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ConnectED: Connecting Higher Education to Business
“We both would say that Terra State does a very good job of making you not feel intimidated as an older student.” finishing that degree is still on his to-do list. “I always thought not having a degree was holding me back a little bit, and long-term I’d still like to get my chemistry degree,” Ron said. “But this degree enhances what I’ve already been doing. As a lab technician, you’re doing various tests but you may not always understand why. This degree helped me learn more about the ‘why’ of the things I do in the lab.” Both Betty and Ron said they were lucky to be able to attend classes full time, although they were a little intimidated to return to school, thinking they would stand out in a sea of younger students. But they quickly found out that they weren’t the only non-traditional students on campus. “We both would say that Terra State does a very good job of making you not feel intimidated as an older student,” Ron said. “We always felt very comfortable there, and it actually makes you feel younger to be back in college. Your mind is more active and you’re devoting your time to learning.” Today, the Bergers are devoting their time to becoming productive members of the workforce. “We’re looking for something within an hour radius. I’d like to stay as a lab technician somewhere, and I also learned the color matching aspect of the industry, so that will open the door for a color lab tech job somewhere,” Ron said. Betty said she would like to work in a doctor’s office or a hospital, and added that Terra has helped them with their re-entry into the job market. “Terra has a job board that we have used a couple times, and they work with you on developing your resume and sharpening your interview skills,” she said. Armed with a post-secondary education in two in-demand fields, the Bergers look forward to whatever lies ahead. “We are confident that Ron and Betty have accumulated the knowledge and skill to be competitive in today’s job market, and we’re very excited about their future,” President Webster said. “They are one motivated couple.” The Bergers encourage other non-traditional students to share in their motivation and return to the classroom. “It’s definitely worth it, and you’re never too old,” Ron said. “I would encourage anyone to go back to pursue a degree. If I can do it, anyone can do it,” Betty said.
ConnectED: Connecting Higher Education to Business | Volume 2 Issue 3