Single Mom Finds New Confidence at Community College of Philadelphia

Lynne Sanders was full of apprehension when she was laid off from her job at a law firm after seven years. She learned of Community College of Philadelphia’s Opportunity Now program, which offers a free semester to laid off Philadelphians, and decided to give college a try.

“I was afraid I wasn’t smart enough to succeed in college,” Sanders remembered.

Soon after beginning her first class, this South Philly resident was able to put aside all her fears. “The professors really valued what I had to say right from the start. I felt like a peer, not an adult.” After her first summer session taking English and Psychology, Sanders earned straight A’s, and decided to continue with a major in international studies.

She became so enthused about the campus, her classmates, and the variety of course offerings that she inspired her 17-year old daughter Marie to register for courses. Their first course together – women’s studies.

“During the first week of classes, the professor really listened to my opinions and encouraged me to debate in class. No one could believe Marie was my daughter. They said I looked too young to have a teenage daughter,” said Sanders.

“They valued my point of view, as an adult student, and it really drew awareness to the generation gap in women’s studies. The professor encouraged me to become involved with the women’s studies association here on campus. I was voted president of the group.

It did amazing things for my confidence,” she said.

She believes Community College of Philadelphia is a great place for adult students because she never felt different or older. She said, “Adults become very involved in the different clubs and activities.”

Lynne became copy editor of the Vanguard, and joined the National Organization of Women. And, despite its financial hardship, she decided to participate in an educational trip to Mexico over spring break. The College’s annual trip to Merida, Mexico focuses on cultural diversity and foreign languages.

Sanders will graduate on May 4 at 2:30 p.m. at the Mann Center for the Performing Arts with an associate’s degree in international studies. Her 4.0 grade point average helped her earn a Jack Cooke Kent scholarship for up to $30,000 per year, which she plans to use to further her education at Arcadia University in the fall.

Comfortable in positions of leadership, Sanders aims to run a non-profit agency or start a non-profit with a mission of cultural education. “I never thought I was a leader until I was encouraged and inspired here at Community College of Philadelphia,” said Sanders. “I think I’m really on a personal journey and a career path.”