Montgomery  County Community College alumnus Brendan Brett tried college after he graduated from high school, but it wasn't the right fit for him.

“I believe that at the time I was simply too immature to grasp the importance of my higher education,” he said. “I goofed around too much and was not focused. I left college behind in the late 90s to pursue a career in the hospitality industry.”

After nearly decade of bartending, Brett was ready for a change, but he did not think there was an option for him, until he found MCCC.

“I started to feel under challenged, but I believed that my grades were so bad no college would take my transcripts. Even worse, I couldn’t afford to go to a four-year school at the time,” he said. “I felt stuck, I lost hope, but this time, instead of disengaging, I went to talk to the people at Montgomery County Community College.”

In spring 2006, Brett spoke to admissions counselors at MCCC, who told him that his grades from his first attempt at higher education would be waived, and he could make a fresh start. He fondly remembers Miss Grey, a Student Services employee, who saw his potential and encouraged him to apply to MCCC and continue his education. He began taking classes online soon after and found more success in this new endeavor.

“I concentrated in Sociology, and to my surprise, did quite well,” he said. “I took my first classes online, which was perfect for me. I didn’t realize that I was good at school, but the teachers at Montco worked with me to help me succeed.”

The time Brett spent away from education allowed him to reexamine his goals and find a new purpose for attending college. His path became a personal ambition instead of an expectation.

“I think a lot of students go right to college after high school, but they are still too young to take their education seriously,” he said. “Going back this time, I had a drive and passion that inspired me to work. I learned you have to get the work done, and you have to want to be there.”

At first, Brett thought MCCC would be enough, and he would return to the workforce after receiving his associate’s degree. The support system of teachers and administrators that he found at MCCC gave Brett a new sense confidence with his education, and when he graduated in 2008, he wanted to keep going.

“The professors at Montco must have seen something more and many pressed me into continuing at a four-year institution,” he said. “I didn’t think I would ever get accepted at my age, but they were right, I went straight to Temple the following semester.”

Taking those first steps and returning to MCCC set Brett on a trajectory that led to academic success, a new career and a new life in Colorado working in tax law.

“Montco gave me the confidence that I belonged at Temple. I worked hard and graduated with great grades,” he said. “The amazing people at Temple pushed me into applying for law school. I took my LSATs, was accepted to Widener Law and finished in the top of my class, passed the PA Bar Exam, and even married my law school sweetheart. Now, I have a job and an awesome office overlooking the Rocky Mountains doing what I love, helping other people who have ‘lost hope.’”

Brett is grateful for the people he met at MCCC that encouraged him and brought him to a rewarding direction in his education and fulfilling career. He happily shares his story and advocates for people like him who did not have a clear path to learn more about the opportunities out there.

“Montco not only gave me an affordable option to begin my journey into higher education, it also instilled confidence in myself that I never thought I had,” he said. “The support system, the administration, down to the individual professors to the guys in the cafeteria, they all were supportive, and so helpful. If you have ever felt that college is not right for you then I think you should at least go in and talk to some people. You never know!”