April 10, 2024
Jose Torres
Submitted by Jose Torres
The Bachelor’s Degree for Professionals program at Cal Lutheran has granted me the opportunity work alongside incredible faculty and staff. I get to work with amazing students who have incredible stories of persevere. Most of our students have learned to balance life, family responsibilities, work, and school. I love the fact that we give students a second chance in life to come back to complete their bachelor’s degrees after taking a short or extended break. Not only do I get to teach my students but I get to learn from them every day. It is an honor and a privilege to witness our students graduate and fulfill their life-long dream of being a college graduate.
I decided early on that I wanted to work in higher education as a college professor but I had struggled to my find my purpose. But once I joined the Bachelor’s Degree for Professionals program at Cal Lutheran I found my purpose in life. My students began sharing with me all of their struggles and barriers they have faced in their lives in order to return to school. I identified so closely with their experiences as a first-generation college student. I realized that I could make a difference in their lives as their mentor. I have been able to work so closely with my students and have seen some of them go on to graduate school, law school, and their dream careers. I am blessed to be part of such a great program helping change the lives of our students. I am happy to say I have found my purpose at Cal Lutheran.