What our Adult Learners say about Rockland Community College

"Every professor I had at Rockland took that extra step to make sure I understood all the material…I came here to develop my business skills so I could apply them to my passion for music. Now I work in the music industry as an accountant, which is exactly what I wanted to do when I started at Rockland." - Greg Dardignac

Rissa Kornblith started by attending Rockland part-time but went on to earn a bachelor's degree. She is now a Community Service Worker for the Rockland County Department of Social Services. "I found that SUNY Rockland's schedule accommodates the working student and that the faculty is very skilled and attentive."

Joyce Ewings, O.T.A., mother of seven children, ages 11-23, commuted from her home in Brooklyn to attend RCC. "I traveled all the way from Brooklyn to RCC because the Occupational Therapy program was very accessible and affordable. RCC is like a close-knit family where everyone knows you one-to-one. The faculty and staff gave me the incentive and encouragement to succeed despite the obstacles that were in my way. They really helped me juggle schoolwork with my home, family and husband. I would advise other returning adult students to attend RCC."

Bud Koenemund, Jr. returned to college in 2002 after more than 10 years, hoping to earn enough credits to become eligible to be a NYC police officer. However, his plan changed due to health issues, and he decided to earn a degree in liberal arts. As a returning adult student, he found the faculty to be very understanding and supportive. Mr. Koenemund served as editor-in-chief of Outlook Student Press. "Initially I was worried about being surrounded by 18-year-olds, but I found that the teachers understand the nervousness of adult students. After having been away from college for ten years, I came to RCC not expecting much out of a community college. I was pleasantly surprised to find more than I expected."

Rockland Community College helped Helen Ingalls make the transition from bar owner and manicurist to full-time paralegal with an eye on law school. Ms. Ingalls, who has lived in Rockland for over thirty years, is now employed as a paralegal and is continuing her studies as a full-time student in SUNY Purchase’s Legal Studies bachelor’s program on the RCC campus. Ms. Ingalls appreciates the preparation she received at RCC. "All our teachers were quite insightful and kept me on track for a law career. I was very comfortable entering a legal studies program at a four-year college," she said. She plans to earn a master’s or continue her education in law school.

"On April 4th I attended the Open House for adults. Not an easy task for a stay-at-home mom who went on hiatus for almost ten years to raise a family and never looked back. My hot career in New York City is often referred to as 'my previous life,' and I am currently just a mild annoyance to my three teens. My name is Lauren Didrichsen and I want to live again!

I had no idea what to expect from an Open House for adults. When I walked through the doors I was welcomed with the enthusiasm usually reserved for a long lost friend. The event rivaled any of the Open House sessions I'd been to with my older daughter, currently a sophomore at SUNY Stony Brook. From financial aid to career path discussions to a preliminary transcript evaluation - everyone was very helpful and knowledgeable. This event should be top priority for nervous Nellies like me who are contemplating a return to college, or any adult looking to enhance their education.

I'm proud to say that I enrolled in two summer classes and plan to be a full-time student in the Fall. The first class will most likely be the most important step. On the sage advice of Terri Kaye Needle, [Counselor/ Professor, Student Development Center], I'm looking forward to getting my feet wet with a Life Skills class, 'Life, Career, and Education Planning.' Congratulations on a great program!"

Tony DeLoatch earned an A.A.S. in Business Administration and became employed at the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory in their Shipping/Receiving Department. "I was in a dead-end job until I decided to give college a chance. I worked as a landscaper, truck driver and vendor, to name a few. None of these jobs gave me hope for advancement or a successful future. My degree from RCC has given me a chance at a career with advancement potential.

"I was constantly surprised by the support and leadership I received from teachers and staff. My mentors in the College Skills English Program and the Educational Opportunity Program made me realize I can do anything if I set my mind to it and work hard."

Dawn Engels of Congers was barely getting by as the single mother of a three-year-old when she decided to go back to college at RCC. Thanks to financial aid and the on-campus daycare for her child, she was able to attend full time. In two and a half years, she earned her degree in food service administration, and now works for the Health Department as a Dietetic Technician for the WIC (Women's, Infants & Children) Program. She provides nutritional counseling to single mothers and encourages them to pursue their dreams, as she did. She is also studying for a degree in health education at Lehman College. Dawn cites classes such as "Keys to Academic Success" and special workshops in study skills and time management as helping her succeed.

Nadia Williams, mother of four school-age children, transferred to Pace University to a combined bachelor’s masters program in elementary education and math. "When I first started, I was a little nervous and totally overwhelmed. But I had an insatiable appetite for learning, plus my life experience. The RCC professors are top-notch, and the college does an exceptional job in student support. When I transferred to Pace, I was nervous changing to a four-year campus, but I found that RCC more than prepared me to succeed at Pace."

Donna Zeman of Bardonia returned to college after many years as a homemaker and mother, having long dreamed of becoming a scientist. After graduating from RCC in ’03 with the Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence, she transferred to Ramapo College, earning her B.S. in biology in ’05. She teaches as an adjunct and hopes to earn her master’s degree in the near future. She was the recipient of the Richard B. Texler Memorial Scholarship for adults pursuing a career in education and also received a $700 Student Government Association scholarship and the Phyllis Krasnow Biology Scholarship for $100.