graduate spotlight

Gisela Olalde Granados is creating the life she wants, and it starts with a plan.

“Set every morning to make a plan,” she says. “What things you need to do, what things can wait, and what things you don’t have to do.”

Gisela never dreamed she would be a nursing student at Vol State. She grew up in Mexico, earned a bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, and had a full-time job working on computers. A career in nursing was not part of her plan, not at the time.

One minute into a conversation with Katlyn Blake and you will learn she has a clear vision of her future, and she is driven to succeed.

Katlyn is a Senior at Middle College High School, attending high school and college classes on the Vol State Gallatin Campus. Katlyn will graduate in May with her Associate of Science degree before she receives her High School Diploma. For Katlyn, Middle College was a no-brainer. “I always tell everyone I think they should do it,” she said. “It helped me grow. I think it prepares you for college.”

Proficient in five languages and a mother of eight, Anamaria Chiscociu is pursuing her dream at Vol State despite her busy life.

“Growing up in Romania, I was very poor. There was not much possibility to chase your dreams,” she said. “When I came here almost eleven years ago to the U.S., I was pregnant with my third kid. Now we have eight children.”

Chloe Espinosa is a Vol State student and President’s Ambassador who is graduating this semester with an Associate’s Degree in Visual Arts. Chloe recently landed a full-ride scholarship to Lipscomb University, where she will transfer this fall.

“I was not very involved at my high school,” she said. “Then when I came to Vol State, I just really took advantage of all the opportunities given to me, whether it was the Ambassador program, or an Honors Program, or a Work Study. And I think because of that, I grew as a leader.”