(Mission Times Courier, San Diego, Ca) -  They epitomize the community college success story.  Either written off by others as "not college material," or hindered by their own misgivings, self-doubt, or trying circumstances, the former students of Grossmont and Cuyamaca colleges to be featured in a series, "Community Colleges: A Real Chance at the Brass Ring," are inspiring examples of what makes these institutions so special. They offer an opportunity for anyone with the gumption to overcome obstacles to become tomorrow's teachers, scientists, nurses, administrators, police officers, computer technicians–in short, the fabric of society.

Tamra Slagle
Married at 17 and a mother at 19, Tamra Slagle thought she had everything she'd ever want out of life. With her husband making a comfortable salary in middle management, Slagle's family rapidly expanded with the addition of not only the couple's biological children, but also dozens of special-needs foster children. Over the years, no fewer than 51 children have called the seven-bedroom, three-bath house in Santee their home and an endlessly patient woman with a limitless capacity for love, their mom.

Fast forward to 2005. Slagle's idyllic life was turned topsy-turvy by divorce and the 41-year-old mother of 13 was faced with the daunting reality of having to get a job with only a high school diploma and a very brief work history to offer potential employers. Slagle decided to pursue a career in what she knew best: taking care of kids.  It had been 30 years since Slagle had seen the inside of a classroom and she was, by her own admission, filled with fear. Math, in particular, terrified her, but with the support of instructors, counselors and at home, her brood of 10 children ages 9 to 23, Slagle graduated earlier this month as valedictorian at Cuyamaca College and took the podium as the student speaker at commencement.

"The challenge of going to college was a big undertaking and (faculty's) encouragement and pride in my successes helped me to continue through each one of my struggles," she told the commencement audience. "I felt as I looked around the campus a new purpose (in) my journey…I have come to believe that the obstacles I have walked through in my life have helped me to find courage. A mentor once told me, 'Just do it afraid.'  The only people who fail are those who do not get back up and try again."

With a degree in child development, the grandmother of six expects to progress at her current job at the Navy's main child development center in Point Loma.  Her remarkable story of a life transformed within the corridors of community college has been broadcast nationwide by MSNBC and CNN.