cecil-college-magazine-spring-2025 - Flipbook - Page 10
“When I started classes, I was working
the second shift and did schoolwork
during the early hours of the morning. It
was exhausting but manageable. Over
time, my job became more flexible,
which allowed me to better balance my
responsibilities.”
Ms. Riess was also focused on college
affordability. As a community college,
attending Cecil College provided an
affordable option, with her Pell financial
aid package covering most of her
tuition and textbooks. Keeping a close
eye on her finances, she took advantage
of the back-to-school sales to purchase
school supplies for the year. If she was
unable to afford a new version of any
textbook, she would scour Facebook
Marketplace, Craigslist, or eBay to find
them secondhand.
TAKING CHARGE:
ADULT LEARNERS OWN THEIR FUTURE
As a single mother who returned to college later in life, Breahna Riess’s journey
from GED recipient to successful banking professional and proud college graduate
is inspiring. From completing an associate degree in Business Administration from
Cecil College in May 2024 to continuing the path toward a bachelor’s degree in
Business Analytics from Wilmington University, Ms. Riess is laser-focused on a
prosperous life for herself and her daughter.
While working in the banking industry, she reached a career milestone where she
observed that, without a degree, her advancement was limited compared to her
peers. This realization sparked her decision to pursue higher education. Enrolling at
Cecil College, she found that the academic environment significantly enhanced her
accountability and organizational skills, positively impacting her professional and
personal life.
“I was nervous about returning to school,” she recalls, “but the admissions process
was surprisingly seamless. The staff was incredibly helpful, making everything
from finding my GED records to setting up placement tests easy and quick. I didn’t
expect the process to be so straightforward.”
“I chose Cecil College because they offered many online classes, which was crucial
during the pandemic. The flexibility allowed me to study at my own pace, and the
professors were understanding and accommodating, especially when I had issues
like a sick child,” said Ms. Riess.
8 | CECIL COLLEGE MAGAZINE
“I came out of Cecil College without
student loans, and I plan not to have
any student loans when I finish my
degree at Wilmington University,” said
Ms. Riess, who was the recipient of
the Wilmington University Transfer
Scholarship, which is a program
agreement between Wilmington
University and Cecil College.
“Cecil College gave me the confidence
to advance in my career. It helped
me become more organized and
accountable at home and work,” said
Ms. Riess.
Ms. Riess’s journey serves as a
compelling reminder that higher
education is valuable and accessible
to people of all ages and backgrounds.
With determination, strategic
planning, and a supportive network,
it’s possible to overcome obstacles
and achieve one’s dreams. Her story
illustrates how returning to college can
profoundly transform one’s career and
self-confidence, fostering significant
personal growth.
