What brought you to Northeast State?
I had previously attended after graduating from Sullivan South High School years ago. I decided to pursue my associate degree.
Karen Gardner
What prompted you to pursue a college degree?
I wanted to prove to myself that I could be successful in college and create more opportunities for myself. My son earned a technical certificate in Welding from Northeast State. My daughter is an ETSU graduate. My husband is an industrial engineer and Virginia Tech graduate. There was a part of me that felt like there was more to it than being a mom. I wanted to prove to myself that I could be successful in college and create more opportunities for myself. I’m ready to do more than walk the dog.
How did you learn about Tennessee Reconnect?
I learned about Tennessee Reconnect from Kathy Coleman, my advisor at Northeast State. Once I qualified, it was an easy process. I liked the fact you could sign up for FAFSA and apply for Reconnect at the same time.
Being a non-traditional adult student, what was the biggest surprise about returning to college?
While I only have a few years of office work experience the last 25 years, I was surprised at how much my work experience did give me confidence in several of the online and computer classes. I was also surprised at how well I fit in with the other students.
What has been your favorite class?
Business Communications by far because of Dr. Garry Grau and his unique teaching technique. He has so many life experiences that he shares with you in class. He has a way of making you want to come to class. He has an attitude that makes you want to learn.
What was your most challenging class?
Math 1010 has been more challenging than I expected, especially after I had previously taken an online statistics class and made an A in that class.
For adults who don’t feel they can return to college, what advice would you give them?
The Tennessee Reconnect Program is a great opportunity to go to college for free tuition. Adults who feel they may not be a good fit for college may be pleasantly surprised by how much their real life experience helps them in their classes.
What advice would you give traditional students entering their first semester of college?
I would tell the traditional student to take college seriously and believe in yourself. The community college program is an excellent opportunity for high school students who plan to get a four-year degree to complete half of it on a limited budget. For students who do not plan to get a four-year degree it is a great opportunity to get a degree that will enable them to enter the workforce with a good paying job.
Sometimes having more confidence in yourself can be what your life needs.
What are your plans after graduating from Northeast State?
I am planning to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Marketing. I would love to pursue a career in talent acquisition or human resources.
For any adult student who finds himself or herself at a crossroads in life, do you feel pursuing an associate degree or technical certificate a positive thing? Why or why not?
Yes. At the very least, it is a confidence builder. Sometimes having more confidence in yourself can be what your life needs. Depending on which degree you pursue, you may also create opportunities for yourself to get a much better paying job than you have ever had before.
What brought you to Northeast State?
I had previously attended after graduating from Sullivan South High School years ago. I decided to pursue my associate degree.
What prompted you to pursue a college degree?
I wanted to prove to myself that I could be successful in college and create more opportunities for myself. My son earned a technical certificate in Welding from Northeast State. My daughter is an ETSU graduate. My husband is an industrial engineer and Virginia Tech graduate. There was a part of me that felt like there was more to it than being a mom. I wanted to prove to myself that I could be successful in college and create more opportunities for myself. I’m ready to do more than walk the dog.
How did you learn about Tennessee Reconnect?
I learned about Tennessee Reconnect from Kathy Coleman, my advisor at Northeast State. Once I qualified, it was an easy process. I liked the fact you could sign up for FAFSA and apply for Reconnect at the same time.
Being a non-traditional adult student, what was the biggest surprise about returning to college?
While I only have a few years of office work experience the last 25 years, I was surprised at how much my work experience did give me confidence in several of the online and computer classes. I was also surprised at how well I fit in with the other students.
What has been your favorite class?
Business Communications by far because of Dr. Garry Grau and his unique teaching technique. He has so many life experiences that he shares with you in class. He has a way of making you want to come to class. He has an attitude that makes you want to learn.
What was your most challenging class?
Math 1010 has been more challenging than I expected, especially after I had previously taken an online statistics class and made an A in that class.
For adults who don’t feel they can return to college, what advice would you give them?
The Tennessee Reconnect Program is a great opportunity to go to college for free tuition. Adults who feel they may not be a good fit for college may be pleasantly surprised by how much their real life experience helps them in their classes.
What advice would you give traditional students entering their first semester of college?
I would tell the traditional student to take college seriously and believe in yourself. The community college program is an excellent opportunity for high school students who plan to get a four-year degree to complete half of it on a limited budget. For students who do not plan to get a four-year degree it is a great opportunity to get a degree that will enable them to enter the workforce with a good paying job.
What are your plans after graduating from Northeast State?
I am planning to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Marketing. I would love to pursue a career in talent acquisition or human resources.
For any adult student who finds himself or herself at a crossroads in life, do you feel pursuing an associate degree or technical certificate a positive thing? Why or why not?
Yes. At the very least, it is a confidence builder. Sometimes having more confidence in yourself can be what your life needs. Depending on which degree you pursue, you may also create opportunities for yourself to get a much better paying job than you have ever had before.
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