Harlan Campus Student of the Month

Matthew Anderson

Matthew Anderson remembers the moment he realized simply getting by wasn’t enough.

“There came a point where just surviving wasn’t enough,” he said. That realization led him back to Southeast’s Harlan Campus, where he is the January Student of the Month and on track to earn his associate in science degree this May.

Balancing full-time work and family responsibilities, Matthew returned to college with a different mindset. Early on, he developed a strong interest in business and how organizations are built and sustained.

After completing his first semester, Matthew reviewed his grades and felt something he hadn’t expected: calm.

“I had tried college before, but I wasn’t in the right place in my life,” he said. “Seeing those grades, I felt accomplished. I felt proud.”

Matthew credits much of his success to his advisor, Erica Farmer, who he says has guided him step by step. He dedicates evenings and weekends to coursework and consistently pushes himself academically.

Now preparing to transfer and complete his bachelor’s degree, Matthew says Southeast provided the structure and flexibility he needed to rebuild his confidence.

“I’m proud of myself,” he said.