I started community college back in 2014 as a part-time student, unsure of what I wanted to do.

Eventually, I chose film, something I had loved since I was a kid. But the path forward didn’t get easier.

I was working one full-time and one part-time job just to pay rent.

Taking two or three classes a semester felt like inching toward a finish line that unfortunately felt never endless.

By 2018, I was finally close. I remember telling myself, after all these years, I actually did it.

Earning my associate’s degree as a part-time student might not seem like much; but to me, it was everything.

However, when it came to statistics, I struggled more than anything else. I failed it twice.

Between work and exhaustion, it felt like I couldn’t get ahead. By the time fall came around I felt more determined.

But a few days before Thanksgiving 2019, my dad passed away.

Grief has a way of putting everything else into perspective. School didn’t matter at that moment. Deadlines didn’t matter. I had to step away.

Months passed and I came back. I looked for alternative math options, hoping to find ways around statistics.

During that time, I took a magazine class, where I met Professor Stefanie Frith, who encouraged me to explore the journalism program.

For a moment, it felt like things were opening up again. Then COVID hit.

With the loss of my dad, the uncertainty of the future, it all became too much. I had to step away again.

I was back to juggling two jobs again. When the world slowly started to stabilize, I made the decision to finish.

I returned to El Camino to focus only on what I needed to transfer.

By June, I had my diploma in hand. Shortly after, I quit my part-time job so I could fully commit to the next step.

That fall, I transferred to Cal State Dominguez Hills as a full-time student and working full-time.

Now, two weeks away from graduating, I can finally say I made it.

To anyone who feels like the road is too long, or like they’ve fallen behind there is no “right” timeline. There’s only your timeline.

Donald Jones is an ECC 2024 Alumna who is now preparing to graduate at California State Dominguez Hills University in Film, Television and Media. Students and faculty members are invited to send guest columns and letters to the editor to The Union. To submit a guest column or letter to the editor, please email [email protected]. All columns and letters are subject to editing for length, grammar and style.