Bergen Community College

Bergen Community College student Sione Douglas, of Bergenfield, is studying social work to pursue a career as a social worker. As a non-traditional college student, Douglas has had a remarkable journey, which led her to Bergen.

“My experience at Bergen Community College became one of the most meaningful experiences of my life, second only to motherhood,” said Douglas who is the mother of four adult children and a grandmother to nineteen grandchildren.

“For a long time, I was certain that returning to school was something I could never do,” said Douglas. “I wanted more out of life, but college did not feel like something meant for me.” Questioning herself, she thought “What if I went to college and failed?”

At the age of sixteen, Douglas had gone to a judge and emancipated herself because she believed that she was ready to begin adult life. Instead of remaining in high school, she earned her GED in October 1985, one month after giving birth to her son at sixteen. A few years later, she had three more children. While she learned to be a mother, she matured alongside her children. “My greatest aspiration was always to be a good mother to my children,” she said.

“During those years, life became much harder than I had ever imagined, said Douglas who is survivor of domestic violence. “I faced circumstances that required me to focus on survival and protection.”

“I can remember many nights feeling like I didn’t deserve the life I had chosen for myself, but at that point not knowing how to turn it around,” she said. “I had children who depended on me, so I had to be strong and endure no matter what.”

As Douglas’ children grew up and pursued their education, she kept thinking about her own education. Playing it safe in her own eyes, Douglas pursued certifications and became a home health aide, certified nursing assistant, and medical assistant where she worked in group homes, nursing homes, hospitals, and hospice settings.

Douglas initially chose Bergen for the Direct Support Professional program offered through the College’s Division of Continuing Education program. She had seen the Bergen Community College advertisement for a Direct Support Professional certification course.

“I felt so comfortable and supported while taking the college courses required in the DSP program,” she said. Douglas credits sociology professor Shari Franschman for bringing warmth and positive energy into the room.

“I met Professor Shari Franschman and I figured that if all professors were like her at Bergen then I was in the right place,” she said. “I was right!”

“As soon as I met Sione, I was struck by her undeniable passion to learn,” said Franschman. “Sione is the epitome of why we are here.”

“I have been fortunate to have Professor Franschman as a mentor,” said Douglas. “She has made herself available offering guidance and encouragement the entire way.”

When the course ended, Douglas found herself asking, “What do I do now?”

“I did not want to leave. I wanted to stay in school,” said Douglas. “I found a place I felt comfortable and that was at Bergen Community College.”

Douglas was not sure how she would be able to attend college while working full-time in the mental healthcare field. “I had no detailed plan, only the certainty that I had to try.” She said, “I did not realize that the requirement to take two college courses related to social work would place me on a path toward my future.”

She enrolled in Bergen and soon became a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS) and the two-year honor society Phi Theta Kappa. She credits Bergen’s strong support system, the academic resources available, and the supportive and approachable professors for her overall student engagement, confidence, and ultimately, her success.

“The encouragement and support I receive from my family has motivated me to keep pushing forward and stay committed to my goals,” she said. “My children have been my greatest support system.” When Douglas feels discouraged, her children remind her, “You’ve got this, Mom. We’re here for you.”

“Bergen Community College embraces students where they are and provides a safe learning community for all,” said Franschman who also serves as the Director of the Violence Intervention Prevention Program. “I am blessed to be on her remarkable journey!”

“Graduating means everything to me,” said Douglas. “When I think about walking across the stage, I get tears in my eyes.”

“I am deeply grateful for this opportunity,” she said. “Returning to school taught me that ‘it is never too late” is not simply a cliché.”

After being out of school for nearly 40 years, Douglas expects to graduate with her associate degree in Fall 2026. She plans to pursue her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social work. “Bergen made that possible,” she said.

Based in Paramus, Bergen Community College (www.bergen.edu), a public two-year coeducational college, enrolls more than 24,000 students at locations in Paramus, the Philip Ciarco Jr. Learning Center in Hackensack and Bergen Community College at the Meadowlands in Lyndhurst. The College offers associate degree, certificate and continuing education programs in a variety of fields. More students graduate from Bergen than any other community college in the state.

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