Earlier this year, Peninsula College received this letter from Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) student Timothy Atkisson. The Peninsula College mission is to educate diverse populations of learners through community-engaged programs and services that advance student equity and success. Tim Atkisson is an excellent example of that mission and Peninsula College is proud to have him as a current student and Addiction Studies graduate.
To whom it may concern,
My name is Timothy Atkisson. I am a student at Peninsula College, currently in my second quarter of the BAS program. Recently I applied for the Student Emergency Assistance Grant (SEAG) and was kindly rewarded with a check. I felt compelled to respond with a brief letter expressing my gratitude for the award that I received.
Peninsula College allowed me the opportunity to pursue a dream of mine. That dream was to become a Substance Use Disorder Professional. I wanted the opportunity to give back to a struggling community that I once was immersed in.
Six years ago, I was given an opportunity to turn my life around. Over that period, I began working for a treatment center where I gained valuable on-the-job experience. Next, I decided to begin taking the steps to further my education with the goal of becoming a counselor. As I began setting long-term goals with a plan for the future, I found out that I was going to be a father. This news provided me with an internal drive and motivation that I didn’t know existed within me. Fast forward a few years later and I completed my Addiction Studies degree and received my Substance Abuse Professional Trainee designation through the Department of Health. I am now a licensed substance abuse professional working with an inspiring group of like-minded individuals on a mission to provide hope to the hopeless.
When I think about where life is today, the word that comes to mind is “redemption.” I have been able to make something of myself and I have Peninsula College to thank for a lot of that. Throughout my journey, the college has been there to help instill a feeling of purpose and accountability in me. These last two years have been filled with countless roadblocks and periods of uncertainty. One year ago, my little family nearly doubled in size with the addition of twin boys. Our home is filled with love, but at times we were faced with financial difficulties. Peninsula’s various programs and grant offerings helped get us through. That generosity is something that I do not take for granted and will never forget. From my family to all of yours, I want to say thank you. People do change. People get better and contribute to society in a positive way. I am a testament to that.
Sincerely,
Timothy Atkisson
