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Fremont couple takes on college together

Having a study buddy is great. Having one that lives with you is even better.

Andrew and Victoriana Bogle, both 30, live in Fremont County and have two daughters, including a newborn. Andrew is a production supervisor with a local company, working 12-hour overnight shifts. Victoriana is a stay-at-home mom.

Though he’s done well in his current position, Andrew started thinking more about what he wants the future to look like for himself and his family. He decided a change would be necessary for their long-term stability.

“Everybody in my family has been blue collar, working in factories,” he said. “The job I’m currently at is very physically demanding and it’s not a job a 60-year-old can do, so I decided if I wanted to do better in life I would have to go back to school.”

He decided to visit the �Ӱ������� Fremont campus in Cañon City, admitting that he expected little to come of it.

“I walked in and saw a sign that said something to the effect of, ‘This is where dreams are made.’ I laughed and thought to myself, yeah, maybe for others but not for me.”

That was before he met Jeff Smith, the student services coordinator for the Fremont campus.

“Jeff only seems to know the words ‘yes’ and ‘I’ll show you how,’” said Andrew.

Once Andrew got serious with his college search, Victoriana decided to join him. She attended college for a while right after high school before deciding to be at home with her daughters.

“Stay-at-home mom is my dream job, but that’s not really possible,” she said. “We knew we had to make some adjustments to live more comfortably.”

Smith was intrigued by the couple when he met with them.

“I just found them and their situation fascinating,” he said. “It’s not unusual to meet with one party and they bring their spouse along, but for them to say, ‘We both want to go to school’ – that doesn’t happen very often. Both were able to describe how they thought education would be a pathway to a different life – one with more stable finances and being able to provide better for their children, not having to work such crazy hours.” Smith guided the Bogles through the process of deciding on a program. Both ended up choosing health care – Surgical Technology for Andrew and Radiologic Technology for Victoriana.

“Being a volunteer firefighter, I’ve assisted EMS, and I enjoy helping people in their time of need, so surgical tech fits my interests perfectly – a nice balance of physical and mental abilities,” Andrew said.

Because of her personal experiences, Victoriana wants to specialize in sonography.

“Due to my fertility issues, I’ve become familiar with the ultrasound techs at St. Thomas More Hospital and gained an understanding of what the job entails,” she said. “I know what it’s like to wait for news after an ultrasound. The techs played a big role in easing my mind and distracting me from overthinking. I believe my personal experience would allow me to be an asset to patients.”

Understanding the resources available to them was a key to making things work.

"I really try to make sure students know about those – everything from scholarships to tutoring to the laptop kiosk to the food pantry,” said Smith. “I want them to know there are a lot of things available and they’re relatively easy to access. There’s no shame in asking for help. It’s the right thing to do.”

The resource most helpful for the Bogles at this point is the ability to take their prerequisite courses online. It doesn’t make the days shorter – Victoriana rises between 3:30 and 4 a.m. to get things rolling before Andrew returns from work – but it does simplify them.

“I can complete my classes while still making quality time for my family,” Victoriana said.

Andrew studies and does assignments as soon as he gets home, before heading to bed.

“I’ve learned eight hours of sleep is a myth. You can do it on four,” he said, laughing.

They hope to complete their associate degrees in 2027.

“It will take hard work and dedication, but we're no strangers to either,” said Victoriana.

“Studying in pairs – that’s the trick,” Andrew said.

Smith remains a valuable sounding board for the Bogles as they move through their college careers.

“I’m just very encouraged by their story and look forward to seeing how this is all going to play out,” said Smith. “They can handle this.”