May 21, 2026
Support from JCCC allowed Lindsay Flores to return to school.
JCCC student Lindsay Flores is used to having a lot on her plate.
Growing up in a Spanish-speaking household, she was responsible for translating for her parents and helping them navigate around language barriers. According to Lindsay, this experience taught her independence at a young age.
Later in life, she wanted to pursue higher education, while also raising four young children. She had already completed a Medical Assistant program and was eager to do more.
She began investigating nearby community colleges and decided to visit one with her young son in tow. The brief encounter left her feeling discouraged.
“I took my son with me to talk to the advisor and see what my options would be to go to back to school,” she said. “I remember [the advisor] looked at me and down at him, and said, ‘I don’t think you will have time to do it.’ I walked out so defeated.”
As the years passed and the desire to return to school grew stronger, Lindsay decided to disregard what others had said.
“Hoping I wouldn’t get talked out of it,” she said, “I finally took the step and applied to JCCC.”
JCCC sets you up for success
Today, Lindsay is a star student, earning her Paralegal Certificate along with an Associate of Liberal Arts while balancing work and raising a family.
“JCCC has truly been exceptional,” she said. “From the professors to the faculty and even fellow students, I have felt supported every step of the way.”
Lindsay has enjoyed her time in the Paralegal program, and it has inspired her to think about her next step; law school.
“The Paralegal program is truly wonderful,” she said. “The professors are incredibly knowledgeable, helpful, and genuinely invested in student success. They are a huge part of what has made this experience so meaningful.”
In addition to dedicated faculty, JCCC also provides resources to help you thrive. Lindsay earned the Phyllis Howard Memorial Scholarship, enabling her to buy a laptop and complete her schoolwork at home.
“JCCC has made things accessible in ways that matter,” she said. “There are so many resources that make it possible for students like me to keep going, even on the hardest days.”
Your dreams become reality with JCCC
Lindsay advises incoming Cavaliers to take full advantage of everything JCCC offers.
“There is so much support available if you are willing to use it,” she said.
That support has been key for Lindsay, who will graduate in one year, going beyond what many thought was possible.
“My journey has not been easy, but after years after being told I wouldn’t be able to continue my education, here I am getting it done,” she said. “JCCC has helped me realize there are no limits to what I can achieve.”