opens student™s world in more ways than one
One trip to five different countries “ her first time abroad “ was life-changing for student Christina Compton.
śIt was such a dream of mine and was one of the most incredible things I™ve ever done. I witnessed such beauty “ both man™s and God™s most beautiful creations,ť she said. śThere™s a difference in learning about history in books and experiencing it in person. There™s nothing to compare it to.ť
Compton traveled through , which offers multiple study abroad opportunities throughout the year. Her group went to Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland, England and France in fall of 2024. Her trip “ something Compton has always wanted to do “ gave her such a taste for traveling that she is hoping to take another trip this summer to Prague.
śI encourage any student, whether fresh out of high school or a non-traditional student, to travel because it is possible,ť she said. śDon™t count yourself out because you think you can™t afford it. There are many scholarships and fundraising opportunities available.ť
A realtor by trade, Compton came to in 2023 after a particularly rough year in real estate. She is pursuing a business management degree, which offers career options outside of her domain.
śI needed a Plan B. I™m highly educated in my field, but that doesn™t transfer to college credit and degrees,ť she said. śI need to make sure I can take care of family.ť
Compton has found that and more at . The college has opened up her world, she said, and showed her how much she loves learning. Even though she works full time and has three children “ one still living at home “ she has maintained a 4.0 grade-point average.
śI love the community feel of ,ť she said. śI love the students, the faculty and staff. Everyone has been so kind “ just a lot of people who will pour into your life and who really care about how successful you are.ť
Compton had a long gap between high school and college, graduating high school in 1992. That meant she had to learn how to learn again “ how to study, write papers and take tests. What helped her, other than her determination, was being involved in the Non-Traditional Student Organization. The group seeks to bring together these students so they can learn from each other. Compton serves as vice president.
śI see it as a support group for non-traditional students,ť she said. śWe talk about experiences, share advice on how to overcome hardships and encourage each other. It™s nice to have people in the thick of it with you.ť
Compton will graduate in Spring 2026 and plans to transfer to the University of Louisville to earn a bachelor™s degree in organizational leadership, and possibly a master™s degree as well.
śI™ve enjoyed my experience at so much that I would like to continue my education and perhaps eventually return to teach,ť Compton said. śI love the community college environment, and I™ve just learned so much since I™ve been here. It sets a good foundation for moving forward.ť
