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There is no doubt that the COVID-19 pandemic has affected our world in myriad ways, almost exclusively negative.

But even in the face of all the negative consequences, this pandemic has also offered a unique set of opportunities. Among those is the chance to pursue an education beyond high school, one that would eventually lead to better salaries and greater opportunity for career success.

Lamar State College Port Arthur was able to offer two free three-hour classes for free during the summer semesters.

The response has been immense.

Enrollment for Summer II, which begins on Tuesday (July 7), has nearly doubled over the 2019 Summer I semester.

Registration will continue through the first week of classes.

Among the most popular courses are our technical education offerings. People are pursuing careers that pay better and offer more opportunity for advancement.

In our corner of the world, where petrochemical companies offer thousands of jobs, education is critical in providing a workforce ready to take on the challenges of the future.

But technical education at LSCPA goes far beyond just serving our petrochemical industry partners. One of the most popular, and successful, departments at the college is Allied Health.

Perhaps now more than ever, new nurses are critical as the medical industry works for the care and recovery of those dealing with COVID-19.

According to a recent report in Forbes, nursing offers up to an annual salary of $55,000 on average. LSCPA offers students the ability train as a Certified Nurse Assistant, then a Licensed Vocational Nurse and, finally, a Registered Nurse.

In addition, we offer degrees and certificates in the fields of Surgical Technology and Substance Abuse Counselor.

But maybe medicine isn’t your area of interest. LSCPA offers certificates and degrees in Graphic Design, Software Designer, Criminal Justice, Paralegal, Business Office Management, Medical Office Management and Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning.

The list goes on and the career opportunities are nearly endless with the proper education.

And while a certificate or degree will result in greater earning potential, they also offer other benefits over a lifetime.

Your children will benefit from a higher quality of life, you’ll make better decisions as a consumer, have a higher level of savings, have greater personal and professional mobility and be able to enjoy more hobbies and leisure time activities.

Above it all, your return on investment will be immense. The cost of an associate degree, which often results directly in career opportunity, is far less than a bachelor’s degree.

In this time of fiscal insecurity, Lamar State College Port Arthur can be a calming force.

Author Mark Twain once said, “The secret of getting ahead is getting started.”

We are here and eager to help you get started, or continue, on your path to educational and career enlightenment.

Dr. Betty Reynard is president of Lamar State College Port Arthur. She can be reached at reynardbj@lamarpa.edu.