CHATTANOOGA, TN -- College can be challenging at any stage of life, but for adult learners balancing families, jobs, and studies, it can feel like an uphill journey. At Chattanooga State Community College, a welcoming community and dedicated support make that journey possible. 

In celebration of National Non-Traditional Student Week, ChattState hosted a panel of adult students and alumni to discuss the hurdles they encountered and the rewards of going back to school as adults. Carla Frizzel, Brooke Hale, Jamaal Lundy, and Gary Satin—professionals from the healthcare, technology, and energy fields—shared how they succeeded through resilience and support. 

Each panelist encouraged adult students to believe in themselves and stay focused. Whether completing a degree, advancing a career, or setting an example for their children, adult learners have a place at Chattanooga State. With supportive faculty, helpful resources, and programs like Tennessee Reconnect, ChattState is a place where adult students can thrive. 

Each panelist addressed the impact that ChattState’s faculty made on their education. “The people make this school,” Frizzel said. From tutors to professors, Chattanooga State’s team provided critical support, ensuring students felt seen, encouraged, and equipped. 

Frizzel came to ChattState after a long career as a flight attendant at Delta Airlines. Even while fighting and overcoming cancer, she never lost sight of the reason she was in school. 

“I was dedicated to my education. Even during COVID, I just kept persevering and working through each and every challenge, including my cancer diagnoses.” 

Hale, a nursing student and parent to two children, said her key to thriving at ChattState was knowing her “why.”  

"Know your why,” she said. “Why are you going to school? It's going to be hard, and there will be times where you don't get the grade that you want. If your why is strong enough, instead of thinking about quitting, you will think about moving forward. Success will follow if your why is strong enough." 

Jamaal Lundy, who went from working at FedEx to becoming a quality inspector after earning a degree from ChattState, said being a working parent and student comes with challenges, but having a strong motivation and supportive community makes success possible. 

"Every morning I tell my daughter, 'You're a princess. What does a princess do? Hold her head up,’” he said. "I look at myself the same way. You have to hold your head up and look forward.” 

Satin went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry with a minor in neuroscience from Sewanee: The University of the South. Although he recently co-founded a pharmaceutical company, he said ChattState provided him the support to begin his career. 

"It's different in a community college. Here, they really care about you. It's the relationships that make ChattState a great place,” he said. “If Chattanooga State offered a doctorate, I’d be back!”