Entering college can be easy for teenagers with parents who help cut through the confusion of researching schools, choosing a major, and applying for financial aid.
ACC grad Nikole Steffan will tell you it’s a lot harder if your parent is the state foster care system.
“When you turn 18, it’s like the state says, ‘Congrats, good luck.’ You don’t know how to get a job. You’ve never been behind the wheel of a car. It feels like you’re set up to fail. That’s why there’s such a high homeless rate, a high pregnancy rate, just such a high jail rate. It’s discouraging.”
She entered the foster care system at 6 and left it at 18. After she graduated from high school, she enrolled in college, but quit.
“I took a few semesters and couldn’t decide on a major. I went to California and found myself. A pet shop hired me. I worked really hard and moved up quickly. I got close to the veterinarians and loved how people are in this field. I fell in love with biology, so I moved back to Texas to try college again.”
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Steffan enrolled at ACC and was paired with Lee Reichardt, a mentor for the Foster Care Alumni Program (FCA), which helps former foster youth get one-on-one guidance.
“I didn’t realize I was college material until I started getting more encouragement and signed up for FCA at ACC. I didn’t know how to apply or do any of the paperwork, never got a Pell grant or my foster care tuition benefit. So I just kind of didn’t. Now, I’ve come into my own.”
Steffan earned her associate degree from ACC in spring 2014. Her next steps are to complete a bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M University, then enroll in the university’s veterinary program.
“I have a game plan, goals, and dreams,” she says. “My only goal in the past was turning 18 and getting out of foster care. College has given me the opportunity to have goals and dreams, and to lay out a timeline to accomplish them.”
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By Andrea July 7, 2014 - 12:17 pm
Great job, Nikole! It can be so difficult navigating the higher education labyrinth. How wonderful that you got the help you needed at ACC and that you’re on your way to A&M. With your tenacity and spirit, I can tell you’ll be a great vet!
By Loretta Edelen July 7, 2014 - 4:27 pm
Congratulations Nikole! We are so very proud of you! You have been a great role model for our students through your excellent academic performance. You have also enhanced our Foster Care Alumni (FCA) program by being an outstanding Student Mentor! You have helped to connect our Campus Champions with our students and keep them informed about our ongoing efforts to support student success in our Monthly Mentoring sessions. Additionally, you have reached out to other students to connect them to academic resources. You even secured funding to celebrate success for FCA students!
Continued success to you at A & M and beyond!
By sara turner July 8, 2014 - 1:08 am
What a great story and awesome comeback! Keep up the good work and looks like you have made some friends already in the vet field. I hope only the best for you from here on out. No turning back; just getting better and better. I will be right behind you graduating in the fall. lol sturner
By Janet July 8, 2014 - 11:21 am
This is such an inspirational story! For adjuncts like me, who are teaching students just entering college, it’s a big reminder that what we do can make a real difference. Kudos to the Foster Care Alumni Program and especially to Nikole!
By Billi July 9, 2014 - 5:58 pm
Oh Nikki I’m so proud of you. I always knew you would reach all your goals. Love you
By Mallory July 9, 2014 - 8:41 pm
Nikki your story is an inspiration! I hope that other foster kids are able to read this and be inspired by you! You are an amazing person and I wish you the best of luck in your future! Glad to hear that you are doing wonderful!
By Kimberly July 10, 2014 - 5:09 am
Yay go Nikki!!! Im so proud of you!!
By Kimberly July 10, 2014 - 5:09 am
CONGRATS! SO PROUD OF YOU!
By Susan July 10, 2014 - 10:35 am
Congratulations and kudos for all the hard work and never giving up, Nikole! Best of luck at A&M and with all of your future endeavors. I can tell you will go far.
By Susan Thomason July 10, 2014 - 11:04 am
Congratulations and kudos for all your accomplishments, Nikole! Best of luck at A&M and in all your future endeavors.
By Janice Lai July 10, 2014 - 12:44 pm
Nikole, you are a great student! Best of luck to you in all of your future goals!
By Donna July 11, 2014 - 1:52 pm
Just happened to click on the link to this story while on the ACC website. What an inspiring story and such a strong person. Good luck to you, and you will love A&M !!!
By Nick Galvan July 14, 2014 - 9:53 pm
I AM SO SO PROUD OF YOU SWEETHEART. YOU GO GIRL. AND DON’T LOOK BACK.
By Nick Galvan July 14, 2014 - 9:58 pm
I am so so proud of you sweetheart. You go girl. And don’t look back
By Kathleen July 17, 2014 - 8:03 am
Good job Nikole! Glad that you have finished one step towards your ultimate goal. You have chosen a great university to further your dream! They have the best Veterinary Program in the nation! Gig’Em!
By Nani July 18, 2014 - 3:59 pm
Ahh Nikole Great job!!! I miss having you as a lab partner in Biology class!Hope you accomplish all your goals I know you will succeed!