Does graduation season have you thinking about getting your degree? ChattState has resources to help students of all ages and backgrounds succeed, whether you’re starting out or starting over.

To help you get inspired, we're highlighting three recent ChattState grads with unconventional paths to academic success.

Tammie B.

Major: Psychology

What led you back to school?
I lost a family member to addiction five years ago. That loss prompted me to pursue psychology and help people struggling with addiction turn their lives around. Thanks to TN Reconnect and the Pell Grant, I was able to attend ChattState and do something with the rest of my life that could change my community.

What is it like going to college in your 50s and 60s?
I hadn’t touched a computer in 20 years, and now I’m graduating with a 3.2 GPA. Whenever I thought, “I’m old. I don’t know,” the staff was right there, saying, “don't worry, we've had students of all ages. We can help.”

How has ChattState impacted you, and what’s next?
It's given me a new lease on life after my loss. I’m going to UT Chattanooga after graduation, and I’m in Leadership Grundy, where we’re working on a summit with regional rehab organizations. I want to promote aftercare counseling for people to have continued assistance after rehab.

Mynor M.

Dual enrollment (high school diploma + Applied Associate of Arts degree)

How did you discover dual enrollment at ChattState as a high school student?
I wasn’t aware a program existed where I could take college courses for college credit while still in high school until a middle school gifted program teacher recommended it. She pushed me to take advantage of early college.

What’s it like being a dual enrollment student?
I started in 9th grade, so I never had a traditional high school to compare it to. I’m really glad I came here: I'm ahead of other high schoolers, and I didn't have to spend all day on campus. I went in, attended my classes, then had time to start homework or accomplish things outside of school.

Kaylin L.

Certificate program: Pharmacy Technician

Why did you pursue the Pharmacy Technician program?
In 2024, I was in kidney failure and had to learn about all the medications that could help me. My son also has serious health challenges, and will be on medication for the rest of his life. It was all so interesting to me; I wanted to know more about how medicine works + saves lives, especially with rare diseases like my son has.

What did you like about ChattState?
Every bit of it. Every professor understood what I was going through. When I was hospitalized during finals week, ChattState worked with me to finish my courses.

Some answers adjusted slightly for length or clarity.

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