When she passed away, it served as a powerful reminder that life is short and that if I wanted to pursue my goals, I needed to start immediately. One of the ways I wanted to honor her memory was by working in a space where I could help women. I realized that to make a greater impact, I would need a degree, and that’s what led me to CCP and the business program. That decision started me on my educational journey and giving path.
Financially, things weren’t easy. Because I was married, I didn’t qualify for certain assistance programs. Many scholarships were targeted at single mothers or low income, and I didn’t fit that category.
Despite these challenges, CCP was affordable, and it offered the flexibility I needed. I could attend classes during lunch breaks, evenings, and on Saturdays. I appreciated that CCP had locations across Northeast Philadelphia, West Philadelphia, and Center City, allowing me to take classes wherever it was most convenient. Balancing work full-time, being a wife, and raising three children while attending school wasn’t easy, but CCP made it possible.
I’ve always loved writing and reading, but it was during my time at CCP that I began to see how those skills could create real opportunities. My manager at work started noticing my writing abilities and how I brought those strengths into the workplace.
At CCP, I joined the L.E.A.D.S. program and became a writer for the newsletter. I would conduct interviews during my lunch breaks and after work with CCP faculty and students. I also became a member of Phi Theta Kappa, which is a business honor society. In both communities, I had the opportunity to enhance my leadership skills and engage in volunteer initiatives.
I had some great experiences while at CCP, but there were some rocky times too. Textbooks were often prohibitively expensive—sometimes $120 or $150. I remember having to make tough decisions, like dropping a class because I couldn’t afford the required book. I persevered and eventually transferred to Pierce College, where I earned my four-year degree.
Shortly After graduating from CCP in 2008, my husband and I created the Goldsmith-Irby Scholarship to help with tuition. Creating this scholarship is our way of giving back because we understand the struggle students face when they do not qualify for financial support and must choose between meeting their family’s needs and pursuing an education.
To continue my support at CCP, I joined the CCP Alumni Association, and I was apart of the scholarship committee, One of my first questions was could we provide book scholarships, which was inspired by my own experience of having to drop classes due to the cost of textbooks, and the answer was yes.
After attending CCP, I also began investing in rental properties and was able to provide housing for others, bringing my journey full circle. Interestingly, my real estate education started with business classes I took at CCP.
Giving back isn’t just about money or providing housing for others; there are many ways to contribute. For example, I remember a classmate helping me with statistics. If you have knowledge, you can share it with others. You can also help with volunteering or raising money for local charities.
The journey is about finding meaningful ways to make a difference in the lives of others, while uncovering or enhancing the skills you have within yourself.