Christina

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Christina nontraditional studentChristina – Danielson, CT

I am 33 years old and a mother of two beautiful children; a girl 4 years old and a boy 11 years old.  I am originally from Charlestown, RI.  My Husband and I moved to Danielson, CT 2 years ago.  I am a double major in Business Administration and Liberal Arts.

Why did you choose to come back to or start at QVCC?

I choose to come to QVCC because it was close to home and they generously gave me grants and scholarships to cover my tuition.  I always wanted to go back to college but I could never afford to.  QVCC finally gave me a chance to pursue my dream of earning a good education to support my family.

As an adult/non-traditional student, starting college can be intimidating. Can you explain your feelings about taking this step?

I came to QVCC’s student orientation night and I was definitely the oldest student there.  I had so much apprehension about being in class with kids 10 to 15 years younger.  I honestly felt like I would look stupid next to them.  However, after coming to my first week of classes, I learned that QVCC’s student body is made up of all ages from 15 to 65 year’s old.  Not only that, I have made some great friends with students of all ages.  We help each other in class, where age is nothing but a number.

What have you learned about QVCC, as an institution, that you didn’t know before you came here that has surprised you?

I have learned that it is not like any other institution I have experienced.  The faculty and staff go above and beyond to support you in your journey.  Not only are they teaching you, but many of them are alumni of QVCC.  I think that is says a lot about an institution when the students come back to work there.

 How did you overcome some of the obstacles or emotions which were standing in the way of starting college?

I had a lot of anxiety about coming back to college. I worried about my 3-year-old daughter starting school.  Stepping Stones Early Learning Center, which is located right on campus, was wonderful to my daughter. They did a fantastic job getting her acclimated to coming to school.  Thanks to them and QVCC, I was able to attend to college classes and afford school for my daughter.

You have beeApply Nown very involved while here at the College. Share your experiences about being involved on campus. 

After I was hired as a student worker in the Student Success Center, I met some great people who do a lot of work behind the scenes at QVCC – student records, financial aid and advising.  I also met members of the Student Government Association (SGA), who welcomed me as a volunteer with open arms.  In the Fall of 2016, I became the treasurer for the SGA.  I am so proud to be a part of the SGA and find creating events for fellow students as meaningful use of my time. My current student worker position is in the Learning Center as a tutor. Tutoring not only helps my fellow students, but it helps me to learn the material even better.  I have a passion for helping others and my position as a tutor and SGA officer gives me so many opportunities to fill my passion.

What has been the best part of being a QVCC student?

 The best part of being a QVCC student has been and continues to be making lasting relationships.  College is not just about learning, it’s about the experiences that go along with it.  As a new person in town, I never thought I would have gained the friends that I did here, both with students and faculty.

What advice can you give to someone, who is in your shoes, who might be interested in going to college and considering QVCC?

My advice to someone looking to go to college and considering QVCC would be to try it out.  You won’t regret it.  Every college student has to take general education courses no matter where they go.  QVCC makes taking general electives affordable and fun! It is a great place to start and they have so many agreements with local universities that you can’t go wrong coming to QVCC. 

You are more than a student ID, you are a person and QVCC understands that each person has a story.  Here they want to know your story, how many colleges can you say that about?

What are your plans after you graduate from QVCC?

Christina and Denise Walsh
Christina with Denise Walsh, Professor of Mathematics

My goal is to graduate from QVCC in the Spring of 2018.  I wish I could get my bachelor’s degree here, but I can’t.  So, my plans are to attend Rhode Island College to earn my degree in Mathematics.  I would like to be an Actuary or a math teacher, in college or in middle school.