"We're getting the tassel at Columbia State," says nursing students Nisrin Bengali and Roopa Gopalakrishnan.
Second semester nursing students Nisrin Bengali (left) and Roopa Chandrika Gopalakrishnan (right) are currently attending Columbia State’s Williamson County Campus. Both are Franklin residents, after moving from India. Bengali moved from India to United States in 1999 and has 18 and 22 year old sons who both attend Franklin High School. Both young men have learning disabilities and are not “college bound,” but that hasn’t stopped Bengali from coming back to college after 20 years. She was highly educated in the medical field in India, but needs a U.S. degree in order to start a career here. Columbia State helps her juggle a large class load, while also working part-time and raising her family. At this point, nothing will stop her from getting her nursing degree.
“Having to start all over again from scratch wasn’t easy” said Bengali. “But the teachers are excellent. I’ve had a good experience at Columbia State considering it’s tough to return back to college after 20 some years. I have felt welcome, and at home at Columbia State. It’s within close proximity to my home, and has a great location. I learned of the Williamson County Campus via word of mouth from neighbors, as they and others spoke very highly of the quality of education one can receive here. I would definitely recommend Columbia State’s Williamson County Campus to others who are trying to juggle a career, family and school.”