Indianapolis, Indiana – For many, the thought of returning to school after years away can feel overwhelming. Doubts creep in, fear of failure looms, and comparisons to others can make the journey seem impossible. But for Angelica Avila, a 24-year-old student at Ivy Tech Community College, taking that first step back into education proved to be one of the most rewarding decisions of her life. Her story is a testament to resilience, growth, and the belief that it is never too late to start again.
Angelica’s journey began with a mix of apprehension and determination. After graduating high school in 2017, she had planned to take just one year off before pursuing higher education. That one year quickly turned into six, and as time passed, she found herself watching former classmates graduate, leaving her feeling as though she had fallen behind.
“Seeing my former classmates graduate in 2021 and 2022 was both inspiring and discouraging. I was happy for them, but I couldn’t help but think, ‘That could have been me.’”
However, she found inspiration close to home. Her older sister had attended Ivy Tech in her mid-twenties and successfully earned an associate degree in early childhood education. Her brother, living in Arkansas, decided to go back to school in his thirties to become an electrician. Their experiences reassured Angelica that education has no expiration date. Seeing others take that step gave her the confidence to do the same.
Read also: City Commission to celebrate local women at annual Women’s Achievement Awards
With renewed motivation, Angelica took the leap. In June 2023, she hurried to submit her Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) just before the deadline. Soon after, she attended an on-campus event at Ivy Tech Indianapolis, where faculty helped her register for her fall classes. Before she knew it, school had started. There was no time to overthink; she simply had to dive in.
That first semester was filled with uncertainty. “I had no idea how to write an essay or format assignments. It felt like I was starting over from scratch,” she admitted. But she quickly found solace in knowing she wasn’t alone. Classrooms at Ivy Tech were filled with students of all ages, each navigating their own unique path. Some were in their 20s, while others were in their 50s and beyond. Despite the differences in background and experience, they all shared one goal: self-improvement through education.
The environment at Ivy Tech played a crucial role in helping Angelica adjust. The flexibility of class schedules, supportive faculty, and a sense of community helped her ease into the new academic routine. Small victories, like receiving positive feedback from professors or earning high scores on assignments, built her confidence. The more she pushed herself, the more she realized that she was no longer the same person she had been at 18.
“Eight weeks later, I submitted my last assignment for that first class. As I stared at my laptop screen, I thought to myself, ‘I did it. This is me doing it.’”
With each semester, her confidence grew. She successfully earned a certificate in professional communication in December, a milestone she had never imagined reaching. But instead of stopping there, she set her sights higher. She decided to continue her education and pursue a major in liberal arts, with the long-term goal of earning a bachelor’s degree in English. Thanks to Ivy Tech’s partnerships with four-year universities, she now has a clear path to achieving that dream.
Angelica’s story is not just about academic success. It is about personal transformation. It is about rewriting a narrative that once seemed set in stone.
For those who are hesitant about going back to school, she has one simple message: “If you’re thinking about going back to school but feel unsure, take it from me: it’s never too late to start. Ivy Tech gave me the tools and confidence to succeed, and it can do the same for you.”
The Power of Student Voices
Angelica’s journey is just one of many within the Ivy Tech community. The college’s “Student Voices” initiative shines a light on the diverse and inspiring experiences of students who have taken the leap back into education. Through these firsthand accounts, students can find encouragement, understanding, and a reminder that they are not alone in their struggles and triumphs.
Read also: AI voice analysis reveals hidden signs of depression in CEOs
Whether balancing work and family responsibilities, overcoming past academic challenges, or discovering a newfound passion for learning, every student’s path is unique. Yet, they all share a common thread: perseverance.
If you or someone you know has a story to share, Ivy Tech welcomes you to be part of the Student Voices series. Your journey could be the inspiration someone else needs to take their next step.
About Ivy Tech Community College
As Indiana’s largest public postsecondary institution, Ivy Tech Community College plays a vital role in providing accessible education to students across the state. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Ivy Tech offers a range of associate degrees, certificate programs, and workforce training to prepare students for in-demand careers or seamless transfers to four-year universities. With multiple campuses and robust online learning options, the college continues to serve as a crucial gateway to education and opportunity.
For Angelica Avila and countless others, Ivy Tech is more than just a school. It is a place of new beginnings, second chances, and endless possibilities. No matter where you are in life, one thing remains true: it is never too late to start.
