December 2, 2021
Story and photo by Joe Vinduska
Carla Alford came to the United States from Brazil in 2014 because she wanted to learn another language. Fast forward to 2021, and she’s now married, has her associate degree from Barton, is fluent in English, is on her way to becoming an accountant and she now works for Barton as a Student Services Specialist at the Fort Leavenworth Campus.
Alford worked as a nanny for a while and then met her husband in 2016. After moving around a bit, they landed in Fort Leavenworth in 2019. Although she already had a marketing degree from Brazil, she wanted to get her degree in the US as well. After one stop to the education center, it was clear that Barton’s LSEC classes were the right option, which are available on scholarship for Soldiers and their families.
Although the financial aspect was covered, Alford still had a lot of anxious feelings about pursuing her education, which quickly faded away as she started her courses at Barton.
“They made me feel really welcome,” she said. “I was very scared because English is not my first language. I was worried about people not understanding what I’m saying because of my accent, but it was nothing but amazing. The professors were very welcoming and accommodating. Sometimes if they didn’t understand my accent, they were so respectful in asking again. It just felt like I was at home.”
Barton’s LSEC classes fit the military life very well, Alford said.
“These courses are an amazing place for people to start their education because we are always relocating in the military and if a student moves and doesn’t have time to finish their degree, they can always continue their education later and transfer out their credits.”
Alford’s journey came full circle when she accepted a customer service position with Barton in November of 2020.
“I’m so glad to be able to help other military families go through the same process I’ve been through,” she said. “I just really want to pay back what Barton did for me.”
For more information on Barton Community College at Fort Leavenworth visit fl.bartonccc.edu.