Kristi Clarke

Alumni  |  Returning Learners  |  Student

Kristi Clarke, 33, wanted to go to college for as long as she could remember, but since neither of her parents did, she always assumed it would be somewhat of a reach.

Kristi said that her family supported her dream to attend college, because they didn’t want her to go through the same financial struggle that they did. “My parents really encouraged me,” she said.

“I knew if I was going to even consider college it would have to be close to home and affordable, since I would be paying for it on my own,” Kristi said.

In 2005, Kristi started taking evening classes part time at SCC while she worked full time during the day. “I did it for myself, but I also did it to help motivate my two younger sisters,” she said. “If I could do it, they could too.”

While at SCC, Kristi earned both an associate of arts degree in liberal arts and an associate of arts in teaching degree in elementary education. “I want to be an elementary art teacher,” said Kristi. “I loved all of my art classes. Art is so relaxing, and it’s just where I belong.” 

After her May 2013 graduation, Kristi took a year off from school in hopes of getting experience student teaching. Later she plans to attend a four-year university to work on her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree.

Last updated: Nov. 19, 2013