Adult Learner Finds Success at NCC
“I’ve started and stopped my educational journey many times, and when the pandemic happened, I no longer had to spend four hours a day commuting into Cambridge for work since everything was shut down. I saw this program and thought it was a great opportunity to carry on my education.”
Jennifer, a 52-year-old working professional and single mom from Nashua. She continued working remotely, and was able to move through her degree quickly by using previous credits, and sticking with the ALL schedule of two condensed classes every eight weeks.
Jennifer emphasized the importance of staying focused, and following the class and study schedule recommended by the ALL team. “The most challenging part was staying disciplined. Making sure you carve out those hours for your homework and stick with it. For me, nights and weekends were homework, and you can’t slack off on it. It is a serious commitment. You get out of it what you put into it, and now I can apply this to my job.”
The hard work paid off, and Jennifer was able to fit a complete associate degree in two years without sacrificing her career. “The most helpful was that I was able to take 2 classes at a time, and progress through it while going to work and trying to balance everything. I was able to do it in two years versus four years; it was encouraging.”
The faculty provided helpful mentorship along the way, she said, “I found that the professors were very encouraging, and very supportive of our learning. You know how there’s that one person who motivates you and encourages you from beginning to end? Professor [Tricia] DiLorenzo was that person, she is an outstanding professor.”
Jennifer graduated from Nashua Community College in May 2022, cheered on by her son and family. “It was a long time in the making. Next, I’m looking at January to start at UNH. I’ll be continuing with business, it is very helpful in my current role at work.”
Regarding the experience of completing a degree after 50, she said, “I think there’s something to be said for taking classes later in life because you can take what you have learned and apply it directly. I found the whole experience challenging but rewarding.”
“It was a long time in the making. Next, I’m looking at January to start at UNH. I’ll be continuing with business, it is very helpful in my current role at work.”
Career and Technical Education Pathways Director Kim Eckenrode advises ALL students, and cheered Jennifer on from the sidelines. “When I first met Jen she told me she has always wanted a degree,” said Kim. “She was so determined, Jen scheduled a meeting with her supervisor to let them know her plans and on class nights ending the work day on time was a priority.”
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