Chris Bentley is Fueled by Purpose

He is on a journey that begins in Greeley and strives to make a global impact. 

Chris is set to graduate with his associate degree from Aims in December 2024. His plan is to transfer to a four-year university in Fall 2025 to continue his business administration studies, focusing on nonprofit work and international business. He eventually wants to join the Peace Corps to make a difference overseas.

Scholarly Pursuits Guided by Mentors

Chris was born and raised in Greeley, Colorado, and graduated from Greeley Central High School in 2016. Out of high school, he started attending Aims, but financial issues kept him from completing a degree. "One of the reasons why I stopped was because I could no longer afford college,” Chris said. “I was in that range of, I made too much money to get assistance other than federal loans, and I made too little money to pay anything out of my own pocket.”

That decision pushed him to pursue full-time work. Chris is currently a production lead at OtterBox. One of his favorite parts of his job is being an ambassador for the OtterCares Foundation, the charitable arm of Otter Products.

“I decided to come back to college because I wanted to better my life,” Chris said. I also want to work in the nonprofit field.” Another reason he was inspired to return to Aims was the Finish What You Started (FWYS) Program. It provided resources and funding for Coloradans to complete a college degree. This gave Chris the confidence to move forward. 

While the statewide FWYS program is winding down, Gabriela Sanchez in the Aims Transition Center still supports Aims students in the program, including Chris. “From the moment I met Chris, I’ve been impressed by his work ethic and commitment,” she said. “I have no doubt that Chris will achieve great success in the future thanks to his dedication. It is also a pleasure to work with him as he is always positive, kind, and respectful.”

Chris is a fan of the program and appreciates the support from Sanchez and the team. “The Finish What You Started program has been fantastic,” he said. “Gabriela always checks in to ensure you’re doing well. She helped me feel like I was a part of the college community and not just going through the motions.”

This level of support helped Chris navigate challenges, develop effective study plans, and access resources to support his academic journey. Beyond financing his education, the program gave Chris a sense of belonging, motivating him to excel. It also allowed him to build relationships with professors and peers, which ultimately reinforced his goals and drove him to maintain a 4.0 GPA throughout his studies. It was a fantastic accomplishment as he worked a full-time job.

Chris’s professors are another area of support. He emphasized how much they contributed to his success and personal growth. One of his favorite professors in the business department is Jennifer Markiewicz, who Chris says is “amazing.” Chris also said another instructor, Mark Jarnot, “has an energetic teaching style and goes the extra mile to help students.”

Chris said he thinks the overall quality of teaching has greatly improved since his first time at Aims, saying it now feels like “everyone goes above and beyond.” This support from faculty has been instrumental in helping him stay motivated, maintain high academic standards, and refine his career goals.

“I’m proud to finally, after this semester, be able to graduate. It’s an accomplishment within itself for me.”

Drive to Make a Global Impact

One of Chris’ motivations for achieving a bachelor’s degree is joining the Peace Corps, as a bachelor’s degree is required for Peace Corps opportunities. He loves to travel and experience different cultures, and aspires to see the world and do some good.

Chris’s experiences with his wife and travels abroad shaped his love for nonprofit work. His wife, Blet Wah, is from Burma, came to the U.S. as a refugee from Thailand and became a citizen last year. He became a key source of support for her and her family, helping them with everything from government paperwork to job applications. This role sparked a stronger desire to make an impact on a global scale.

His recent travels to Thailand reinforced this commitment. During his visit, he witnessed firsthand the economic struggles that many families face. He observed families scraping by on limited incomes. He saw children pulled out of school because parents couldn’t justify spending half their monthly income on educational needs. This experience was eye-opening and heartbreaking for Chris.

It made him realize how much of a difference he could make in underserved communities abroad, whether through educational support or community development.

For Chris, it’s not about seeing the world but understanding it and finding ways to contribute. He hopes to use his business skills to help sustainable programs that empower people in underserved regions. 

“I felt like I could do more for more than just staying inside the U.S. and doing volunteerism here. I want to be overseas, helping more in-need children, helping with education, helping set up programs that can make a difference.”

Future Aspirations

Chris’s long-term vision extends far beyond his upcoming graduation, transferring to a four-year university and goal of joining the Peace Corps. He’s driven by a deep desire to make a difference on a global scale, aspiring one day to work with the United Nations. His path aligns with his passion for international development, community service and nonprofit work.