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Everyone has a path in life and sometimes that path is not what we expected. That is the story of Cerro Coso Community College student, Bryan Repsholdt.
Bryan's father was in the U.S. Navy and with that came the unique culture of military life. Calling nowhere home and yet the whole world his home, Bryan did spend 12 years living in Hawaii. "Not as glamorous as it sounds," said Bryan who suffered from "Island Fever." Bryan thought his high ASVAB scores meant his path would also be the U.S. Navy.
Never did he dream a childhood injury to his eye would keep him from serving in the Armed Forces. This bright and energetic young man did not allow the disqualification to get him down.
He moved to Ridgecrest in 2008 to be near the love of his life, Kari, and took a couple online classes through the College. He credits Kari for having inspired him to get his degree in Computer Information Systems. "She sees potential in me I never saw in myself," said Bryan.
Bryan will graduate from Cerro Coso next spring and then plans to get a full-time job to support his family. He will continue to work on his transfer units while he works and obtains necessary computer certifications.
Bryan received six scholarships this fall at Cerro Coso and said, "These scholarships lightened my load allowing me to go to school full-time, work part-time, and not neglect my family."
Bryan was awarded the Dick Malone Family Scholarship, James M. Pearson Memorial Scholarship, H.P. Leet Memorial Scholarship, Bill Whitworth Memorial Scholarship, Gilbert Plain Family Scholarship, and the John "Jack" Richer Memorial Scholarships at the College.
In addition to his full-time course load, Bryan serves as a Tutor and Lab Aide at the College and volunteers as an intern in the College I.T. Department. He also serves as the Finance Manager for the Associated Students of Cerro Coso.
Bryan encourages other students to apply for scholarships at the college. Focus and hard work is how this young man maintains his 3.75 GPA and scholarships helped him to maintain balance in his life. "I work hard to achieve greater success," said Bryan who is thankful for the support of these scholarships.
Cerro Coso Community College students benefit annually from the generosity of many benefactors who have established endowed scholarships through the Cerro Coso Community College Foundation, Inc. These scholarships are of enormous assistance to the many recipients.
Donations may be made by contacting the Cerro Coso Development Office at 760-384-6260.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Natalie Dorrell, Public Information (760) 384-6260