Memories of building computers with her self-taught dad helped motivate Amanda Bowers to get a degree in computer science after 6 years of working in fast food.
Having grown up in Chicago, Amanda lived in Alabama for 10 years before returning to the city she loves. She had two daughters, and then felt as though it were time for a change. Tired of coming home smelling like French fries, and exhausted from shift schedules that changed every week, Amanda wanted stability. She also had specific career goals, knowing she wanted to work in the IT field not only because of the wonderful memories she had with her dad, but also because she knew that was where the jobs are.
“My goal is working a regular job, with a predictable schedule” she said.
After asking around, she heard nothing but good things about Wright College. Even better, it is the City Colleges of Chicago Center of Excellence in IT, so she knew it was the best place for her. Amanda started taking classes in 2017, and in May of 2019 will graduate from Wright College with her Associate of Science in Computer Science. She’s also the college’s salutatorian and the first in her family to earn a college degree.
She knows she is setting a positive example for her daughters, and advises anyone thinking of starting college classes not to “let anxiety or fear keep you from going back to school. It kept me from going back for so long, but when I finally made up my mind to do it, I couldn’t be happier with that choice.”
Next up, she will start classes at Northeastern in the fall, pursuing her bachelor’s degree in the same discipline.