Receptionist and Billing Clerk
Apartment Association of Dallas

“I took some accounting classes in high school as an elective, so I knew that’s what I wanted to do. I just love accounting, period.

“I earned my associate degree in accounting from Brookhaven College in May 2007. Now I want to go on and earn a bachelor’s degree in accounting too, probably from the University of North Texas. My dream job would be to work with transactions and balance sheets.

“Becky Knickel was just the best accounting professor. The explanations she gives you help you really learn what you’re doing so you can take that knowledge with you — not just memorize it for a test.

“The most important thing I learned at Brookhaven was to stay focused. There’s always a point where things get hard, but if you follow your heart and don’t give up, you can make it.”

Nieshia Tyler earned an associate degree in accounting from Brookhaven College in May 2007. In her current job, she serves as the company’s receptionist and as billing clerk creates invoices for orders purchased the previous day. She plans to continue to work full time as she pursues a bachelor’s degree in accounting.

Nieshia attended DCCCD through the Rising Star program, which promises the youth of Dallas County that if they stay in high school, graduate, demonstrate a modest level of academic potential and have specific financial need, the DCCCD Foundation will guarantee them the opportunity to earn a two-year education from any of the seven DCCCD community colleges. Rising Star provides academic support services and up to $4,000 for tuition and books throughout a student’s education at DCCCD.