With a degree in human services, Pauline always knew she wanted to help her community thrive. But if you had told her that she would be guiding the careers of Mountain Empire Community College (MECC) students as G3 academic advisor, she wouldn’t have believed you.
Read more about how she serves her students below.
What does your role as a G3 advisor entail?
I talk to students about the different programs offered at MECC and help them navigate what program area they’re interested in. We try to help them narrow it down to a pathway that’s going to make them successful.
What’s your favorite thing about your role?
I enjoy helping students reach their goals, no matter how big or small they may be. We have a lot of students who have several barriers to enrolling in community college, so helping them overcome those obstacles means a lot to me.
Do you come across a lot of students who don’t know they’re eligible for tuition assistance?
Yes, we do. The first question students tend to ask is, “Can I afford to come to college?” They are often surprised to learn that their education will cost them little to nothing.
How does MECC’s G3 program serve working adults?
We have many older students looking for a career change or to broaden their skill set or knowledge in their field. G3 allows them to obtain certifications that they may not have had already.
How do the G3 programs align training with the needs of local employers?
MECC partners with several local businesses to provide students with internships and opportunities to get their foot in the door of their new career. A lot of these businesses are looking for dependable employees, so we try to help them with that.
What would you tell someone who was considering enrolling at MECC?
Don’t delay. Come in today and talk to someone. We’re all here to help you, and we’ll make sure you know what you need to get to class. If you’re worried about finances, there are options to help you overcome those barriers. We just want to help you be successful.
