Rosetta Robinson – Class of 2025

What degree and/or certificate are you earning, and what is your title at the College?

As an alumna of Peirce College, Eastern University and now of Community College of Philadelphia, I am earning a Creative Writing certificate. I am an administrative support specialist in the Division of Liberal Studies.

Did you participate in any student clubs or activities, benefit from support services, or receive a scholarship?

Working at Community College of Philadelphia has afforded me multiple opportunities to volunteer in the community, be a part of a student club, and participate in programs to make the student’s experience full and rich with variety.

I served my colleagues during the Fox Rothschild Center for Law and Society Week and wrote two short stories for the students to engage in critical thinking during the “Who Dune It” event of the program while offering my administrative skills to capture and organize data for the attendees, and I work closely with the Study Abroad program, among other in-house programs.

Additionally, in the community, I volunteered at Philly House, assisted with voter registration and traveled with CCP for a Lobby Day in Harrisburg, PA.

How did your program further your career and personal goals?

The Creative Writing certificate has increased my writing skills to communicate with clarity and enhanced my critical thinking skills to analyze a problem to find the next best action for a resolution.

How did the College prepare you for success? Are there any faculty or staff members you'd like to thank?

CCP prepared me for success by allowing diversity and the opportunity to grow as an individual.

Thank you, professors; you believed in me, came to my events, coached me, and gave lessons to analyze movies, workshops to engage with the classmates’ creative minds, and gave reading and craft assignments which stretched me to reach deep—slow down—and grow from within. There were others who were not my professors but gave support and came to the readings of my poem.

Thank you Dr. Massah Nuni—your encouragement, support, leadership, and listening skills are so appreciated. You pushed me when I doubted myself. Thank you Dr. Lisa Sanders and the Division of Liberal Studies for your support. 

What advice would you give to individuals who are considering attending CCP, or other employees thinking about going back to school?

To the individuals who are considering attending CCP—I say take that first step to enroll, plan and learn what CCP has to offer; engage with your professors, counselors and advisors; read the syllabus to understand what is expected of you as a student; and it’s okay to get a tutor or go to the Center for Disability. A beautiful garden cannot grow on its own—someone needs to pull the weeds.

Colleagues, if you are considering going back to school, please do not let your friends, family, age, your situation or circumstances stop you. It may slow you down, but don’t stop. Whatever going back to school looks like for you, plan and get advice and lean on your support system. You can do it!  

At one point, I didn’t think it was possible for me to get a degree. I am 65 years of age and grateful that I am a life-learner. I went back to school at the age of 49 for a bachelor's degree and graduated four years later. I’m still learning and encouraging others to keep moving forward. Make it happen.