When Job Alexander made the decision to move from Milwaukee, Wisconsin to Trinidad, Colorado his world changed overnight. A standout basketball player in high school, he had offers from several NCAA Division III and Division II schools – but only one from a community college. He made the decision in part due to a connection with Trinidad State Assistant Basketball Coach Chauncey Russel, who is also from Milwaukee. “He came to a few of my high school games and presented me with the opportunity,” said Alexander. By his second season at Trinidad State he was a co-captain, a 4.0 student and serving in the Student Government Association. He was recently chosen as a college Rising Star. In his last game as a Trojan, a loss in the Region IX Playoffs, he led all scorers with 26. “It worked out because of playing time and a two-year degree. Now I’m being recruited by better programs than I had in high school. Tennessee State, Montana State, Youngstown State, Coastal Carolina and some others.”

Job will graduate in May with an Associate of Arts in Business.

“Leaving home to go to a distant college is a very personal choice. It can work out but it can also be hard to make the adjustment. It’s going to be a struggle when you make such a drastic change. The uncertainty—you don’t know how it’s going to work out,” he said. Alexander’s second option was staying home and going to Marquette University and trying to make the basketball team as a walk on. As it turns out, heading across the country was the right choice. “I’m very pleased with how this worked out.”

Alexander says the weather is better in Trinidad, but its tiny size took some getting used to. And for a while it was hard to breathe. Because included in the 1,100 mile trip was more than a mile in elevation. Milwaukee is 600 feet above sea level, while Trinidad’s elevation is 6,000 feet.

After many successes at Trinidad State, he’s now ready to move on. “I went to a really challenging high school, so it prepared me for college. I had no idea I was going to have a 4.0 in college after a 3.0 in high school. But looking back, I can see how much it prepared me.”

The Colorado Community College System recognizes Rising Stars from across Colorado each spring. Students are selected based on good grades and outstanding contributions to college activities and to the community.