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ummer 2017 graduates Carla Williams and Micaih Ruiz
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have a lot in common.
Both political science majors, the women enrolled at
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switched from another major to political science because her
ages. Both are the first members of their families to earn
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professors inspired her – so much so that she now plans to go
bachelor’s degrees … and both were admitted to GGC as
to law school.
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As an access institution, GGC opens the door for students
who might not be admitted elsewhere. Even so, some students do not meet the criteria for enrollment.
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pressures, health problems or others,” said Laura Ledford, executive director for Enrollment Manage-
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Georgia allows its institutions to enroll
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students as presidential exceptions if
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they successfully appeal a denial.”
“I was young and not serious,”
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Williams said of her first attempt at
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college in 1989. She dropped out after
two years. She took a couple of courses in 2003 and did well, but a death in her family caused her to drop out again.
GGC’s faculty.
“No one is going to do the work for you, but I did not have
“They create an environment in which you can excel.”
cluding lack of motivation, family issues, financial or work
these issues. The University System of
Both women remarked on the support they received from
one professor who was not fully behind me,” said Williams.
“Various factors may affect academic performance, in-
ment. “However, students can overcome
Williams chose the major because it was relevant to her
professional work with attorneys and court officials. Ruiz
Georgia Gwinnett later in life. Their children are of similar
presidential exceptions.
Williams and Ruiz met in their political science courses.
“I had amazing professors who mentored me every step of
the way,” Ruiz said. “GGC taught me to find value in myself,
and my professors helped me understand
“These two presidential admissions exceptions resulted in two people earning bachelor’s degrees, and may span a generation to result in five more. GGC really does transform lives, families and communities.”
Years passed and Williams found
herself divorced and with custody of
– Stas Preczewski
her sister’s three children. She enjoyed
what I wanted for my life. They were
there with me, for me, and even pushed me when I did not think I could finish this process.”
The women’s successful examples
influenced their children, as well.
College is now part of family dis-
cussions about the future. Williams’
eldest plans to attend GGC with her
best friend. Ruiz’s eldest is taking AP
courses so he can enter GGC as a dual enrollment student.
“These two presidential admission
exceptions resulted in two people
her career at the Georgia Division of Child Support Services,
earning their bachelor’s degrees and may span a generation
She applied to GGC even though she anticipated the rejection
“GGC really does transform lives, families and communities.
but she required a bachelor’s degree for promotion eligibility. that came in response to her poor academic record … but she did not expect the opportunity to submit a letter of appeal. “I almost didn’t do it, but my co-workers encouraged
me,” she said. “In my letter, I pointed out that I had matured and did well in my 2003 courses. I said that if I was given a chance, I knew I could succeed.”
Ruiz, a mother of two and wife of a retired veteran, wanted
to fulfill a promise to her parents that she would go to college. She applied to GGC after earning her GED, but she failed the math portion of her placement test and was rejected. Determined, she also wrote a letter of appeal.
“I asked that the college take a chance on me,” Ruiz said. The letters paid off. Accepted on a provisional basis,
Williams and Ruiz could take only seven credit hours their first semester.
“I was just so happy,” Williams said. “I was scared, too. But
after I got an A in both of my first classes, I realized that going back to college wasn’t as threatening as I thought. All of my fears were in my head.”
to result in five more,” said GGC President Stas Preczewski.
I applaud Carla and Micaih for their perseverance. They are why this college exists.”
Both women are proud of their achievements. Williams’
nearly straight-A GGC grades brought her cumulative GPA up to a 3.24.
“Promotion eligibility was a motivator, but the reward
was finishing something I started,” said Williams, who is now ready to compete for advancement opportunities. “I know there are others out there who are scared and who have poor grades. If I can do it, they can, too.”
“I started GGC with a rejection letter,
and I left GGC on the President’s List,” said Ruiz, who graduated with a 3.39 GPA and is reviewing law school options. “Thank you, GGC! Thank you to all of my professors!”
What are you waiting for?
GGC accepts online
applications all year round, and the process is simple. www.ggc.edu/admissions e n g a g e. gg c. e d u
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