garrison Scholarship, which is endowed and covers the recipient's full tuition for a year of study at Tri-County. The scholarship was established in 1977 by faculty and staff to honor the president.

"I never expected to win," said Ms. Sloan. "There are so many deserving students. The scholarship will ease the financial burden.

"The fact that someone has the confidence that I can achieve my goals gives me strength and encouragement to go on," she said. "I want to do my best to reinforce what they believe."

Returning to college has been in the back of her mind for years, but she never thought it would become a reality because of the constraints of family and work. She has been employed in the textile industry since high school, and for the past decade, she has worked in production at Robert Bosch Corporation. .

"When you stray away, it's hard to get focused and get back on track," she added. After months of encouragement from her pastor, the Rev. James Bennett, to go after her dream, she enrolled at Tri-County.

She says she was "a nervous wreck" the day she took the placement test and enrolled in Comprehensive Studies classes.

"I was lost when I began," she said, "but Mrs. Young, a reading teacher in the Comprehensive Studies Division (who nominated her for the scholarship), made sure I understood everything. Most importantly, she told me I could do it."

Ms. Sloan wants to pursue a university transfer degree and transfer to Clemson University to earn a degree in social work. "I want to counsel others and get them over the rough spots. I've made sacrifices in life. Earning a degree is hard work, but it's possible. I want to succeed in everything I try."
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