Gateway to College Student Testimonials

DELICIA QUINTANA
Gateway to College Student

Delicia Quintana joined Gateway in fall 2016 and graduated with a District 70 County High School diploma in May 2017. She earned 10 college credits during her time with Gateway. She received an Associate of Science degree from Pueblo Community College in 2019 and transferred to Colorado State University Pueblo.

Delicia said, “I was a 16-year-old who just found out she was pregnant and Gateway to College was not only my last chance to make something of myself, but it was a life-changing experience. The faculty made such an impact on my educational life that I still keep in contact with them.”

“Despite all of my struggles throughout the past couple of years, they believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself,” she said. “Gateway is the reason I graduated high school and the reason I am graduating with a bachelor’s degree in engineering with an emphasis in mechatronics. Gateway is the right way!”

NICK SANCHEZ
Gateway to College Graduate

Nick Sanchez joined Gateway in fall 2015. He graduated with a District 70 Pueblo West High School diploma in May 2016 and earned 22 college credits. In 2018, he was awarded an Associate of Applied Science degree in welding from Pueblo Community College.

Nick describes his journey through Gateway this way: “I slacked in school and slacked in the other recovery program I was in. I came into Gateway knowing it was my last chance yet didn’t have a great attitude about it. Meeting the people at Gateway and seeing how they cared about helping us better ourselves, I knew it would turn out better.

“Everyone was always so kind and helpful in whatever was going on in my life. I’ve ended up making lifetime friendships with the great people at Gateway; I still swing by and check in with them!” he said. “Gateway made a huge difference in my life and now I’m a pipeline welder for a natural gas transmission company.”

SUMAYAH BACKUSH
Gateway to College Graduate

Sumayah Backush joined Gateway in fall 2009. She graduated with a District 60 East High School diploma and 26.5 college credits in December 2011.

“Gateway to College was a life-changing experience. The program and staff helped me develop a future and grow as a person,” she said. “I believe they are the reason why I was able to be a successful nurse. Staff goes above and beyond to help their students. They do not focus on helping their students only academically, they will find resources outside of the program to help their students. They strive to help their students be successful. I highly recommend Gateway to College at Pueblo Community College.”

ALEJANDRO CHAVEZ
Gateway to College Graduate

Alejandro Chavez joined Gateway in fall 2017 and graduated with a District 60 Centennial High School diploma December 2018. He earned 17 college credits through GTC.

“Gateway helped me in my career by preparing me for most interactions as well as working together as a group,” he said. “I believe I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for the skills and encounters I came across during my time at Gateway. I was able to obtain the position/career I have now because of the relationships I developed there. I would recommend Gateway to any student that feels like they are ready to give up or are too far behind.” 

ANTHONY HOPKINS
Gateway to College Graduate

Anthony Hopkins joined Gateway in fall 2017. He graduated with a Cañon City High School diploma in May 2018 and earned 12 college credits. 

“I would say that Gateway gave me a ticket to choose what path I took for a career. Getting my diploma allowed me to join another college program through a sponsorship to get me the rest of the way through college, get a degree, and become a John Deere service tech,” he said. “Now I can take my education, knowledge and experience anywhere in the world while doing what I love. The program was a great experience for me and allowed me to get a grasp on what was next.”