Andrea "Andi" Ossea

My journey started in 1999. My mom gave me an ultimatum: go to college or pay rent. The choice was easy. Why pay rent?

I enrolled at SMC and planned to major in Communications because I wanted to become a radio disc jockey. I also loved spending money, so I worked several jobs. Eventually, work took over school. I moved out on my own, and that was that.

Years later, after major health struggles and being lucky to be alive, I wanted something different. Soon after my illness, my brother was diagnosed with colon cancer. Then my dad and brother passed away within three weeks of each other. It was one of the hardest times of my life. I felt lost and overwhelmed by change.

One moment of joy I will never forget was attending my sister Terri’s graduation when she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Business. I forced my brother to take pictures with me that day. Nine years ago, Terri earned her MBA, and that moment brought our family joy during a dark time. I wished my brother had been there in person, but I knew he was there in spirit.

Since then, I have often felt lost, wondering what I was doing with my life and knowing I was meant to make a change. Then COVID hit, and I saw an opportunity to go back to school while everything was online.

I started slow, changed my major at SMC, earned several AA degrees, raised my GPA from a 1.9 to a 3.7, and was accepted into the College of Business at Cal State Long Beach.

Here we are, six years after my journey restarted. It was not easy. I questioned myself many times. I dealt with health issues, stress, anxiety, leaving the only career I knew, and starting a new one with challenges of its own. But I made it through.

I hope my journey inspires someone who thinks they are too old, or that it is too hard. If I can do it, you can. It is easy not to do the work, but when you reach the end, it is so gratifying.

Good Morning! Its been a minute but wanted to wish everyone a happy Tuesday! Apparently I have an alter ego Anita

Hey everyone! 👋

I’m working on a project for my International Business Class, and it is focused on improving tools for people learning English as a second language (ESL), and I’d really appreciate your help.

If English is not your first language, could you take 2–3 minutes to complete this short survey? Your feedback will help us better understand real challenges and improve learning tools for students like you.

📌 Survey link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe9k1zjBrpRJ2sXGFfmz3yznpYFTqEGQ_nj0CsEsuysSYvYFA/viewform?usp=header
📱 Or scan the QR code below!

Thank you so much in advance—your input really makes a difference! (Feel free to share the link with anyone who you think would be interested in taking the survey)

4th signing from yesterday dropped off. Thank you

First stop... Fedex

3/4 signings after my 9-5 and 1 from this morning dropped off. Happy Saturday all!

Todays signing escrow drop off. Thank you .nationwide I wouldn't be here today without you taking a chance on me

Last signing from last night with drop off in Arcadia. Thank you I love working for you!

2nd signing picked up yesterday with docs dropped at escrow. 1st time home buyer. Thank you for the opportunity and always being available to answer any silly questions I have

1 of 2 signings i picked up last night. Thank you for the opportunity for the refi package. Forgot my fedex drop Pic but always a pleasure working with you