Finally Near the Finish Line

January 2021

Born and raised in the Philippines, Joy Escalante is currently in her third semester at Ensign College. Having attended several colleges throughout her life, she finally feels like she has a plan she can complete. Serving a mission, getting married, having five children, and relocating with her family to Washington, California, the Philippines, Hawaii, and eventually Utah stopped her from attending school many times. The one time in her educational journey that she finished school was when she earned her PathwayConnect certificate while living in Hawaii.

Being a member of the first Pathway graduating group in her stake is a moment of pride in Joy’s life. “There were seven of us that did it all together,” says Joy. “It sharpened my brain and helped me learn spiritual and temporal things at the same time.” She especially loved the weekly gatherings and how everyone had a chance to talk and lead the group. “I liked the small setting because I learned more, and my confidence grew in those situations,” she says. “The group discussions are where I really learned in a deeper way, and I wouldn’t be almost done with college without it.” Joy is currently in her third semester at Ensign College and will soon complete her certificate in human resource management.