Teri Zutter received her high school equivalency diploma about 12 years ago. She now has a bachelor's degree in humanities and is considering pursuing a master's in adult education.
"It changed my life positively enough that I wanted to see people have that same success," she said.
The chance has come.
Zutter replaced Aurora Ruiz-Hurte as the coordinator of the Adult Basic Education program at Western Nevada Community College July 1.
"I'm excited," she said. "It's a way that I can impact people's lives in a greater way."
Zutter began as a math tutor, then became an adult education instructor for the homeless through the college.
As the director, Zutter will oversee the adult education, English as a Second Language, citizenship and General Educational Development programs.
Her goal is to make education accessible to everyone.
"I'd like to see all people in our community have high enough skills to be functionally literate, gainfully employed and the best parents they can be," Zutter said.
She has served as an adult education teacher for eight years and said she has grown to love those she teaches.
"They are amazing people," she said. "They will warm your heart."
Her students range from 16-year-old high school dropouts to immigrants hoping to learn English and get a good job.
"This population has to work so hard," she said. "They overcome so many obstacles."
She said her students have a high level of creativity and problem-solving skills to survive without an education.
She wants them to learn to apply those skills to their educational pursuits.
"They need to be shown the way to apply those life skills in an academic setting," Zutter said.
Classes are typically scheduled two or three evenings a week and last for 16 weeks. They are held at locations to meet the needs of the adult students.
Classes are offered in Carson City, Gardnerville, South Lake Tahoe, Shurz and Silver Springs.
For more information about class times and locations call Teri Zutter at 445-4451.