The 2014 winter semester at North Central
Michigan College marked my return to college after a twenty year absence. My intention was to finish my photography/cinematography degree I
abandoned in 1993. My wife encouraged me
to seek a grant to cover expenses. The
grant I received provided enough money not only to finish my previous degree,
but to start work on another one. There
was just one major catch. In order to
receive the full amount of funds, I would have to attend full-time. Through the support of my family and
friends, I decided to plunge in head first.
There were still other hurdles to overcome in order to transition back
into college. However, the staff and
faculty at North Central Michigan College made my transition back to college smooth
and simple.
The eagerness of the office staff to
help with my educational journey was reassuring. Two individuals at the main campus in
particular, Nikki Morris and Christine Breed, made the transition back to
college straightforward. They helped me
enroll, transfer my credits and arrange my financial aid. Their communication with me through every step
of the process was outstanding. When it
came time to take my English placement exam, the personnel at the University
Center in Gaylord were extremely helpful.
One such person, Michelle Andrews, was very encouraging, thorough and
pleasant. Her cheerful and engaging
demeanor put me at ease concerning the test.
Additionally, her kind words regarding my score on the placement test were
a real reassurance to me.
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North Central Michigan College main campus |
Since North Central Michigan College
offers, online, hybrid and off site classes, the transition back to college was
almost painless. The online course, Introduction
to Computers, allowed me the flexibility to work ahead so as not to fall behind
in other courses. In addition,
structured online courses such as Human Biology and English Composition helped
me set priorities in order to stay on track.
The Introduction to Programming Logic course, held at Petoskey High
School, although it is a ninety-eight mile round trip each Thursday was worth
the drive. The ability to participate in
courses in a variety of ways, provides an uncomplicated means to return to
college.
The instructors at North Central
Michigan College really care about my educational and career goals. A major concern with the transition back to
college is the question of guidance and direction. Since I am an older student, I have no time
to waste. I needed to be shown the most effective path. Both Fred Harrington and Howard Bates have
been invaluable resources for advice.
Fred took the time to listen to me via several e-mail conversations and
left the door open for additional in-person meetings. Howard provided several insights into which
fields in computer science are growing and which are dying. Both Fred and Howard have provide very
informative feedback on which direction to achieve my educational and career goals.
Overall, I recommend North Central Michigan College to anyone who wants to continue their education. The college is large enough to serve the
needs of the community, yet small enough to be involved with each individual
student. The college’s staff and faculty
care enough to make the transition, no matter your stage of life, to college as
easy as possible.
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