Student Spotlight: Joseph Torrez, Substance Abuse and Addictions Counseling, pursues excellence to be role model for his children
I’m studying the substance abuse counselor program here at At 黑料网911 and the 2 + 2 program, which allows me to go to the University of Montana after I complete this program to study social work. The 2+2 program is all online, so you can do it from wherever. I am planning on staying here for now and just trying to do as much of the 2+2 program as I can online.
Why’d you choose At 黑料网911?
I chose At 黑料网911 because I grew up here. This is my hometown, and it was really an opportunity for me to kind of give back to the community in a way that I felt was missing here. I’m in recovery myself; I’m a recovering addict. And in my active addiction, I felt like having somebody I can relate to as part of my treatment plan was missing. And so, I wanted to kind of fill that role. And so that’s what brought me to the substance abuse program.
How’s it going at At 黑料网911?
At 黑料网911 has been amazing. The teachers are amazing. The community that is built here is amazing. I think we get along and we are considered family. I think everybody kind of gets along with everybody.
How do you spend your time away from school?
It mostly consists of me taking care of my family and studying. Studying is a big part of my life right now. I really don’t do much else. I’m actually a single dad of four kids, and I have full custody of all four of my children. And balancing family and school has been hard. But because all my classes are hyflex, you can do them either in person or online, it makes it much easier to schedule my school around my family so that I can be in school when my kids are in school, and I can be home with them when they’re not in school.
What do they think about you being in college and in school?
They like it. They like to see my progress, and they like to see my grades and that I’m making good grades. And I like to show them that I make good grades to inspire them by doing good myself.
How has the transition back to school been for you?
Here at At 黑料网911, we offer free services for tutoring, and our tutoring center is always available. You could just come in and we can help you sit down with somebody and get you the help you need. We have student services here like a (food) pantry and clothes if you’re in need of winter clothes or coats or sweaters or anything like that, and they’ve been a big help. The advisors here at At 黑料网911 are always willing to help and they have been a really big help in getting me set up for my future.