Student Success Story: Janet Bryant

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Janet Bryant

Cañada College student, Janet Bryant

Janet Bryant is originally from the South and relocated to the Bay Area in 2003.  Janet started taking classes at Cañada College in the Fall of 2015 after nearly 20 years of working in the administrative field.  She continues to work full-time on top of being a full-time student and has a lot on her plate, but that hasn't stopped her from pursuing her personal and professional growth here at Cañada College.  She is currently working towards getting her Associate's degree in Accounting, with the long term goal of transferring to a four-year school. We sat down with Janet to ask her some questions about her experience at Cañada College thus far, and here is what she had to say.

What were some of the factors in your decision to go school and get a degree?

My dream has always been to go to college and earn a degree.  I had attended The University of Southern Mississippi in 2001 before relocating to California, but the large school was not a good fit for me at the time. With my son’s high school graduation in 2015, I realized the timing was right for me to fulfill my dream of earning a degree. And because continually learning is important to me, I wanted to open new doors that getting a degree makes possible.  I knew then it was time to enroll in college to better prepare for my future.

Were you considering going to another community college in the area before deciding to go to Cañada College? What made you decide on Cañada College?

I took a campus tour before enrolling, and all of my questions were answered before I even got to ask them on the tour. I took that as a good sign. My choices were Cañada College and the College of San Mateo, which are both part of the San Mateo Community College District, but Cañada was more easily accessible.  Cañada College’s location, flexibility of classes, and the courses and degrees offered made Cañada College an easy choice for me.

Do you like the campus here at Cañada College?

I love Cañada College's campus.  The professors and staff are helpful, friendly, and professional. The classes are relevant, challenging, and perfectly-sized, and the resources at Cañada are phenomenal (A2B, Learning Center, College for Working Adults, Math Jam).   To top it off, Cañada College has one of the best views in the Bay Area. I often come here on weekends to run on the trails around campus just to take in the scenery on my free time.

You’re working towards an Associate's degree in accounting at Cañada College, what made you decide on accounting?

I have close to twenty years work experience in the business field.  During that time I really enjoyed working with numbers, and to continue in accounting, I knew having a formal education would provide the professional advantage I wanted.

Have you enjoyed the classes you’ve taken in the business and accounting department here at Cañada College? Have you taken any online classes?

I have thoroughly enjoyed the classes I have taken in the business and accounting department here at Cañada College, and have already learned a great deal that I use every day.  As a mom and full-time professional, it is essential that classes are offered at times other than during usual working hours.  Thankfully, Cañada offers many evening and online courses, so I can stay on track for completing my Associate's degree and meeting transfer requirements while still working full-time.  So far I have taken one online business class (BUS 100).  It has been such a positive experience, and although I will miss being on campus as often, I have registered to take additional online classes over the summer and fall 2016 semesters.

What is something that has surprised you about Cañada College?

I was surprised at how quickly I felt like I belonged.  After returning to school from such a long hiatus, I didn’t know what to expect.  Would I feel lost?  What if I don’t understand the material?  My worries were erased on my first day.  My professors have been outstanding, and I cannot say enough positive things about the resources available to students.  Going to college either as student just of out of high school, or as someone returning to school after some time can be overwhelming, but the atmosphere at Cañada makes the transition easy.

What advice would you give to someone considering going to Cañada College?

I would say that you're not going to be disappointed. There is something for everyone here, be it just taking one class, or taking on a full schedule, Cañada College offers something for everyone. There is always someone here willing to help you.  Ask questions, make connections, and get involved!

Interview conducted in May of 2016

Jonathan Wax

jonathanwax@my.smccd.edu

Classes for the Fall 2016 semester!

Fall 2016 is around the corner!

Here are some of our classes being offered next semester at Cañada College by the business and accounting department. Register today on Websmart before the semester starts!

Student Success Story: Elise McClure

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Elise McClure

Backwater owners, and former Cañada College
 students, Ryan Verzaal and Elise McClure.
Photo Credit: http://spacecoastliving.com/

Elise McClure was a San Francisco resident who attended Cañada College between 2012-2014. She was working towards her Associate's degree in Business Administration. While she was a full-time student at Cañada College, she was also working full-time as a manager at a restaurant in San Francisco's Mission district, and had a part time job on top of that.  In 2015 she relocated to Melbourne, Florida, with her partner Ryan Verzaal (who also attended Cañada College) and they opened up Backwater. Their restaurant has become the area's premiere brunch restaurant. Elise McClure has worked very hard and accomplished a lot in a short amount of time since her time at Cañada College. We caught up with Elise and asked her about her time at Cañada College, and this is her story.

You became a small business owner and opened Backwater after attending Cañada College, tell us about your restaurant.

After spending quite some time in California we became homesick for our southern roots. I love comfort food like pulled pork, cornbread, and fried green tomatoes. It only seemed fitting that we would serve our favorite foods that we missed for so long. Backwater, like its namesake, is meant to be a place where one can relax away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Where you can sit back and sip on some sweet tea. We offer eight tables with built in griddles where you and the family can get creative with DIY pancakes. We couldn't forgot our love for the vegetarian and vegan friendly restaurants in San Francisco, so we made sure to offer the majority of the menu with a vegan option. 

Your restaurant is very unique, and offers such a special experience for customers, especially with your DIY pancake table griddles. Where did you get the idea for your business?

On our second date we made pancakes. So we thought it would be fun to provide that same ice breaker for others, and who are we kidding, pancakes are amazing! We always say people love to cook, but they want someone else to clean up after them. 

Backwater is in Melbourne, Florida which is where Elise relocated to in 2015.

Photo credit: http://www.backwaterflorida.com/  

What has been the most rewarding thing about being your own boss and having your own small business?

The feeling! I don't really know how to put it in words, but on a daily basis I find myself over a hot griddle table cleaning away, and I just have this moment of peace when I realize that I'm cleaning this table because I have a two page waitlist! It is just so surreal. I usually have to hold back getting teary eyed when I think about how lucky we are. I just can't even believe that this many people want to eat at our restaurant! I just say in my head "We're doing it!!" Overall it is just nuts how much popularity and success we have gained in such a short period of time. We already have regulars!!! It's rewarding to know we did it on our own!

What were some unexpected challenges you've encountered while being a small business owner?

We have been lucky so far to be supported by such a wonderful community. We even had city hall checking in on us during our build out. Asking if we had any questions or needed any help with our permits. There are some days when I miss being able to pass the buck to a supervisor but it is nice knowing that if you need something done all you have to do is do it.

What classes in the Business and Accounting Department did you take while you were a student at Cañada College?

I took the core requirements for an Associate's degree in Business Administration. 

Any Interior shot of Backwater. Elise and Ryan designed and decorated the restaurant themselves.

Photo credit: http://www.backwaterflorida.com/  

Were any of your classes online? Did that make it easier for you to take classes while working full time?

All of my classes were either online or hybrid, actually. Having that kind of flexibility made a world of difference. I was able to keep my full time job and live in the city. I even picked up two part time jobs. The hybrid classes were great for the subjects I needed a little extra help with.

You lived in San Francisco while attending Cañada College, why did you take classes at Cañada College rather than somewhere else in the Bay Area? 

I was luckily enough to have met a former Cañada College student who guided me to the school. They could not say enough about how great their experience was. The drive is easy and beautiful. It was nice to get out of the city and focus.

What advice would you give students considering taking classes at Cañada College in the Business and Accounting Department?

To go for it! I have attended a few other community colleges when I lived in Florida the first time around, and nothing compares to the experience I had at Cañada College. The teachers were so supportive, and always there for you when you needed them. The counselors made life a breeze, and their availability was something I had never encountered at other schools. Cañada College wants you to succeed, they want you to graduate, and be the best student possible.  They do not shy away from doing whatever it takes to provide what is needed for their students.

Interview conducted in May 2016
Jonathan Wax

jonathanwax@my.smccd.edu

Cañada College Fall 2016 Courses!

Registration for Fall 2016 starts next week! Do you know what you're taking? Check out what the Cañada College Business Department is offering. Lots of online and late-start options are available. 

Registration information can be found on WebSmart: https://websmart.smccd.edu/