Andrea Ortiz is making her dream of working corrections a reality with a degree from Lorain County Community College.

When the 32-year-old woman from Lorain knew it was time to return to school, she chose LCCC for its low cost and convenient schedules. Also, she knew that at LCCC she would get the support she needed to succeed.

“LCCC is very welcoming and everyone was willing to answer all my questions,” she said.

Ortiz earned her GED in 2018 and kept going with her education by enrolling at LCCC. She will earn an associate of applied science in corrections on May 14.

She’s also gained experience in the field before graduation through an internship as a probation officer. In the position, she experiences caseloads, meets with clients and observes court cases.

In her academic pursuits, Ortiz is part of LCCC’s Student Accelerating in Learning (SAIL) program. Through SAIL, she receives academic and financial support. Ortiz’s advisor, Cynthia Arredondo, has been a constant throughout Ortiz’s journey, helping to ease any concerns and making sure she stayed on track.

“Cynthia has been my advisor from the beginning of my journey and she is amazing,” Ortiz said.

Ortiz plans to continue her education to pursue a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree and possibly a doctorate in criminal justice.

Through LCCC, she said she’s been able to follow her dreams. She encouraged others to do the same.

“Whoever is nervous or skeptical about signing up for class should take the risk. They will be grateful in the end of the journey,” she said.