A Cake is More Than Just a Cake for SCC Adult Student

Published: 10/07/2021

Every year, from kindergarten to high school, Phoebe Holtsclaw’s mother got a cake for her children on their first day of school.

“We each got our own individually decorated cakes with our name, grade and the year on it,” explained Holtsclaw.

When the Wentzville native decided to go to college, she didn’t think the tradition would continue. She was wrong.

“I wasn’t expecting a cake this year because I’m an adult, but it was such a sweet surprise when I came home on my first day of college to find a cake in the fridge!”

Before registering for classes at St. Charles Community College this fall, Holtsclaw had been out of high school for many years.

“I chose a different route back then,” she recalled. “I got married right out of high school, traveled, occasionally worked at my husband’s business and volunteered at church.”

After getting married, Holtsclaw had visions of becoming a stay-at-home mother. As her plans changed, she decided it was time to further her education.

“I suddenly had this ambition to go back to school,” expressed Holtsclaw. “I still hope to be a mother someday, and while I don't know when that will be, I know when the time comes, I will be ready.”

Though it’s been several years since Holtsclaw was in school, she feels right at home at SCC.

“Being 25 and coming back to school has been an amazing experience,” beamed Holtsclaw. “I’ve found there is no age limit to learning.”

She admits she’s taking a casual approach – enrolling in only a few general education courses.  so she didn’t get too overwhelmed.

“I didn’t want to get overwhelmed,” she admitted. “Right now, I’m slowly working towards a business degree. I want to be prepared to take care of the family business if I needed to.”

After SCC, Holtsclaw would love to attend a four-year university to continue her education.

“I’ve thought about attending SLU, Fontbonne or even Mizzou, my mom and uncle's alma mater,” said Holtsclaw.