Published at Oct 24 2007 12:00AM
Category: Features
| Barbara Miller's experience as a volunteer at Shady Grove Adventist Hospital convinced her she wanted to be a nurse for the rest of her working years. So in fall of 2005, she enrolled in Biology 101 at Montgomery College, one of the many prerequisites she would need to apply to nursing school. After 30 years as a human resources manager, and with bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Michigan and Johns Hopkins University, respectively, she began to prepare herself for a big change. She spent two years completing evening science and math prerequisites at Montgomery College, by her employer and walked away from the corporate world. "I was 55 years old," said Miller, "but as a science and math student I was maybe 19-my last science course was high school chemistry in 1967, my last math course, statistics, was in grad school in 1976." According to Miller, two aspects of her experience stood out: excellent teaching and support in time of trouble. "Every professor I had was knowledgeable, fair, organized, and a real teacher. Some qualities were consistent across all-they started class on time even if students were late; gave a clear class syllabus in the first class; advised us in advance of quizzes and tests; encouraged questions, and if we were having trouble grasping a concept tried to explain it a different way; offered help before and after class. In short, the quality of teachers and teaching at Montgomery College is superb." When Miller began to struggle in chemistry and algebra, her MC counselors quickly sprang into action to remedy the situation. In chemistry, this meant spending an extra semester to take Intro Chemistry 100A before College Chemistry 101. For algebra, it meant after-class help from her professor, enrollment in two weeks of Advanced FastTrack Algebra concurrent with a math survey course, as well as some helpful accommodations. Miller was thrilled to be accepted to the University of Maryland's highly regarded, competitive bachelor of science in nursing program, which she started in August at the Shady Grove campus. "I always thought Montgomery College was a four-year college because it doesn't have "community" or the old "junior" in its name," said Miller. "MC is the caliber of a fine four-year institution and I am a grateful beneficiary." Miller is just one of thousands of adults who attend Montgomery College. Whether they are changing jobs, just entering the workforce or learning new skills for current jobs, MC offers a variety of credit and noncredit programs at all three campuses, at off-campus locations, through online courses and through abbreviated formats. The Adult Re-entry Program, for example, assists with academic planning, goal clarification and identifying resources. It offers counseling, mini-courses and workshops to help students realize their dreams. Students meet with counselors and advisors-specialists in helping new and returning students--to map out their academic plans. Plus, they have access to support services and opportunities, such as tutoring, study groups, special guest speakers, financial aid planning, "refresher" mini-courses and workshops in time management, study skills, computer skills, writing and math skills, and stress management. Students earn credits in a variety of flexible ways-distance learning, traditional classroom, credit for work experience, or College Level Examination Program (CLEP). ****************************** This article first appeared in the fall issue of MC Today. To view a PDF version of the entire issue, visit http://www.montgomerycollege.edu/news/mctodayarchive/mctodayfall2007.pdf. If you would like to receive a hard copy of MC Today, e-mail tina.kramer@montgomerycollege.edu. |