Inspiring Stories from the Luzerne County Community College Class of 2025: Ashley Santos

Ashley Santos never imagined her path to graduation would take more than a decade?or that it would end with a record-breaking academic achievement.*

A Hazleton native, Santos' journey has been anything but traditional. From starting at McCann School of Business, stepping away from education, and later returning to Luzerne County Community College (LCCC) after the pandemic, her story is one of resilience, reflection, and relentless determination.

"I was at a point in life where I just didn't like where I was," Santos recalled. "I got content, but I wanted more for myself, more for my family. So I decided to go back to school."

And when she came back, she went all in.

Driven by a desire to complete what she started and a newfound love for learning, Santos not only excelled?she made history. She became the only student at LCCC to be inducted into all five national honor societies the college recognizes: Phi Theta Kappa, Alpha Beta Gamma, Sigma Kappa Delta, Psi Beta, and the National Society of Leadership and Success.

"At first, I just wanted to get through it and finish. But then I started getting A's, and I realized?I can do this. I can do more than I thought," she said. "The invitations to honor societies just started coming one after another. It felt surreal."

Santos credits much of her growth to the supportive faculty and staff at LCCC.

"The professors here changed everything for me. They opened my eyes to different directions, and they pushed me to do more, to want more," she said. "This campus is a gem in Northeast PA. I hope more students get to experience what I did."

Her return to the classroom wasn't just academic. It was deeply personal.

"I didn't get to walk at my high school graduation, so this really means a lot," she said, reflecting on what it will feel like to walk across the stage. "I'm a little older now, and it's hard not having someone to share that with. But I know this is for me?and I'm proud."

Now, with her associate degree in hand and a clean sweep of academic honors behind her, Santos is headed to Bloomsburg University to pursue a business degree. Her goals stretch beyond the classroom.

"I want to buy a house. I want to give my family the time I was never able to before," she said. "That's what drives me."

For students who may be struggling to find their way, Santos offers heartfelt advice: "Be patient with yourself. Take one step at a time. Stay organized. Give back. The path will reveal itself eventually."

Ashley Santos leaves LCCC not just with accolades, but with a renewed sense of purpose?and proof that it's never too late to rewrite your story.