Think it. Be it.

Southwestern is helping these students be what they want to be - a teacher, a network security expert, and a nurse.

Meet Kara Moore, a traditional age student who is achieving her educational goals at Southwestern. Then meet Greg Morgan and Mike Kunde who are returning adult students. They are preparing for new careers at Southwestern.

Kara Moore of Belleville first chose Southwestern because of its location, convenience to home and small class sizes. Now that she is nearing graduation, the counselors and "wonderful, supportive instructors" are the benefits she touts most.

Originally enrolled as a Computer Information Systems student, computer classes were physically difficult for her due to paralysis caused by an arterial venous malformation at age 14.

After discussing her difficulties with counselors, she found herself on a new career path. "The counselors at Southwestern opened the doors to the Education program," she said. She soon will be transferring to Southern Illinois University Edwardsville to complete a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education.

Moore is looking forward to college life in Edwardsville. "I feel prepared," she said. "Had I gone away first, I would have been lost, but Southwestern has helped me prepare."

With a passion for writing, Moore says her goal is to become an English teacher. "I want to help students learn how to write creatively about difficult topics, such as how having a disability would affect them," she said. She would like to teach first, second or third grade students because "they are more understanding and open to people with disabilities."

Greg Morgan of Swansea enrolled in a Photoshop class during the Spring 2004 semester to pursue his interest in digital photography. "I wanted to learn how to get the most out of my digital camera, and I did," said Greg. His exceptional work on a class project led to his selection as the designer of Southwestern's Spring 2005 schedule cover.

Greg's professional life has caused him to transition his skills and knowledge to a new career, a situation not uncommon for many adults returning to college. He first attended then Belleville Area College in the early 1970s, earning an Associate of Arts degree. He transferred to Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in 1975. In 1983, he returned to BAC earning an Associate of Applied Science degree in Data Processing Technology.

"I've taken many classes at BAC and SWIC over the years, and know that the learning environment is top-notch," he said. "I've had many instructors who are professionals working in the fields they are teaching, and I've found their instruction very practical."

Currently, Greg is a Network Design and Administration student working toward professional certification as a Cisco Certified Network Associate. He plans to enter the field of network security.

Mike and Dawn Kunde

For Mike Kunde of Coulterville, Sept. 11, 2001, was not only a turning point in our nation's history, but in his own life as well. "I felt totally helpless sitting in a position watching, not being able to provide assistance to those in need," he said.

This is the day he decided to pursue a career where he could help people. He enrolled in Southwestern and is applying to the Nursing Education and Paramedic programs.

Looking at Mike's career history, this seems like an unlikely choice. Mike is retired from the United States Air Force where he was a jet engine technician for the Thunderbirds. After the Air Force, he worked in the steel fabrication industry.

However, nursing is not a unique career choice in the Kunde family. Dawn Kunde, Mike's wife, graduated from Southwestern in 2000 with an Associate's degree in Nursing Education. She now works at St. Elizabeth's Hospital in Belleville. Their daughter, Erica, 18, also is attending Southwestern and applying to the Nursing Education program.

Mike also is a Barnes & Noble Scholarship recipient from the college's Foundation. "Every little bit helps," he said regarding the assistance. "But if I wasn't fortunate enough to receive the help, it wouldn't stop me from attending college. It's too important."