When Blerina “Bella” Vadarlis attended an orientation at Montgomery County Community College, she knew instantly that this was the college for her.

Vadarlis, of Lansdale, soon after enrolled in Montco’s Education in the Early Years associate’s degree program.

"It’s a two-year community college that looks like a four-year college," she said. “It’s got everything I ever needed."

When I started my classes, it felt like I was part of a family."

She enjoyed the small class sizes and the availability of courses in her major.

"Everything was at my fingertips and was convenient," she said. "The library was so resourceful and everything I looked for I found and more."

Transitioning back into college life was a bit of an adjustment. Vadarlis had graduated from Northeast High School in 2002 and had attended Widener University through 2004. She worried that the time she had taken off to raise her children put her at a disadvantage.

"I felt like I wasn’t ready for school," said Vadarlis, who had aced honors classes in high school and maintained a 4.0 GPA. "It felt like I lost touch with education."

Vadarlis, who graduated in May 2018 from Montco with a 4.0 GPA, soon discovered that her worries were irrelevant.

"When I started my classes, it felt like I was part of a family," she said. "All of my professors were so eager to help me."

Psychology Associate Professor Dr. Marla Sturm "was a mentor for me since day one," she added.

"She saw that I was good at what I was doing. I was a good student and I was trying my best," Vadarlis said. "She gave me the insight of how to start college again. I knew it. I just needed to be confident about it."

It was Dr. Sturm who encouraged Vadarlis, an early childhood education major, to join the Psychology Club. She soon became president of the club.

Under the leadership of Psychology Associate Professor Dr. Steven Baron, Vadarlis led a research project aimed at determining the best way for the College to get in touch with its students. Of the options–email, text message or mailed letters–the survey determined that text message is the best way to communicate with students. While on vacation in Greece, Vadarlis presented the findings to the College’s Board of Trustees via Skype.

In addition to her role with the Psychology Club, Vadarlis has been a member of the Phi Theta Kappa honor society since her first semester at Montco. Because of her high GPA, she applied for and received the Jean Macht Scholarship.

Before graduating, Vadarlis spoke to the donors of the scholarship about how it made a difference in her life. Following her post-Montco studies at West Chester University and a new career, Vadarlis said she intends to give back to the College. Vadarlis, who aspires to work in early childhood intervention, plans to create a fund in her name for children with learning disabilities.

"I hope everybody can give a little bit," she said. "Just a little bit is a lot."