Breaking the Mold 2018 Graduates

This spring, over twenty NMCC students graduated from programs that are considered non-traditional for their gender. This month, we recognize some of those students as they share their plans after graduation.

Business Administration graduate and Presque Isle, Maine native Stacey Carroll currently works full-time as an Operations Assistant at The Aroostook Medical Center. She has continued in this position since graduation, but is interested in a challenging opportunity that allows for professional growth and advancement in her career. She is considering continuing her education through either pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Husson University or studying Computer and Networking Technology at NMCC. Stacey is planning to stay in the area, but she is open to exploring opportunities outside of Aroostook County. “It’s sometimes hard to leave the places that are familiar and where family is, but there is so much more to see and do.” Obtaining her degree from Northern Maine Community College has been important to her. “The biggest thing for me is proving to myself that I can be more, as well as show my children that it doesn’t matter what life throws, if there’s something you want, nothing stands in the way.”

Nursing graduate Stephen Paul has been offered a full-time registered nurse new-graduate position on the Grant 5 Neurological/Orthopedic floor at Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor. He will be starting this position in June. He is planning to continue his education and earn his Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing, and eventually obtain his Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist license. Stephen is from Belfast, Maine.

Business Administration graduate Victoria Lessard has been employed at Southern Acres Residential Care Facility for over 14 years, where she fulfills many roles within the facility. She would like to stay in the area and start her own business, an adult daycare facility in Presque Isle. She is originally from Massachusetts and has lived in Westfield for the past 18 years.

Tammy Cyr graduated from the Business Administration program at NMCC. For the past 9 years, Tammy has worked as a Bookkeeper/Administrative Assistant for the Van Buren Housing Authority. She will be giving back to her community by using the skills she has learned and becoming president of her local Columbiette council, which is an auxiliary of the Knights of Columbus, in addition to keeping her full-time employment. She resides in Van Buren with her husband, John, who has supported her tremendously throughout her academic journey.  Tammy is proud of her accomplishments. “I am 47 years old and I am proud to have finally achieved my degree. I would highly encourage non-traditional students thinking about furthering their education to go for it.”

Christine Akridge graduated with an Associate in Applied Science degree in Computer and Networking Technology. She currently works in retail; however, she is planning to open an art studio. She will be transferring to UMFK to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. Although Christine is originally from California, she has lived in Aroostook County for the past 17 years and plans to continue residing here.

Business Administration graduate and November 2017 “Breaking the Mold” student Genesis Hart will be transferring to the University of Maine at Orono for the fall semester. She was recently accepted into the theatre program at the University and is interested in a minor in dance. She has an interest in studying abroad as well. Genesis plans to keep her management position at Kay Jewelers in Presque Isle and plans to transfer to the same employer in Bangor when she leaves Aroostook County.

Fort Kent, Maine native Chantelle Anderson graduated with an Associate in Applied Science degree in Business Administration. She was recently hired as an administrative assistant at the St. John Valley Realty Co., LLC. She is considering continuing her education at Husson University and earning a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. Chantelle and her husband, Daniel, who also graduated from NMCC, considered moving with their children to southern Maine. However, they decided to stay in Aroostook County to be close to family.

For more information about non-traditional programs at NMCC, please contact Lori Smith, Gender Equity Coordinator & Student Support Career Specialist at 768-2793 or nlosmith@nmcc.edu