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College Success Story |
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Sandra Snyder, College Transition Program graduate.
“It was a great stepping stone.”
High School Diploma to Dean’s List….. 36 years Later!
Sandra Snyder, who called herself an “at risk” teenager, was married at 16 and delivered her first child, Theresa, at age 17. Sandra received her high school diploma from Vernon Regional Adult Basic Education when her daughter was just a toddler. She is currently employed at KIDSAFE CT, a proactive child abuse prevention organization.
Sandra worked a variety of jobs through the years while raising her family, but found that KIDSAFE CT was a very good fit for her skills and interests. While working there, Sandra had the desire to move up the career ladder at KIDSAFE CT. The executive director, who knew Sandra well as a volunteer of 12 years, told her about the College Transition program offered through Vernon Regional Adult Basic Education. She explained that the program was free and offered at a variety of times and locations. It meets twice a week for 3 hours and sharpens your Math and English skills in preparation for the community college entrance exam.
Sandra had her share of worries and said she made plenty of excuses as to why she could not go on to further her education. “I worried about the gap in learning from when I was in school; I worried about my Math skills. “I wanted to be sure I was committed”
Sandra decided that she was ready. Her employer’s supportive environment helped her to make the decision to pursue college. Sandra then called Vernon Regional Adult Basic Education and signed up for the College Transition program. She found the teachers helpful and reassuring. After completion of two semesters of college transition, she was ready to take the exam. Sandra was accepted at Manchester Community College. She is currently enrolled and looking forward to getting her Bachelors Degree in Social Work. “Last semester I made the Dean’s List at Manchester Community College” says Sandra and she credits the Vernon Regional Adult Basic Education staff for having made her transition to college classes and the admission process at Manchester Community College seamless.
Sandra is a strong advocate for the College Transition Program and has referred other students to the Certified Nursing Assistant program offered through Vernon Regional Adult Basic Education.
Sandra has recently received a promotion at KIDSAFE CT and truly enjoys her full time position as a Parent Aide. Sandra has been married for 38 years has two grown beautiful daughters, is the grandmother of five and continues to enjoy success, both in her career and as a student at Manchester Community College thanks to the College Transition Program.
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