Nicole was a straight-A student throughout her high school years at Ygnacio Valley High School; but when she went on to community college right after graduation, she left after one semester.
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Blog Archive: Adult Student
When Uganda-born Geofrey Ssebugwawo decided to seek asylum in the United States, all he wanted was safety. “I grew up knowing that America respects and protects human rights,” he said. “That’s why I wanted to come here.” While his journey to America, and to Vermont, was a long and arduous one — and…
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If you haven’t had the chance to hear one or both of Jay Natola’s NEK-based bands, Subject to Change and The Beardos, play a deep jam session, think Phish, Dave Matthews, or the Grateful Dead. “Subject to Change used to play a festival every year in Glover, and we put on a show. We could play a song…
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Karen McGovern, a counselor with VSAC’s Educational Opportunity Center (EOC), has worked with many adult Vermonters who want to go back to school to earn a needed credential or college degree. One student, in particular, Joanne Saunders of Fairfax, stands out. “When I first met Joanne about 12 years…
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Dalib Bulle’s life history may be what we all envision as the ideal immigrant story. He came to America from a war-torn country, got a job right away, and has been able to help hundreds of families from his native Somalia gain their own foothold in Vermont. Now, with the help of VSAC’s Educational…
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In the spirit of Thanksgiving, the VSAC team wants to say a special “thank you” to all the students who have participated in our VSAC Student Spotlight profile series over the last two years. We truly appreciate your taking the time -- and having the courage -- to share your stories with the world…
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During the holiday season, VSAC encourages families to look ahead and plan for their kids' future possibilities with a gift of education savings. Vermont’s state-sponsored 529 savings plan provides an easy way for families to give (and receive!) a gift that will last far beyond the holiday season…
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From a young age, Johanna Krushat had an inkling that she wanted to work with kids, but she wasn’t sure about the “how” or the “where.” Her Vermont Student Assistance Corp. (VSAC) counselor helped her narrow that down, and Johanna decided she wanted to be an elementary-school counselor. After…
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For students who are applying to college this year or who are looking for financial help for ongoing college study or for continuing education, it pays to research scholarship opportunities. The internet abounds with all manner of scholarships available to students of certain backgrounds or…
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Essex Principal Ashley Gray, right, with her wife, Rebecca and their son, Rio. Ashley Gray has never shied away from a challenge. When VSAC first profiled her in late 2019, she was a young principal at Peacham Elementary School in her native Northeast Kingdom. Though she grew up just 30 miles away…
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