Nearly half of all undergraduate students enroll in a two-year college, and many STEM students take their introductory chemistry courses at a two-year college. The educational pathway of these students is often complex and nonlinear towards completion of a certificate, degree and/or transfer to a four-year program. These non-traditional pathways present distinct challenges in and out of the classroom for the educators who are trying to serve this important and diverse group of students. This book provides some insight into the current state of chemistry education reform at two-year colleges, provides specific ways to address some of the challenges of educating two-year college students, and reports strategies for success in chemistry at the two-year college. The contributing authors are chemical educators who have presented at one or more of our Strategies Promoting Success of Two-year College Students symposia that have been held at the Spring ACS National meetings since 2015.

I have had four different careers throughout my life. During the third career, I worked with my wife, owning and managing a gift and floral shop for twenty-five years. We managed to send our two kids through college but realized that our retirement plans could not be part of this business. God was closing a door but opening a window, as the old saying goes.

My wife, Anne, joined me for the fourth and final career. We became senior residential managers for the two Christian group homes owned by the Fredericksburg Baptist Church. One home housed six ladies, and the other home next door housed six men.

What a wonderful journey we had for fourteen years. We were there when the seed was planted in the Special Friends Sunday school class and helped nurture it to a reality when the first home opened in 1993.

We learned so much from the residents with their simple and strong faith. This was the most rewarding and enjoyable career that I could have wanted. It wasn't a job; it was a wonderful experience and adventure