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A Connection that Started Early
Jessica Torrence’s journey at Black Hawk College began long before she stepped into a classroom. During high school, representatives from the college regularly visited students and shared what Black Hawk College had to offer, something she says made a lasting impression. Those early connections helped Black Hawk College stand out among other community colleges in the area and ultimately influenced her decision to enroll years later.
Returning to School
After graduating high school, Jessica became a mother to her first daughter. College was no longer her immediate priority, and she entered the workforce full time while focusing on supporting her family. But after several years, she realized she wanted something more for herself and her future. At 22 years old, she made the decision to return to school and pursue her goals of becoming an entrepreneur and building a career in real estate.
Balancing Family and Education
Coming back to college as a parent brought challenges. Balancing coursework, work schedules and parenting responsibilities required constant organization and determination. Still, Jessica says the supportive environment at Black Hawk College helped her succeed. She found encouragement from classmates and mentorship from faculty members who made a lasting impact on her educational experience.
Among those mentors was business professor Ewelina Bergert, who became a major source of support and guidance throughout Jessica’s time at the college. She also credits retired economics professor Paul Lockard and accounting professor Darcy Jeffries for helping her build confidence and gain valuable business knowledge.
Gaining Real-World Experience
Jessica says one of the most valuable parts of her education was her internship experience, which aligned directly with her career goals in real estate. Through the internship, she gained hands-on experience while beginning her professional career and earning her realtor license. Today, she continues working with the same real estate team she interned with and recently expanded her opportunities by earning her Illinois license, allowing her to work on both sides of the river.
Looking Ahead
As she graduates from Black Hawk College, Jessica reflects on how much she has grown, especially in communication, leadership and organizational skills. Her advice to other parents considering college is simple—it is possible. She encourages anyone unsure about returning to school to ask questions, seek support and take the first step toward their goals.
