Like other Chattanooga State students, O’Mally Foster asked himself if it was the right time to return to school. “With all the crazy challenges 2020 had thrown at me, I realized that life will continue to be a series of ups and downs,” states Mr. Foster. “No matter how busy we are, there should always be time to take care of yourself and meet some goals.”

Having not taken any college courses since 2002, O’Mally stopped making excuses and made good on his promise to himself by registering for classes during the fall 2020 semester. He had many questions and relied on assistance from Marsha Barker, director of Adult Services, to help him with system navigation, enrollment, and other processes. Following his first semester, O’Mally is proud of his 4.0 GPA.

Mr. Foster is one of approximately 1,000 Chattanooga State students since 2018 that are using the Tennessee Reconnect Grant to help them get the degree, diploma or certificate that they want, tuition-free. O’Mally juggles family life, full-time employment and educational responsibilities, but knows that he can also depend on Chattanooga State faculty and his classmates for support.

“If you wonder if you can continue your journey, I say yes you can! Please start your journey, and don’t let ‘the challenges of life’ hold you back,” adds O’Mally.

Join us for a Tennessee Reconnect virtual information session on Webex:

• Wednesday, January 20 @ 10:00 a.m.
• Thursday, January 21 @ 5:30 p.m.
• Friday, January 22 @ 11:00 a.m.
• Saturday, January 23 @ 11:00 a.m.
• Monday, January 25 @ 5:30 p.m.
• Tuesday, January 26 @ 10:00 a.m.
• Wednesday, January 27 @ 5:30 p.m.
• Thursday, January 28 @ 10:00 a.m.
• Friday, January 29 @ 11:00 a.m.
• Saturday, January 30 @ 11:00 a.m.

Pre-register for the session of your choice at chattanoogastate.edu/tnreconnect.