Gateway Technical College graduate Marilyn Gonzalez came to the college to learn a new language, and she stayed to build a new career.

“I started my journey here at Gateway in 2014 as an English Language Learners (ELL) student. I didn’t know English until I came to Gateway and started taking ELL classes. When I finished that, I decided to take college classes, so I enrolled in the Marketing program,” says Marilyn.

To ensure her success through not one, but two academic programs – the Business Services Manager technical diploma program and the Marketing associate degree program – Marilyn enrolled in Gateway’s Step UP Program.

“After starting college, I found out about the Step UP Program. Step UP helped me prepare for job interviews and had great workshops called Tailored For Success, where they taught me how to dress professionally, create a resume and I did mock interviews too,” says Marilyn.

“The Step UP Program helped me prepare for the real world and professional life. I’m from another country, so I didn’t know what to expect in things like a job interview. Being from Ecuador, everything is different. And staff like the career counselors helped me get more confidence in myself and it prepared me for entering my career.”

Gateway’s programs, staff and faculty all contributed to Marilyn gaining a newfound sense of self-confidence

“Gateway helped me to become the person I am today. It wasn’t easy for me going in, but the resources at Gateway and the community here made me feel like I could do this. They were so supportive,” says Marilyn.

“In the beginning, I was very shy and I didn’t want to interact with other staff and faculty, but all the instructors made me feel like I belong here. And the resources, like the Step UP Program, helped me feel so comfortable here.”