My college was very fortunate to hire a new admissions counselor who has particular insight to the needs and interests of the Spanish-speaking community. I asked him to speak to me a little bit about his background, why he returned to school and his hopes to encourage others to finish their degrees.

Sam Irizarry was born in Puerto Rico to hard-working parents. They moved to the U.S. when Sam was in the third grade. He entered a bi-lingual elementary school and learned English there. Later he attended a technical high school and got interested in drafting. He said he was always artistic and thought about a career in architecture. Although no one in his family had gone to college, he felt encouraged by his parents and his guidance counselor to pursue post-secondary options. He was able to take advantage of an EOP bridge program which helped ease his way into a state school. He was also fortunate enough to spend his senior year at Inter American University of Puerto Rico, an exchange program he helped to establish as part of the Latin American Association. He later completed a master’s degree and has worked in non-profit agencies and higher education institutions throughout Connecticut.

In his role as an admissions counselor for an adult-serving, public online college, Sam works with people from all walks of life. For most adults, balancing family, job and school is the biggest challenge to returning to learning. “You really have to want it”, says Sam. “It is a lot of work, but earning the degree is worth it.”  Sam finds that most of the prospective students he works with are pursuing their education because they want to be role models for their children. The reality of today’s market place is that without a college education, your job opportunities are limited. Parents want the best for their kids and know that completing college is a must to be marketable.

One of the biggest challenges some of his students face is dealing with technology. They did not grow up with a computer in their home and in the classroom. “They’re a little frightened”, he says. But, his advice to them is to be willing to try new things. “Sure, you’ll make some mistakes, but eventually you’ll get it and you’ll be thrilled with the accomplishment.”

When discussing the difference between an on ground community college environment and a four year online college, Sam points out the vast difference in culture. The community college can seem more open, more inviting, and more supportive. But, a good online school can also be inviting and supportive. He is very proud of the degree of “personal” contact he has with his students via the telephone and email. “It’s very rewarding to build relationships with people and to help them carve a path to success.”

Contact Sam at sirizarry@charteroak.edu