My Message...

By Nicole Michelle Chase

Time is of the essence... It is time to stop dwelling on the negative messages, but rather take action, address and dispel the negative with proactive solutions that lead to successful students, empowered collaborations and more viable partnerships...

It is crucial that the United States reclaim its place as a country with a superior educational system, where students become some of the top performing leaders in the industrial / technological world, adapting and excelling in a global economy!

Infrastructure has grown, bonds have been passed and implemented, student enrollment has escalated and the economy has downshifted; as a result the budget for available services throughout the state, especially the community college system, has been impacted and greatly reduced. With limited resources and a positive outlook balance has to be created...one group should not be sacrificed for the sake of another...adjustments and the weight of cutbacks and in order to recover, has to be experienced across the board, while increasing accountability and transparency to taxpayers and students.

There is a need for a true partnership with business and labor, for both have the opportunity to benefit from students who are well equipped to excel in management and in the workforce.

However, we should never have to lower the standards of our educational system; students should be better prepared to handle the college or vocational process, and have "required" access to counselors (with a minimal waiting period); they should have access to affordable, quality education, in a supportive environment. The process of preparation for traditional students just out of high school should begin at the latest, in their first year of high school with a required live orientation, thus allowing a student to have the time to adjust and prepare, should they choose to pursue a college education. All students should have access to a similar, perhaps streamlined live orientation, tailored in some nature to their particular situation.

"I am passionate about working with young adults, helping them to help themselves...I firmly believe that they can do anything they put their minds to, especially if given the proper tools, support and encouragement...this is true at any age".

Education is the key...community colleges the gateway....for some it is an opening to opportunities that lead to powerful and uplifting careers; for others it appears as an unattainable goal, due to a lack of means, preparation and inspiration.