STORIES FROM OUR GRADUATES      

Volume 1, Issue 2, Fall 2016      

 
Our Mission    
  To encourage and empower Maine students who need additional support as they transition from high school to college and to connect them to the academic, personal, and financial resources they need for success in and beyond community college.
Three Degrees for Hospitality

Samantha Murphy (Lawrence High School, 2008) graduated in 2011 from Southern Maine Community College with an associate degree in lodging and restaurant management. In 2013 she graduated from Lasell College in Massachusetts with a bachelor of science in hospitality and event management. She is continuing at Lasell for an MBA with a concentration in human resources. 
    Samantha has worked for three years at Belmont Savings Bank as the senior banker. Now, Belmont is introducing her to HR. "My dream job," she says, "would be to work in HR within the hospitality industry, so that I could put my three degrees to good use."
    She credits ECforME with "helping me financially by providing a scholarship to SMCC. They also helped me plan my career path, and if I needed assistance in my schoolwork, they were always available."

Paid to See the World
 
Zackary McManus (Lawrence High School, 2011) graduated from Kennebec Valley Community College in May 2013. With an associate degree in electrical technology, he went off to Maine Maritime Academy, graduating in May 2016,  in three years, instead of the usual four. He now has a bachelor's degree in marine engineering operations and is employed by American Maritime Officers as a 3rd assistant engineer. "I keep the power on, operate and maintain the plant. The company puts their mutimillion-dollar ships in our hands." His career path? Chief engineer. His office? The globe.  What he likes best? "Being able to see the world and getting paid for it." 
    His experience in ECforME, he says, "motivated me to succeed through college. There was always someone helping me and guiding me."  He has a few words for students new to college: "Do not be afraid to allow people into your life who are willing to help you with your first few steps into the outside world." Zack should know. He's taken many steps into the world and across the oceans.

For the Love of Babies!

Sarah Trott Trynor (Shead High School, 2006) earned a certificate in medical office technology from Washington County Community College in 2007 and an associate degree in medical assisting in 2008. While at WCCC, she married Mark Trynor. They now have three boys: Mark, 7; Remy, 4 months; and Reed, 2. Mark works for Cooke Aquaculture, and they live in Edmunds Township. Since graduating from college, Sarah has worked for two OB-GYN doctors. She likes meeting new people and assisting with their care. "Best," she says, "are the results: the babies."
    Asked if ECforME helped her, she replied, "I don't know how I'd have gotten through college without ECforME support." She made Honors her last semester and advises new students to "keep open communication with your advisor. Get help so you can go and do what you want to do."
 
CONGRATULATIONS TO THESE GRADUATES
We wish them continued success!
 
Do you know a student who could benefit from Early College for ME?
If so, speak to your school Guidance Counselor.

Maine Community College System | Early College for ME

  
Maine Community College System
323 State Street | Augusta, ME 04330