“We’re working from now.”

Taking the long road to Columbus State

Many Columbus State students come straight out of high school – but some take a much longer journey before they reach college. Columbus State is a common next step for women graduating from Amethyst Inc., says Lori Criss, Amethyst’s chief operating officer. Amethyst is a Columbus-based nonprofit that helps women dealing with substance abuse issues. The program serves about 100 women at a time, providing housing and intensive rehabilitation services. “For women in recovery who are receiving support from Amethyst, Columbus State becomes an extension of our long-term support, and we partner together in the message that recovery happens and the future is theirs to create,” Criss says. Tina Batts lost custody of her two younger children before enrolling in Amethyst Inc. in May of 2000. The program helped her get clean, learn parenting – and learn to look past the surface of things to what really matters. Batts regained custody in December 2000, and she has since developed good relationships with all four of her children.

“The past is what it is. We’re working from now,” Batts said. “Amethyst taught me that.”

Amethyst taught Juanita Hayes to reach her goal by setting attainable milestones. She will graduate from Columbus State next year with an associate degree in behavioral science, then plans to transfer to Capital University’s social work program. In a few years she’ll be helping people who went through the same things she did.

Going to college as an adult learner was intimidating, Batts said. In her first class was a 16-year-old homeschooler, which made her the oldest person in the class. But through her, younger classmates got a first-hand account of the 1960s and L.A.’s Rodney King riots.  She said her life experience helped with many of her classes.

“I’ve gotten many ‘A’ papers out of my alcoholism,” Batts said.

Tina Batts (left) & Juanita Hayes (right)

For Juanita Hayes, one of the biggest adjustments was coming from an environment of chaos to one where people honestly wanted to see her succeed. She singles out Sue Hargrove, a developmental math teacher, as someone who went the extra mile to help her transition to school.