Meet Our Students – ��ý Bay Community College

Meet ��ý Graduate Amrit Singh

Amy Winslow-Weiss — Fri, 17 May 2024 15:56:21 +0000

Amrit Singh stood proud and tall when he received his hard-earned certificate in Computer Numeric Control from ��ý Bay Community College during commencement exercises on May 11.

Singh has been working toward the certificate since he enrolled in 2021, taking classes while working full time and supporting his family. Singh, who came to the United States from India in 2017, also had to overcome a language barrier. He was learning English while earning his certificate.

“At first, I had a hard time understanding the language and some of the technical words. But the instructors are so good. They gave me special time and easy words that I could understand,” said Singh, who expressed gratitude to the college for working with him on his schedule. “They made it very comfortable for me, and they always took their time to explain things for me. I asked so many questions, and I was always encouraged to ask questions.”

At the suggestion of a work supervisor, Singh enrolled at ��ý Bay to improve his technical skills and employment opportunities. A burgeoning field, CNC is used in manufacturing to automate the control, movement, and precision of machine tools, which operate on preprogrammed software. CNC operators can work in a variety of fields across industries.

Singh, 52, who lives in Newmarket, is currently employed at Parker-Hannifin in Kittery, Maine, which makes pneumatic products and systems. The company is ceasing operations this fall, and Singh is preparing for the next phase of his career. Through the certificate program at ��ý Bay, he has a lead for job in the region’s aerospace industry.

He is excited about his future and grateful for the support he received from ��ý Bay to improve his career path. “CNC is a good career. Precise machining is only possible with CNC, and precise machining is the key to the future of manufacturing across industries,” Singh said.

From the time he was a teenager, Singh has been adept with technology and comfortable with technological changes. And he’s always embraced education. “If you have learning capabilities, then you can learn something new every day,” he said. “For every new problem, there is a new solution.”

He admits that learning new technologies while also become adept with a new language was a particularly daunting challenge. At times, he almost gave up, but was encouraged by both his instructors at ��ý Bay and his supervisor at work. “They gave me confidence, and I knew it would be good for my future. So I said, ‘I will try.’”

Singh recommends the ��ý Bay program to anyone who wants to plan a career in manufacturing. The program can be completed in as little as two semesters. The first semester starts with 8-week courses dedicated to foundational knowledge, followed by hands-on operation of milling and turning machines. The second semester focuses on computer-aided design (CAD), computer-aided manufacturing (CAM), coordinated measuring machines (CMM), and more.

Singh appreciated all aspects of the curriculum, while highlighting his ability to watch recorded lectures as a plus for his ability to overcome the challenges he faced understanding English.

He also said his ability to work in the field while studying helped him succeed both in school and at his job. “I am working in CNC now, so I am getting both the practical training and the theoretical training simultaneously,” he said. “There are some things you need practical knowledge for and something you get from the books.”

Meet ��ý Engineering Student Patrick Ives

Amy Winslow-Weiss — Fri, 17 May 2024 15:53:50 +0000

Patrick Ives enrolled at ��ý Bay Community College because it was convenient and cost effective.

“It was close to where I was living and it was affordable,” said Ives, 20, of Somersworth, who is studying engineering science and expects to transfer to a four-year school after graduating from ��ý Bay with an associate degree in the fall.

“The economic benefits of starting my college education at ��ý Bay compared to a four-year university were important to me. I didn’t want to rack up a bunch of debt and have to worry about that while learning,” he said. “Going to ��ý Bay has allowed me to affordably pursue my degree while also making decisions about where I want to work after I finish my education.”

Ives is currently lining up a paid summer internship with a competitive video gaming company, an area of passion. He hopes to make his living as a software engineer, a goal he established in high school when he built a robot and programmed it to follow a line that included a series of stops.

“I thoroughly enjoyed the process. It was difficult, but the excitement I felt once I got everything to work was unmatched,” he said. “This was a huge catalyst in my decision to pursue software engineering and engineering in general. I enjoy the process of problem-solving and figuring out how things work.”

Enrolling at ��ý Bay was an intentional decision for Ives, who identified the college as a pathway to a four-year degree and where he could go to school full time while working part time – and maintaining a life outside of school and work. But he has received much more from ��ý Bay than he expected, both in regard to the quality of his education and the community he has enjoyed.

“I’ve made a decent number of new friends since I enrolled, and I found out that if you have different classes with a couple of classmates, you end up talking and helping each other out,” he said. “The camaraderie I felt in the smaller classroom setting was also great.”

In addition to his fellow students, Ives also appreciates the support of his professors. “I have found the professors very helpful during classes and willing to help during school hours and during their free time. My advisors and professors have been helpful not only as teachers but also by giving me guidance and helping me narrow down what I want to do in the future.”

At a time when he was uncertain if he wanted to continue with his education, Ives met with a professor, who was also his advisor, to discuss his future. “He was able to steer me in a job direction that sounded appealing to me, as well as giving me some ideas of other jobs for the future.”

He advises potential students to enroll at ��ý Bay and “go for it. Get out of your comfort zone a little bit. ��ý Bay offers all kinds of interesting activities year-round that are fun and fulfilling if you decide to partake in them. You might not know anyone in the activity, but after you attend, you may walk out with a couple new friends or people you can depend on. Life is all about putting yourself out there and gaining new friends and experiences along the way.”

Meet Student Owen McLaughlin

Amy Winslow-Weiss — Tue, 26 Mar 2024 12:10:00 +0000

Owen McLaughlin’s decision to attend ��ý Bay Community College was intentional, purposeful, and logical.

A history major, he enrolled in summer 2022 and is preparing to transfer all the credits he earned at ��ý Bay to Gordon College, a private, four-year Christian school in Wenham, Mass., where he will enroll as a junior and pursue his bachelor’s degree.

McLaughlin, 21 of Seabrook, took a gap year after graduating from high school and turned to ��ý Bay when he was ready to go to college. “��ý Bay is where it made the most sense for me to start my academic journey – it was close by, convenient, and cost effective. It was the first and only college I looked at.”

His decision to enroll at ��ý Bay made it practical and possible to pursue his larger goal of attending a four-year school. He chose Gordon College because it’s a Christian school “and my faith is important to me,” he said, and because it accepted his credits from ��ý Bay. “My success at ��ý Bay has given me the opportunity to continue my education and pursue my bachelor’s degree,” he said.

He learned about ��ý Bay through an open house and enrolled on the spot after talking with counselors and faculty members.

“I really like talking about the college from the perspective of a current student, to discuss what my journey has been like and answer questions,” he said. “��ý Bay worked out really well for me. I had troubles in high school that were related to attendance, but since I have applied myself, I have done well at ��ý Bay. It’s the kind of place where you can do well if you make an effort. The professors are there to help you, and there’s a lot of help if you need it.”

McLaughlin is part of the support team that helps other students succeed. Throughout his time at ��ý Bay, McLaughlin has worked as a tutor in the writing center, helping his peers improve their writing skills. Other than math, he has tutored in the writing center for every class he has taken at ��ý Bay. While he doesn’t necessarily like to write – “you won’t catch me writing a novel in my free time,” he said – he is a proud and capable writer and enjoys sharing his skills and writing tips with other students.

He’s also active in the Student Government Association and appreciates the social opportunities and extra-curricular activities available at ��ý Bay. “There is a surprising number of things you can do,” he said. “I’ve made some really good friends and have gotten involved in a couple of clubs.”

In addition to the open house, among other upcoming ��ý Bay-related activities is his participation in the Intercollegiate American Revolution and Constitution History Bowl, a trivia tournament among student teams from New Hampshire community colleges. It will be April 5 in Manchester, and McLaughlin will be one of three members of the ��ý Bay team.

McLaughlin chose history as a major because it’s his favorite subject. His father majored in history, and it’s something he has always been passionate about. He hopes to teach history for his career, and he praised Social Sciences Professor Jordan Fansler, Program Coordinator and History Advisor, for his skills as a teacher and his mentorship.

“I really like Professor Fansler’s classes, because he lets us engage. We’ve had so many good conversations in his classes. Every single semester I have taken a class with him, and he’s helped me appreciate history even more.”

Meet Student, and new US Citizen, Karina Taylor

Amy Winslow-Weiss — Wed, 06 Mar 2024 14:20:44 +0000

“I feel very fulfilled at this time of my life. I am very grateful.”

When it came time to reinvent her life, Karina Taylor chose ��ý Bay Community College to help her do it.

Taylor, who recently became a United States citizen after moving from her native Costa Rica five years ago, is enrolled in ��ý Bay’s Digital Media Communications associate degree program. Her goal is to write and illustrate children’s books in the United States, continuing a passion she began in Costa Rica when she published her first children’s book in 2016.

“Books are my passion, and I especially love children’s picture books,” she said. “I already have many stories, many ideas. But I want to be more prepared and learn more illustration techniques on the digital side, to combine it with the other techniques that I already know. I live in Portsmouth now and I heard people were talking very highly about ��ý Bay, so I decided to stop in to see the campus and learn about the program, and here I am.”

She expects to graduate in spring 2025. She is pleased with her decision to enroll at ��ý Bay and learn new skills that will help her advance her career. “I think it’s a great school. The teachers are smart and helpful, they are so passionate about what they are teaching, and the platforms are easy to use.”

At ��ý Bay, she is learning programs such as Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign by Adobe, and absorbing as much information as she can so she has the tools necessary to complete all the books that she has begun writing and illustrating in her head. She is about to finish two bilingual books – one about a sweet sloth named Scott, who lives in the rainforest of Costa Rica and adventures to North America. The book will capture his humorous escapades along the way, including his first encounter with snow. The other is titled Diversity Love and is a book about friendship, teamwork, tolerance, and love. It also talks about immigration and differences.

Taylor, who dedicated to her illustrations, is eager to continue her education at ��ý Bay so she can turn her full attention to continuing creating books. “The professors are so kind and patient, so responsible. I am so lucky,” she said. “They give us tools that are useful that we can use right away.”

In Costa Rica in 2009, Taylor founded, directed, and taught at a bilingual preschool. Through her work at the school, her passion for books for children grew ever more. She wrote and illustrated her first book, Papercuts, while teaching in Costa Rica. The book focuses on bilingual education through fine motor skills, art, and sensory work.

She studied to be an architect for almost three years after graduating from high school, but switched to education when she discovered her love of working with children. She received a degree in Special Education and worked at the Children’s Hospital and Rehabilitation School with hospitalized children, people with special needs, cerebral palsy, and learning disabilities. She earned a degree in English as a Second Language and taught at public and private schools before opening her own school.

In Portsmouth, she teaches preschool at the Seacoast Community School.

Taylor left Costa Rica for the promise of a better life. “Costa Rica is a very beautiful country. Many people from around the world have visited my country and they really liked it. They love the beaches and nature, food, and people. They fall in love with the country,” she said. “But sometimes it’s very difficult there in certain fields, because it is a very small country, and the economy is not very good. Our education is excellent, but once you are graduated, some of the fields are saturated. There are a lot of professionals in different fields and not a lot of jobs.”

She first moved to London, then to the United States, arriving in New Hampshire just before the pandemic. Her husband, whom she met while he was on vacation in Costa Rica, is from New Hampshire.

Because of the global health crisis, it took more than a year for Taylor to arrange for her daughters, Mia and Claudia, now 15 and 20, to join her in the United States. But they did eventually, and both are now enrolled in school – one is in college in Tennessee, who is studying to be a nurse and is part of the Honors Society, and the other is an honor roll student at Portsmouth High School.

It has been a whirlwind five years, and Taylor is relieved to feel settled and working toward a degree at ��ý Bay that she knows will make it possible for her to realize the life she has dreamed of living.

“I am so happy. I feel very fulfilled at this time of my life. I am very grateful,” she said. “Illustration is my passion. “I do it daily, and I feel like every character I draw is alive.”

Meet Psychology Student Stephanie Knapp

Amy Winslow-Weiss — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 15:47:06 +0000

Stephanie Knapp is many things: mother, business owner, landlord. She’s also about to become a ��ý Bay Community College graduate. Knapp recently completed her associate degree in psychology at ��ý Bay and is continuing her education in pursuit of becoming a licensed mental health counselor specializing in postpartum social work.

“I enrolled at ��ý Bay in 2022 as a part time, non-traditional student. I just finished up and will participate in Commencement in the spring. I am working on my bachelor’s right now, and I hope to pursue my master’s. Go big or go home,” Knapp, 44, said of her scholarly ambition.

She is working on her bachelor’s degree at Southern New Hampshire University and hopes to finish up in 2025.

Her academic journey began traditionally. Like many of her peers, she enrolled in college after high school but left as a junior, choosing to travel and “immerse myself in a lot of places in the world and work on a lot of farms.” Along the way, she has also worked for the U.S. Department of Agriculture, specializing in farmer losses, as a midwife, and as a gardener on Nantucket.

“I have worn many hats, and I feel like I need to be in a constant state of learning. I stagnate very easily,” said Knapp, who lives in Rye. “And in addition to that, I am getting a little older and I cannot garden much longer. It’s a lot of work, and I needed an exit strategy. ��ý Bay made it very easy.”

Knapp knew about ��ý Bay, because she once worked for an accountant on Pease International Tradeport and often came to the café on campus to pick up lunch for the office. “Always in the back of my mind, I was logging ��ý Bay as a resource for the future when I was ready to resume my education,” she said.

When that time arrived in 2022, Knapp was able to transfer credits from years ago, identify core curriculum courses she needed to fulfill, and quickly begin pursuing her degree. “When I actually looked into it, ��ý Bay checked all the boxes,” she said. “It was a perfect fit.”

Knapp was comfortable as a non-traditional student, and she always felt accepted and welcomed in the classroom by both students and professors. Because of all those hats she wears, she appreciated the flexibility of her class schedule and the convenience of attending remotely when necessary.

As a student, she made professional connections and recently participated in a social work conference at ��ý Bay. She cited her success in the math course Quantitative Reasoning as a personal triumph and appreciated her professor’s ability to bring humor to the coursework, making it fun, accessible, and practical. “Believe me, math being funny was never the way I thought I would feel. Once I understood it, though, I actually enjoyed quadratic equations.”

She also enjoyed taking courses with Psychology Professor and Department Chair Dr. Aimee Huard, describing her as “a fantastic and a fascinating teacher. I have always found that people who can tell a delightful story, make their students laugh, and show an enormous capacity for compassion, are the most excellent teachers,” she said.

Most important, Knapp’s success at ��ý Bay made it possible to transition from her career as a gardener to one as a therapist helping families negotiate pregnancy and birth.

“I had a great experience at ��ý Bay. I am looking forward to Commencement in the spring and I am excited about my future.”

Meet ��ý Business Administration Program Alumni Alexander Van Blake

Amy Winslow-Weiss — Wed, 07 Feb 2024 12:44:12 +0000

Alexander Van Blake had his eyes set clearly on his professional future when he enrolled as a Business Administration major at ��ý Bay Community College in fall 2020.

“Business Administration is a versatile degree that can be used in every industry, and the skills are transferrable,” said Van Blake, who graduated last semester and is currently engaged in a job search for a sales representative position.

His field of expertise is to be determined as he gains experience, but he sees his ��ý Bay education as the key to his success. He benefitted from his accounting courses, as well as Microeconomics and Management. “I also found the sociology and ethics courses interesting and insightful. The program helped me improve my spreadsheet skills, helped me gain a better grasp on ethically responsible behavior, and fostered an understanding of financial principles. These are all valuable skills that can be utilized in several business-related job positions.”

Van Blake, 21, of Dover also appreciated ��ý Bay’s experienced faculty and the ability to tailor his schedule to meet his needs. He took several Hyflex courses, which enabled him to attend in person or online remotely at the regular class time. “This was convenient for me. I prefer taking a course online, but it was a nice option to come in and speak with the teacher if needed,” he said.

��ý Bay’s Associate of Science degree in Business Administration sets up students for successful careers across a range of industries and fields, including high-tech, manufacturing, banking and finance, health care, communications, service, and nonprofit. It emphasizes finance, marketing, human resources, economics, and computers.

Designed to give students a solid foundation in business fundamentals, the program is suitable for students who want to enter the job market or those who wish to transfer to a four-year institution. Van Blake applied to and was accepted at the University of New Hampshire but hasn’t committed. He prefers beginning his career. “It would be difficult to be a full-time student and work full time. But if my work schedule allows, I would love to continue on,” he said.

Van Blake chose ��ý Bay because it was affordable and because his sister graduated and continued her education at UNH. He recommended the program to anyone who is interested in business. “My time at ��ý Bay was very comfortable, as everyone from the students to the staff really made the experience a great one.”

Meet Medical Assistant Program Student Ariana White

Amy Winslow-Weiss — Mon, 29 Jan 2024 12:40:45 +0000

When Ariana White decided it was time for a career change, she called ��ý Bay Community College.

Just a few months later, White has the new career she wanted. She recently completed the 12-week Medical Assistant Training Program and soon will begin her professional journey as a medical assistant with Stratham/Epping Family Practice operated by Core Physicians.

“Not a lot of people can say they went to school, got certified, and got a new job within four or five months,” White said. “Even though it is a short period of time, that does not take away from the amount of information you learn. I recommend this program because in just 12 weeks, you can start a new rewarding career.”

She is not alone. More than 90 percent of ��ý Bay students who complete the program land jobs immediately. It includes eight weeks of classroom instruction and four weeks of clinical training. Medical assistants fill a variety of clinical and administrative roles in medical office and hospital settings, and they are in high demand across New Hampshire and across the country.

The next session begins April 8, which means people who enroll now can have a new career by summer.

In addition to jump-starting her professional life in a short amount of time, White was drawn to ��ý Bay because the MA curriculum is designed in partnership with leading New Hampshire healthcare providers to meet the needs of the field. She knew there would be a job waiting for her if she completed the program and passed her licensing exams.

The MA program also allowed her to explore a variety of medical specialties, including obtaining and documenting vital signs, pharmacology, human anatomy, and others. That prepares her for a future full of possibilities and options in the medical field. “After completing the program, I have gained so many different interests and wanted to explore all the possibilities there are in being a medical assistant.”

Prior to enrolling at ��ý Bay, White worked as a cosmetologist and esthetician. She went to a technical high school, where she received her education in cosmetology. Through that curriculum, she learned about skin disorders and diseases.

“That sparked my interest in the medical side of skin and not just cosmetic,” she said. “From there I decided to go to esthetician school to learn more about skincare and how your skin is a reflection on your health. It can help in determining conditions such as lupus, where your skin can resemble a butterfly rash on your face. I choose the medical assistant program with hopes of working in dermatology someday.”

Her certificate in hand, White plans to work in the field, build her experience and credentials, and eventually return to school to study nursing. “I want to further my education. I believe being able to work in the health field as a medical assistant while attending nursing school would help me succeed,” she said.

“My experience at ��ý Bay’s Medical Assistant Program was wonderful. My professors were amazing. They encouraged us and wanted everyone to succeed.”

Meet ��ý Alum Michelle Angeloro

Amy Winslow-Weiss — Tue, 05 Dec 2023 13:51:18 +0000

Third from right, Michelle Angeloro at a Bring Back the Trades event at ��ý this fall.

Michelle Angeloro rearranged her life so she could attend ��ý Bay Community College. Now, several years after that decision, she is deeply immersed in her career with biotechnology giant Lonza and has never looked back.

“I moved to New Hampshire in 2015 specifically so I could attend ��ý Bay,” Angeloro said. “I had just gotten my bachelor’s degree from Florida State University, and I was looking for an opportunity in biotech. I saw ��ý Bay’s program online, and it seemed like a perfect fit for me.”

After a phone call with Biotechnology Program Coordinator and Professor Deborah Audino confirmed her instincts, Angeloro relocated from Florida to New Hampshire and enrolled in ��ý Bay’s two-year associate degree program in biotechnology. After receiving her degree from ��ý Bay, she began her career with Portsmouth-based Lonza, the multinational manufacturing company for the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and nutrition sectors.

She now works on the manufacturing floor as a senior biotechnologist, specializing in large-scale protein purification.

“It has really worked out very well for me,” she said.

Angeloro earned her bachelor’s degree in dietetics, which focuses on the effects of diet on health. The field involves more nutrition than science, and Angeloro realized over time that she was pulled toward science and research. “By the time I finished my courses at Florida State and got my degree, I realized I wanted to go in a different direction.”

That direction was due north to New Hampshire.

She found ��ý Bay during an internet search for careers in science. Biotech popped up, followed soon by ��ý Bay’s biotech program. “I saw that it was in Portsmouth, and that was an area I was interested in,” Angeloro said. “I also saw that it was close to Lonza, so I thought there would be some real opportunity there.”

Angeloro appreciated her ��ý Bay experience because it was personal, efficient, and effective. She began her studies with no experience in biotechnology, but Audino was always there to help. As she worked her way through the curriculum, she began to thrive.

She described the second-year Biomanufacturing course as invaluable and essential to her success. It is the second of two cornerstone courses in biotechnology, introducing students to manufacturing practices and hands-on production of human proteins.

Angeloro has remained loyal to ��ý Bay since her graduation, and at Audino’s invitation recently returned to campus to participate in the college’s Bring Back the Trades vendor exhibition and trade show.

“Deb was my professor at ��ý Bay, and she and I remain great friends. She reached out and asked if I would be interested in participating in the event, and of course I was. I really wanted to give back to the school a little bit, because it gave so much to me,” she said. “I enjoyed my time there, and I thought it was a great program. If I can do anything to urge others to discover it, I am 100-percent interested in doing that.”

Meet ��ý Student Tucker Davison

Amy Winslow-Weiss — Mon, 16 Oct 2023 17:22:26 +0000

Tucker Davison will graduate from ��ý Bay Community College in December with an associate in science degree in biotechnology, but he’s not waiting around to start his career.

Davison, who lives in Rochester, works full time at the biopharmaceutical giant Pfizer Inc., in Andover, Mass. His current work involves manufacturing clinical drugs for cancer patients. After he finishes his degree, he will be better qualified for a promotion at the state-of-the-art, 70-acre facility that plays a key role in the drug manufacturer’s research and development and global supply network.

“It’s extremely gratifying work,” said Davison, 27. “These are medicines that people need to better themselves and live happier, healthier lives.”

Before finding his academic home at ��ý Bay, Davison had been in and out of college since graduating from high school nearly a decade ago, taking classes at a community college in Maine and a four-year institution in New Hampshire. He arrived at ��ý Bay intent on studying computer science but moved to biotechnology a year-and-a-half ago – at about the same time he began working at Pfizer.

“I got myself up to speed, and now I have only two classes left,” said Davison. “Best decision I have ever made.”

The biotechnology field has revolutionized how doctors diagnose and treat disease and lengthened life spans. ��ý Bay’s nationally recognized program prepares students with the skills and knowledge they need to enter the biotechnology industry or continue their studies at a four-year university. ��ý Bay also offers a certificate for students who want to enter the Biotechnology industry without committing to the associate degree.

Prior to coming to ��ý Bay, Davison worked in a variety of fields, all involving technical, mechanical, and hands-on skills. As a hobbyist, he enjoyed working on cars. Biotechnology was an unexpected turn.

“I didn’t think I was smart enough for science or STEM categories,” he said.

But he proved that he was. Davison has thrived at ��ý Bay, benefitting from small class sizes, a career-focused curriculum, and the willingness of professors to provide individual attention. “I have had a great experience at ��ý Bay,” he said.

After Pfizer hired him and he began working in a field with a promising future that rewarded his technical skills and his smarts, he realized the value of finishing the degree. Pfizer encouraged his education by offering tuition reimbursement – and the promise of a promotion. “You can go so much farther once you have a degree and learn the science behind it,” Davison said. “Once you get the degree, more doors will open.”

Meet ��ý Nursing Student Christina King

Amy Winslow-Weiss — Thu, 05 Oct 2023 11:34:03 +0000

Pictured here (on left) Sarah Raeburn, Professor of Nursing with student Christina King

For Christina King, enrolling in the nursing program at ��ý Bay Community College was both a smart, economical decision as well as a family tradition.

Her sister, Katie, graduated with an Associate in Science degree in nursing in 2020. “She had nothing but good things to say,” said King, who enrolled this fall and plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree after completing the two-year program.

“I chose ��ý Bay because it has a phenomenal reputation. ��ý Bay nurses get hired everywhere,” she said. “And it’s affordable. More students should look at ��ý Bay, especially for nursing.”

King made her college education more affordable because she began earning college credits as a student at Exeter High School through ��ý Bay’s Running Start program, now known as Early College at Your High School.

Early College at Your High School courses are college courses, taught by high school professors, on the high school campus. College faculty work directly with high school faculty to ensure the courses maintain standards of sections taught on the college campus. ��ý Bay Community College and the other NH Community Colleges also offer an Early College on a College Campus program and Early College online.

Successful completion earns both high school and college credit. She recommended the Running Start program to current high school students to get a head start on college credits. King jump-started her career through the Running Start courses, and she appreciated the opportunity to earn affordable college credits while in high school. Taking courses at both Exeter High School and the Seacoast School of Technology, she was able to earn a total of 7 credits before even arriving at ��ý.

Beginning with her junior year, she enrolled in a two-year Seacoast School of Technology program. First-year students learn medical terminology and body science, and gain insight into various healthcare professions. In the second year, students receive an internship and become certified in CPR. Before finishing high school, King received her LNA and BLS through the program. “Not only did I get an amazing education, but I also was able to get an LNA job. I spent some time at Portsmouth Regional Hospital on the Intermediate Care Unit.”

She chose nursing because she has always enjoyed working with people. As she is just beginning her studies at ��ý Bay, she is unsure where her nursing path will take her, but her instincts tell her she wants to specialize in nursing care for cancer patients.

“I want to go into the program with an open mind and learn more and get more clinical insight, but I am leaning toward oncology. Cancer care requires a lot of positive thinking, and that fits my personality,” she said. “I am outgoing, and I can commiserate with anybody about anything. It’s such an honor to support someone at their worst and be with them through the healing process.”

King is certain she made the right decision. “The professors are all so personable. I already feel supported and motivated by them. They genuinely want us to succeed,” she said. “I have very high hopes for the next two years.”

Meet Our Students – ������ý Bay Community College

Meet ������ý Graduate Amrit Singh

Meet ������ý Engineering Student Patrick Ives