By WENDY SLEDD
Special to the Leader-Press
When Copperas Cove resident Vanessa Perez relocated from California to Central Texas, she was searching for stability, opportunity, and a college that could adapt to real life. That search led her to Central Texas College, an institution that would become both a launching point and, eventually, her workplace.
“I had just moved here from California and began looking into schools near me when I came across CTC,” Perez said. “I began reading about all the programs and different events the school has and it got my attention.”
As a working parent, flexibility was essential. Perez needed a college that understood competing responsibilities while still providing strong academic support.
“I also needed a school that was going to be flexible with my schedule, and so I decided on CTC,” she said. “Its program and staff seemed to be the perfect fit.”
CTC played a defining role in her educational journey, even though her path didn’t follow a traditional timeline.
“CTC played a huge role in my educational career because every professor was so helpful and so patient and wanted to see me finish,” Perez said. “That alone inspired me to keep going.”
The encouragement she received pushed her forward.
“The staff tried so hard to push me and keep me going got me to where I am today,” she said. “Now, I am about to graduate with my bachelor’s, which I am so excited for.”
Balancing college, work, and parenting, while caring for a child with a disability, was no small task.
“Life was a huge challenge when it comes to attending college,” Perez said. “But that also makes it my biggest triumph because despite life always getting in the way, I am about to finish.”
She credits CTC with creating a supportive foundation.
“An advantage of a community college is the flexibility and closer community motivation to help each student succeed,” she said.
Now, Perez’s journey has come full circle. She has been employed at Central Texas College for four months, bringing her student perspective into her work.
“By previously attending here as a student, it gives me a different perspective allowing me to put myself in each student’s shoes,” she said.
Her impact extends beyond campus.
“Attending CTC and then pushing further to earn my bachelor’s degree has shown my oldest daughter that she can do it too,” Perez said. “She will very soon be a student herself here at CTC.”
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