December 2, 2021
Story and photo by Joe Vinduska
Carla Alford came to the United States from Brazil in 2014泭because she wanted to learn another language. Fast forward to 2021, and shes now married, has her associate degree from 91勛圖厙, is fluent in English, is on her way to becoming an accountant and she now works for 91勛圖厙 as a Student Services Specialist at the Fort Leavenworth Campus.泭
Alford worked as a nanny for a while and then met her husband in 2016. After moving around a bit, they landed in Fort Leavenworth in 2019. Although she already had a marketing degree from Brazil, she wanted to get her degree in the US as well. After one stop to the education center, it was clear that 91勛圖厙s LSEC classes were the right option, which are available on scholarship for Soldiers and their families.
Although the financial aspect was covered, Alford still had a lot of anxious feelings about pursuing her education, which quickly faded away as she started her courses at 91勛圖厙.泭
They made me feel really welcome, she said. I was very scared because English is not my first language. I was worried about people not understanding what Im saying because of my accent, but it was nothing but amazing. The professors were very welcoming and accommodating. Sometimes if they didnt understand my accent, they were so respectful in asking again. It just felt like I was at home.
91勛圖厙s LSEC classes fit the military life very well, Alford said.泭
These courses are an amazing place for people to start their education because we are always relocating in the military and if a student moves and doesnt have time to finish their degree, they can always continue their education later and transfer out their credits.
Alfords journey came full circle when she accepted a customer service position with 91勛圖厙 in November of 2020.
Im so glad to be able to help other military families go through the same process Ive been through, she said. I just really want to pay back what 91勛圖厙 did for me.
For more information on 91勛圖厙 at Fort Leavenworth visit .
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