William Cochran: Clovis Community College

My name is William Cochran and I'm the HSE instructional coordinator for Clovis Community College. My journey in adult education started out with me being an HSE student, to an HSE teacher, and currently an HSE Adult Education Instructional Coordinator. This involved overcoming challenges, gaining valuable life experience, and ultimately finding a passion for helping others achieve their educational goals. 

Here's a more detailed look at my journey: 

Being an instructor has given me the opportunity to hear students' unique stories of the obstacles they've had to face on their path to receiving their HSE.  I've heard their joys and heartaches, and with each one I am able to relate because I was once in their place.  

I didn’t graduate high school. I dropped out when I was 17; I worked full time to help take care of myself and my family. I come from a rough background, and all odds were against me. Getting my HSE and going to college wasn’t something that seemed possible for me. The idea barely crossed my mind because I was just trying to survive day to day. Then one day my wife returned to Clovis Community College to get her associates degree. While attending classes, she mentioned the HSE program. I enrolled in HSE classes and my journey began with many ups and downs. I took my math test not once, not twice, but three times. I finally passed all four tests and in 2015 at age 33 I got my HSE. I went on to college, graduating with three associates degrees! I originally wanted to go to college for nursing, but In 2019 I applied to be an instructor for Clovis Community College’s HSE program. Emily Glikas, our director, saw some kind of potential in me and gave me the opportunity. I went from an HSE student, to a part time HSE math instructor,  to being the HSE Adult Education Instructional Coordinator. I get to live my dream as an instructor helping others as I was helped.

My story is just one of many. Every single one of you should be proud of the obstacles and challenges you’ve overcome to reach your goals of working in adult education. I urge you all to continue. Continue to meet the challenges that you may face with determination and knowledge that you can and will be successful. 

One of my favorite quotes is by Robert Frost “Two roads diverged in a wood, and I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.” I always remember these words because many of us in adult education have gone down this road that is less traveled and it has made such a difference for so many.