Tyrone Ross wants to tell the world that community college is the right choice to make. And he’s about to deliver that message on a huge platform thanks to his role as the newest associated student president for Crafton Hills College.

The 21-year-old Redlands man was appointed to the position prior to the start of the new school year and already has his goals laid out.

“I want students to realize – especially younger students – that community college is a good thing and not a bad thing to pursue,” said Ross. “I believe we live in a society where college can be a huge expense for many, but a community college helps you go through college without breaking the bank and helps elevate your status.”

Ross’ own story is relatable to many.

Originally from Pittsburgh, Penn., Ross wanted to attend college and play football after graduating from high school. But after he ran into some financial troubles due to out-of-state tuition costs, those goals were temporarily put on the backburner.

Ross started working at a local warehouse to save enough money to go back to school. In the Spring of 2020, he will graduate from Crafton with an associate degree in communications and a plan to continue his studies at a four-year institution where he’ll receive a bachelor’s in communications with a minor in international business.

The road to success may have been a bumpy one for Ross, but he wants to reach out to those with similar challenges and encourage them to pursue higher learning by looking at the “bigger picture.”

“If I can find a way to afford college, you can, too,” he said. “You have to think outside of the box sometimes because nothing comes easy. It takes a lot of thinking and determination to see it through, but it’s worth it.”

Not only does Ross want to bring attention to the work being done at CHC, but he also wants to develop a “Buddy System” that would help incoming students find their footing and excel in their studies. He also wants to be the voice for those “stuck in the middle,” particularly students who do not qualify for the California Promise program.

“There are students that due to personal events and other reasons don’t qualify for financial aid. Everyone looks at the top and bottom, but no one looks at the middle,” Ross explains. “Anything that’s worthwhile has a price. We’re all going to have struggles at times, but you have to persevere through that. If you can persevere and make it through those struggles, there’s light at the end of the tunnel.”