After leaving high school following the loss of his father and spending six years away from academics, Patrick Meyers wasn’t sure how it would feel to return to the classroom. But GCC offered a space where he could regroup and thrive.

Patrick chose GCC because of its strong chemistry program, its affordability and its proximity to home. Now studying chemistry and Spanish, he finds the coursework both exciting and challenging, a challenge he has risen to with determination. What he appreciates most about campus is how accepting and supportive it is. “It’s very different from high school where you had to fit in somewhere,” he says. “Everyone is here to learn, and it’s amazing to be around people with similar goals.”

Along the way, Patrick has been encouraged by faculty who recognized his strengths. Jen Simms helped him understand that perfection isn’t the goal—engagement and joy in learning matter just as much. Trish Basford, who first guided him into the sciences, saw his ability to help others and encouraged him to tutor.

Peer Tutoring has given Patrick a powerful sense of purpose and has been one of the most transformative parts of his GCC journey. “It’s been very fun, and honestly, it’s made me think seriously about going into teaching,” he says. Helping classmates grasp a tricky concept or work through a difficult assignment has shown him how meaningful and enjoyable supporting others can be. Through tutoring, he has grown not only academically, but personally, gaining confidence, leadership experience and a deeper connection to the GCC community.

Patrick isn’t completely sure where the future will take him. He knows he loves chemistry and understanding how the world works, but his tutoring experience has opened the door to a possible career in education. Whether he becomes a chemist, a teacher (or both), he knows he wants to continue helping others learn.

Patrick encourages new students to take the leap, even if they’re uncertain:

“Don’t overthink it. It’s the first step on a long journey, and you will have plenty of time to figure it out.”