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Blog Archive: Exploring Career Options

Amina Malagic photo
03 Jun

With curiosity and determination, Amina Malagic is set for success

Written by
Emily Stetson

When it came to college and career paths, Spaulding High School senior Amina Malagic had two strong role models growing up: her older sisters. Both were high achievers who graduated from UVM and went on to graduate school; one has her MBA, and the other is pursuing her DPM. “I grew up seeing my…
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Talent Search student Alex Dufresne
19 May

Talent Search student Alex Dufresne rethinks his future

Written by
Emily Stetson

Alex Dufresne, a senior at Twinfield Union High School in Marshfield, admits that his high-school academic experience has been a bit of a roller coaster. “My grades have been really good one year, then really bad the next, then pretty good the next year,” says Alex, who also had some up-and-down…
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Meadow Yvon image
11 May

VSAC GEAR UP student Meadow Yvon grows outside her comfort zone

Written by
Emily Stetson

Twenty-one-year-old Meadow Yvon is just the sort of person you’d want to have as your dental hygienist. She’s diligent and sensitive — and clearly attentive to the needs and feelings of others. “I’ve just always wanted to help people,” Meadow says of the thought process that led her to pursue a…
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Vicky Mills
29 Apr

Vicky Mills is a force of nature

Written by
Sabina Haskell

“I never thought about what I wanted to do when I grew up,” says Vicky Mills. “No one in my family went to college, and my brother and mother didn’t finish high school.” By Vicky’s own account, her journey to VSAC’s Educational Opportunity Center (EOC) program has not been a straight line. She…
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Seth Jackson
09 Apr

Seth Jackson is a leader on and off the court

Written by
Sabina Haskell

“I think Seth is one of the most self-motivated, ‘cup-half-full’ students that I work with,” said Soren Dews, Seth Jackson’s VSAC counselor. “Even if it's an obstacle, he looks at it as ‘how can I get through this? How can I get motivated?’ I think that is so impressive.” The Burlington High School…
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Nikiah Viger
02 Apr

VSAC alumna Nikiah Viger pays it forward

Written by
Sabina Haskell

“Without VSAC and my guidance counselor, I wouldn't be where I am right now.” Nikiah Viger’s experience with VSAC shaped her career. Now as the senior financial aid officer at VTSU Castleton, Nikiah works to make college possible for all students, including first-generation college students like…
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Georgette Niyokindi
18 Mar

Georgette Niyokindi’s degree will help her support new families in VT

Written by
Sabina Haskell

For Georgette Niyokindi, getting a college degree gives her the opportunity to give back to her new community: Burlington, Vermont. Currently enrolled at the Community College of Vermont, Georgette is on track to receive a degree in behavioral science before focusing her studies on social work. Her…
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Adrianne Hutchin
11 Mar

Adrianne Hutchin wants to support her community as a family law attorney

Written by
Sabina Haskell

“Success is helping other people. If I can go to bed and know that I made a difference in a person's life that day, then I have succeeded.” It’s hard to speak with Adrianne Hutchin and not leave inspired. The fifth-generation Vermonter and mother of five children is determined to give back to her…
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