Emma Petersen finds her passion close to home

EMMA PETERSEN

FINDS HER PASSION CLOSE TO HOME

It was a great stepping-stone – a place to explore options, find herself and embark on a path to a job she loves. That’s how Emma Petersen (‘16) describes her experience at North Platte Community College. Petersen graduated from NPCC with two degrees – an Associate of General Studies and an Associate of Arts.

She now works as the prevention, education and outreach coordinator for North Platte’s Rape/Domestic Abuse Program.

“It took me awhile to decide what I wanted to study,” said Petersen. “That was what was nice about NPCC. While I was figuring out what I was interested in, I was doing so at a price I could afford.”

Her initial goal was to study history, specifically ancient history, and one day become a museum curator. However, after taking Psychology, Petersen switched her focus to that and is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in the subject area from Chadron State College.

“Eventually, I would like to pursue counseling certifications, but for now, I’m really enjoying what I do,” said Petersen.

She now travels to schools within RDAP’s six-county area: Lincoln, Logan, Hooker, Thomas, Cherry and McPherson, talking about violence prevention, providing one-on-one advocacy and offering community referrals. NPCC is one of her stops.

“Probably my favorite part is presenting to students,” said Petersen. “Parents aren’t always comfortable talking to their kids about things such as dating violence. I enjoy being able to explain, ‘Here’s what a healthy relationship looks like, and here’s how and where to get help if you need it’.”

She credits NPCC for leading her to that opportunity.

“I think the college is a huge asset to this area,” said Petersen. “It’s an important component not only in keeping people here, which I’m proof of, but also in moving rural Nebraska forward.”

WHILE I WAS FIGURING OUT WHAT I WAS INTERESTED IN, I WAS DOING SO AT A PRICE I COULD AFFORD.” “