Later he
attended a technical high school and got
interested in drafting. He said he was
always artistic and thought about a
career in architecture. Although no one
in his family had gone to college, he
felt encouraged by his parents and his
guidance counselor to pursue
post-secondary options. He was able to
take advantage of an EOP bridge program
which helped ease his way into a state
school. He was also fortunate enough to
spend his senior year at Inter American
University of Puerto Rico, an exchange
program he helped to establish as part
of the Latin American Association. He
later completed a master’s degree and
has worked in non-profit agencies and
higher education institutions throughout
Connecticut.
In his role as an admissions counselor
for an adult-serving, public online
college, Sam works with people from all
walks of life. For most adults,
balancing family, job and school is the
biggest challenge to returning to
learning. “You really have to want it”,
says Sam. “It is a lot of work, but
earning the degree is worth it.” Sam
finds that most of the prospective
students he works with are pursuing
their education because they want to be
role models for their children. The
reality of today’s market place is that
without a college education, your job
opportunities are limited. Parents want
the best for their kids and know that
completing college is a must to be
marketable.
One of the biggest challenges some of
his students face is dealing with
technology. They did not grow up with a
computer in their home and in the
classroom. “They’re a little
frightened”, he says. But, his advice to
them is to be willing to try new things.
“Sure, you’ll make some mistakes, but
eventually you’ll get it and you’ll be
thrilled with the accomplishment.”
When discussing the difference between
an on ground community college
environment and a four year online
college, Sam points out the vast
difference in culture. The community
college can seem more open, more
inviting, and more supportive. But, a
good online school can also be inviting
and supportive. He is very proud of the
degree of “personal” contact he has with
his students via the telephone and
email. “It’s very rewarding to build
relationships with people and to help
them carve a path to success.”
View all of
Lori's Blogs
Lori Pendleton's Bio
Lori
Gagne Pendleton is the Director of Admissions,
Charter Oak State College, a leader in
adult-friendly, distance learning education. She has
worked in higher education for over 15 years and is
committed to helping adults find the right path back
to college. Charter Oak State College offering
'degrees without boundaries'.
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