GCCC Alumni Spotlight: Cayla Steinert
Originally from Olmitz, Kansas, Cayla Steinert chose Garden City Community College in 2017 because it felt familiar. With family members who had attended GCCC, she already had connections to campus and knew it offered the welcoming, small-town college experience she was looking for.
“GCCC was a campus I was familiar with. My uncle and sister attended GCCC, and I went to many games with them, as he played football and she was a cheerleader. It was the small-town campus that I was looking for, and it made it so easy to get into activities and be a part of the school.”
Once on campus, Steinert quickly found opportunities to get involved and explore her interests. She participated in Choir, Honors Choir, Buster Sound (Marching Band), and Jazz Band, experiences that helped her build friendships, develop her musical abilities, and become more confident.
Looking back, Steinert credits the GCCC community, including her classmates and professors, with helping her grow both personally and academically.
“I was very shy and was very nervous about going to college. At GCCC, I was able to grow and find my people who helped me get out of my shell. Not only were my peers helpful, but the professors as well. My Anatomy and Physiology professor and Chemistry professors were so helpful and gave me so much support to succeed. Being in the band also helped me a lot by giving me a sense of community. I was able to be part of a group, have fun, and expand my skills as a musician all in one class. I had a blast at GCCC and loved all my professors.”
Steinert graduated from GCCC in 2019 with an Associate in Science before continuing her education at Fort Hays State University. There, she earned Bachelor of Science degrees in Biology and Biology Education. She is currently pursuing a Master of Natural Science Education at Colorado State University, with plans to graduate in fall 2026.
Today, Steinert has come full circle, serving as a Science Teacher at Garden City High School. She teaches Honors Biology, Biology, Environmental Science, and Wildlife and Natural Resources, helping the next generation of students discover their interests and potential.
Her experiences as a GCCC student also shaped how she approaches her career and the importance she places on building a supportive community.
“Teamwork is everything. If you don't have a strong support system in place, you won't succeed. I was very fortunate to have great friends and peers that I am still in contact with today.”
For current and future GCCC students, Steinert encourages getting involved early and taking advantage of the opportunities available on campus. “Go and join an activity. The more you are in, the easier it is to feel like a part of something.”
Steinert also recognizes two GCCC professors who made a lasting impact on her educational journey and career path: Chemistry Professor Daniel Kyinakwa and Anatomy and Physiology Professor Elizabeth Tharman.
“I would love to shout out my Chemistry Professor Mr. K (Daniel Kyinakwa) and my A&P professor Ms. Elizabeth Tharman; they helped me so much, and I don't think I would've chosen to be a teacher without their amazing examples.”
From building lifelong friendships to discovering her passion for education, Cayla Steinert’s journey shows the lasting impact of the opportunities, relationships, and experiences at GCCC. Today, she is making a difference in her own community as an educator, carrying forward the lessons and encouragement she received as a Broncbuster.
GCCC is proud to be part of Cayla’s story and the many ways our alumni make a difference in their communities. Through the GCCC Endowment Association, you can help future students pursue their own goals by establishing an endowed scholarship and investing in the next generation of Busters.
From here, you can go anywhere.
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Garden City Community College exists to produce positive contributors to the economic and social well-being of society.