Completed Bridge-to-College Program Fall Semester 2007- Enrolled in college courses at Community College of Vermont – Bennington as part-time student, Spring Semester 2008 through Fall Semester 2008, as married mother of three children with part-time employment
- Awarded A.A.U.W. Scholarships for Female Non-traditional Students both Spring and Fall Semesters 2008
- Became full-time college student at CCV Spring Semester 2009
In her own words:
I had my first child at the age of 14. Not knowing where to turn, I went to Sunrise Family Resource Center for family development support. While participating in their educational program for teen parents and moms-to-be, I was fortunate to take part in an activities-based reading series called the “Tell Me a Story Project” provided by The Tutorial Center. That project taught us how to interact with books and with our children. We read aloud and acted out the children’s books that we would read with our children. We also did hands-on activities and neat little art projects about the books that we could do with our children as their first teachers. My child loved it!
After I graduated with a high school diploma, I didn’t feel as if I was ready for college yet. So once again not knowing where to do, I went to The Tutorial Center and asked if I could go back to school: “ha ha,” as crazy as that sounds. The interviewer looked at me and told me that I was talking to the wrong person. I needed to be talking with Jan Bopp about the Bridge-to-College Program. I was nervous, but agreed. In came Jan (the Tell Me a Story man) and we started talking about the transition program and how it would help me get ready for college-level classes and how to be successful in college. For some reason I trusted him. It sounded like he knew his stuff; and what did I have left to lose, nothing, only something to gain.”Only to gain” was right.
While I was in Bridge-to-College, I not only received the help I asked for, but much more. I gained a wide knowledge base covering all academic basics and a family of fellow students. Everyone in our program group was absolutely wonderful. We all got along and felt comfortable with each other and the staff right away. I can’t even express how much I gained from this program. If the Bridge-to-College had not been available, I’m not sure where I would be right now. I don’t even want to think about that.
I graduated from Bridge-to-College and am currently working full-time on an Associate’s Degree in Business. I have 30 credits as of Spring Semester 2009, and will have one full year ahead of me to complete the requirements for my degree.
Thank you so much, Tutorial Center, for having made this opportunity available. To anyone else for whom this chance comes along, take it. You will not regret it.