Bergen Community College

A.S.

I believe in being a lifelong learner. Many things have sparked my desire to achieve my Associates in Science. By achieving this degree I can pursue greater career challenges and continue my Bachelors in History at a four-year college. I started as an early childhood education major but through the years I began to realize that I loved history and political issues. My full-time career has taken me to the business world – and now an educational setting. Some of my goals after achieving my Bachelors will be to work in historical museum research or teaching history in elementary school.

My daughter, Jennifer, and my husband have been a tremendously supportive of me to continue my education.

I had an unusual circumstance because I started Bergen Community College when I was pregnant with my first child. Bergen appealed to my academic standards. Due to the untimely death of my first husband, and being a single parent, I wasn't able to finish my degree right away. I started in 1976 and will graduate in May 2008. I felt safer at a local, small college due to my circumstances. During these years of being a student, I have been impressed with the professional teaching staff at Bergen, and appreciate the outstanding reputation the College has achieved throughout the state.

My advice to any student is: never give up and follow your dreams. It is never too late to learn. My life's journey may have postponed my “American dream” but it has not stopped it.

My favorite academic experiences thus far were taking meteorology and all of my history and language classes. I thoroughly enjoy history, environmental issues and the Italian language.

I am a proud member of Phi Theta Kappa and was inducted in December 2008. I was also honored to be a member in 1980 during my early years at the College. Currently my Phi Theta Kappa members and I have volunteered hours to noteworthy causes. I volunteered on and off campus through my years as a PTO mom for my children and various church groups as well. I also belong to professional organizations such as BCEA and NJEA.