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CTE STUDENT SUCCESS

Ebony Lewis

Certificate: Real Estate 

What made you come to Cerritos College and why?

I have a few different community colleges around me: Long Beach City and Cypress. Cerritos College stood out to me for two reasons. First, I have a friend who came here and she liked the atmosphere and curriculum. Second, there is a child development center, which was important to me because I have a four-year-old daughter (she was younger at the time). These two factors played a part in why I chose Cerritos College.

I didn't know that I was going to jump into real estate. Real estate turned out to be a positive change for me. I took one course with Professor Brady, and I really enjoyed it. As I explored the class further and learned more about real estate, my interest grew. I’ve been able to discover my passion while I’ve been a student here.

Furthermore, my mother went through a disappointing encounter with the real estate agent who handled the sale of her first home. Witnessing her experience and drawing upon my existing knowledge of the real estate industry, I felt compelled to assist. I realized that it was a field where I could make a difference, so I decided to pivot and jump into real estate.

STUDENT ADVICE

Just go for it. Keep an open mind when you enter the real estate industry. Of course, there are people who have come before you, but let your experience be your own. Envision the end 
result you desire for yourself and pursue that path.

Be open to the challenges that will arise along the way, as they will serve as valuable learning experiences.

INSIGHT

I have to give credit to the instructors; they have been phenomenal and patient. They are always willing to help. I didn't realize instructors could be so supportive. The instructors I have encountered continuously encourage and motivate students throughout their academic journey. For instance, if they notice a student falling behind, they proactively offer assistance, saying things like, "Hey, I see you're struggling here. Let me know if there's anything I can do to help." Their hands-on approach surpassed my expectations. While college education generally requires self-accountability, instructors play a significant role in ensuring students stay on track.

In Professor Brady's work experience course, she provides a list of brokers with whom we can collaborate. This allows us to choose a broker that aligns with our preferences. Personally, I opted for Berkshire Hathaway Home Services, recognizing their program as one of the best. They provide comprehensive training, including frequent workshops and diverse sessions held multiple times a week. Their training equips individuals with the necessary skills in areas such as lead generation, marketing, and commercial real estate. Additionally, the option to attend either live or online sessions has been incredibly beneficial, especially for someone like me with the responsibilities of motherhood. The flexibility provided has made a remarkable difference in my journey.

My plan is to continue my career as a realtor with Berkshire Hathaway Home Services. The work experience course has played a  pivotal role in helping me successfully pass the challenging real estate exam. As a double major in real estate and business management, I am set to graduate with two degrees and a certificate. Upon graduation, I will already possess the necessary license to practice real estate.

Cerritos College

Real Estate

For more information on enrollment, please refer to the current class schedule or consult a counselor.
www.cerritos.edu/real-estate