As Andrew Harris started his career at Canton Independent School District, he noticed the best way to advance in his career was to go back to school and continue his education.

“My mindset and morals changed when I stared working in the education field,” Harris explained. “I got to see first-hand what doors were closed for me from not having a degree. It was harder for me to go further in my career without it. I said ‘Alright, it’s time for me to open more doors for myself.’ “

Harris explained that after graduating high school, he pursued college at Dallas County Community College, now known as Dallas College, but noticed it wasn’t the right fit for him.

“I was young, dumb and not ready for [college] at the time,” Harris said.

When Harris started looking at colleges, he needed to find a college close to home, affordable and would work with his schedule. Trinity Valley Community College was the perfect fit for him.

“I had been looking at different campuses [near Canton],” Harris shared. “Ultimately, TVCC was the most affordable school, so I thought I would give it a try.”

Harris explained that the teachers understood his need to balance his school, work and home schedule and would constantly work with him.

“As an adult student, who is a father and husband, going back to school is difficult,” Harris noted. “But they [the faculty and staff] were great and so accommodating given my circumstances. I love the faculty and staff!”

Harris explained that most of his classes were online but the times he was on campus people would remember him.

“I never felt like just a number,” Harris said. “I would go to the bookstore [on the Athens Campus] and they would remember who I was. That’s the good thing about a small college. Plus, the people I met on campus were always there for me when I had a question.”

To Harris, TVCC was a breath of fresh air. According to Harris, while attending Dallas County Community College, he always felt like a number to them and didn’t feel like he was treated as an individual.

“Navigating college can be daunting when you haven’t done it before,” Harris noted. “There was no help there. I mean it is still way too big for my taste.”

Harris noted that one thing that was great about TVCC is how helpful everyone was.

“If I ever had a problem, I could reach out to someone and get a response quickly,” he noted. “Everyone would respond so quickly to me. From Financial Aid to Registration to professors, everyone was available to reach out to and help quickly.”

Upon graduating from TVCC in Fall 2023 with an Associates of Arts, Harris started on his bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership from Texas A&M University – Commerce in Spring 2024. He plans to graduate from Commerce by December 2024.

“Even though I just got my associates in December, a bunch of doors have already started opening up,” Hariis mentioned. “I did nothing besides get my degree for opportunities to happen.”

Harris plans to continue to grow in his education and advance his career in technology as either a technical education teacher or in a managerial position in a technology-based department.

To anyone considering TVCC but nervous about taking the leap, Harris wants people to understand how supportive everyone at TVCC is.

“To those who are afraid to back due to family obligations, TVCC has options for those who need to work full-time and take care of family,” Harris shared. “I went back starting Fall 2022 and graduated December 2023. I was afraid to start back as well. However, all staff will work with you to succeed. You can do it!