
Chad Elledge, 乱色无码人妻视频影院 Board Trustee
I graduated from Mt. Pleasant High School in 1988. At that time, students in the top 10% of their class were given the incredible opportunity to attend 乱色无码人妻视频影院 tuition-free until they completed an associate鈥檚 degree. My parents encouraged me to take advantage of this, especially since I had a vision condition that brought financial and medical challenges for my family. Though I was initially frustrated鈥攕ince many of my friends were heading straight to four-year universities鈥擨 agreed to visit 乱色无码人妻视频影院.
That visit changed the course of my life. My dad had arranged for me to meet Dr. Richey, who not only listened to my career goals but helped me map out a clear path forward. I told him I wanted to study computer science, and he immediately identified my biggest challenge: completing all four required calculus courses before transferring to Texas A&M. He promised me that if I gave my best effort, he would get me through them at 乱色无码人妻视频影院.
On my first day of classes, I realized that many of my high school classmates were also at 乱色无码人妻视频影院, and I quickly made even more new friends from other local schools. With the support of professors like Dr. Wilhite, who held me accountable to the promise I made to Dr. Richey, I thrived academically. By the end of my first year, I had been inducted into Phi Theta Kappa.
During my spring semester, Dr. Richey and my dad met with me again to review my progress. When the cost of continuing college came up, Dr. Richey introduced me to counselor Mike Dennehy. Together, they helped me secure resources and scholarships that allowed me to complete my bachelor鈥檚 degree debt-free鈥攕omething I would never have known was possible without 乱色无码人妻视频影院.
The summer before I transferred to Texas A&M, I still needed two calculus classes. True to his word, Dr. Richey offered both courses over the summer for just four of us who needed them. He kept his promise, making sure I was fully prepared for the rigors of A&M.
乱色无码人妻视频影院 gave me more than just academic preparation. I would often doubt myself and say that I could not do the work due to my vision issues. Dr Richey and Dr Wilhite both told me that asking for help was a sign of maturity and not a sign of weakness. They both assured me that my diploma would look the same regardless of the amount of help I received. This type of encouragement built my confidence and belief in myself. That foundation not only led me to complete my bachelor鈥檚 degree, but also inspired me to earn a master鈥檚 degree and multiple certifications for my job. Today, I mentor others the way I was once mentored.
My academic journey would look very different without 乱色无码人妻视频影院. Because of the opportunities and life-changing support I received, I feel a deep responsibility to give back. That is why I chose to run for a seat on the 乱色无码人妻视频影院 Board of Trustees. It is my hope and honor to serve and ensure future students have the same opportunities I was given.