Elena’s college journey did not follow a straight line, but it did lead her to a place where she could thrive. For Elena, a college degree is more than just a credential; it is a key that opens doors to new professional opportunities and provides the tools she needs to be truly independent.
Being the first in her family to pursue a college degree is a deeply personal mission for Elena. She views her education as a way to honor her parents, who worked tirelessly to provide a better future for her. Walking this path is her way of proving that their sacrifices were worth it.
Finding the Right Fit
Her connection to College Possible Texas began while she was a student at an Austin-area high school. Working with a coach to prepare for life after graduation gave her the initial confidence to take her first steps into higher education.
Elena began her college experience at a large, competitive institution. While she worked hard academically, she found herself overwhelmed by the sheer size of the lecture halls and the university’s urban setting. Despite her best efforts, the environment didn’t provide the close-knit community she realized she needed to truly feel at home and thrive.
The Power of Support
With the foundation laid by her early work with College Possible, Elena reflected on what she needed to succeed, and she reached out to her coach. Through regular, supportive conversations with her coach, she explored her academic goals and learning style. Together, they realized that a different setting would better support her long-term ambitions.
That process led Elena to transfer to Texas State University.
She says College Possible Texas played a key role throughout this transition. Her coach supported her through the logistics of transferring, including course planning, registration, and financial aid milestones, while providing the steady encouragement Elena needed as she reestablished her academic rhythm.
A Future Built on Sacrifice and Skill
From her first semester at Texas State, the change was clear. Elena found her professors approachable and invested in her success. She connected with tutors and began building the campus friendships that created a true sense of belonging.
Wrapping up her sophomore year, majoring in accounting, Elena is fully engaged in her coursework and campus life. She has joined a STEM-focused student organization and skillfully balances school, work, and family responsibilities. As she looks ahead, she is exploring paths in accounting and law, including preparing for the CPA exam.
National data show that students who transfer colleges can lose an average of 43% of their credits (about 13 credits), and research indicates that transferring may extend the time to degree by about one academic semester.1 However, Elena is still on track to graduate in four years, even with the detour she faced early on. Her story reflects a critical truth: Persistence sometimes means recognizing when a change is needed and having the support to make that change without losing momentum. By providing consistent coaching and trusted guidance, College Possible ensures students like Elena can make informed decisions that keep their college dreams and their families’ legacies within reach.
1 U.S. Government Accountability Office. (2017). Students need more information to help reduce challenges in transferring college credits (GAO-17-574). https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-17-574
