Tri-C Graduate Proves She is College Material

December 14, 2015

When she was in high school, Pamela Hill’s counselor told her she was not college material.

Dec. 17, she will collect her Associate of Arts degree at Cuyahoga Community College’s Fall Commencement.

“Tri-C has given me an opportunity to build the confidence I need to believe that I can succeed as a college student. I remember being told that I was not college material by a high school counselor. I began to believe that I would not be a successful college student; so, I learned a trade just as the high school counselor suggested. I became a licensed manicurist and nail instructor. I enjoyed that profession for several years, but still felt I could do more,” said Hill.

Two years ago, Hill founded I CARE/U CARE, LLC, an organization that fosters self-esteem and self-awareness. She said Tri-C helped prepare her to run the organization. Through her classes, Hill has learned accounting, business planning, marketing and art therapy.

Getting to graduation has been a tough road for Hill, but after some stops and restarts along the way, she’s made it.

“Throughout the years that I’ve attended Tri-C, I have had life circumstances interfere with my goals. Some were very hard trials, such as family changes and health issues. It seemed something else was always taking priority over school,” she said.

Hill, who credits advisors, counselors and coaches for keeping her on track at Tri-C, plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in social work at Cleveland State University. She then hopes to earn a master’s degree in art therapy.

“I feel totally prepared and ready to follow my passions,” she said.