| "It was a great
experience and rewarding in so many ways!"
With these words, May 2003 graduate Rita
Andert sums up her experience attending
Anoka-Ramsey Community College (ARCC)
to earn her business administration degree
through Metropolitan State University.
This non-traditional student can't say
enough about how ARCC and its faculty
and staff eased her transition back into
school and ensured her success throughout
her program. In fact, she doesn't think
she would be where she is today-the owner
of a discount card distributorship-if
it weren't for her decision to attend
ARCC in 1998.
"I chose to go to ARCC because the
Coon Rapids campus was near home,"
Rita explains. "It was 1998, I was
a 42-year-old who hadn't been to school
since I graduated from high school in
1974. My anxiety was reduced immediately
by the friendliness of the faculty and
staff. Every teacher had time to listen
and was sincerely interested in helping
you. Guidance was there for the asking.
I really felt I fit in on campus. No one
treated me like an outsider just because
I was older."
And she really was a part of campus life!
Rita participated in a Trio program that
assists first-generation, non-traditional
students. She was assigned a mentor through
this program, and later became a mentor
to pass on the wonderful help her mentor
gave her. Rita was inducted into the Phi
Beta Kappa liberal arts National Honor
Society in part as a result of her high
GPA. She also worked in the tutoring center
as part of the financial aid work-study
program. She was a member of the Multicultural
Club and also Business committee and Awards
committee volunteer. Her list of accomplishments
at ARCC is long, and is partly responsible
for her decision to pursue a four-year
degree.
"I started as a two-year business
and marketing management degree, and was
enthusiastic about learning," Rita
says. "I decided to go on to the
four-year Metro State business administration
degree. You can complete the degree with
classes at ARCC in a cohort group. There
were so many opportunities available.
It was exciting and convenient.
"My experience at Anoka-Ramsey Community
College by far exceeded my expectations.
Everyone I met on the staff and faculty
were interested and very helpful. They
gave you attention. Anything you asked
for was provided-you asked for help, you
received it."
Rita not only took advantage of the academic
help and guidance that was available from
her professors, she also allowed them
to guide her to other unique experiences
such as study abroad in China at the Zaoqing
institute, a Chinese University. She was
able to learn about local culture, travel
the country, and make lifelong Chinese
friendships as well as earn 15 credits
toward her business degree.
Rita took advantage of all that ARCC
had to offer, including the comprehensive
state and federal financial aid they awarded
her, which made it possible for her to
return to school. She also worked part-time
at Global Grounds Coffee Shop during her
tenure at the college. In spite of the
challenge of being returning to school
after many years in the workforce, Rita
knew that this was the right choice.
"I was in the hospitality industry
for 15 years, and I was making less money
every year," Rita says. "I sold
cars and wanted to move up to corporate,
but you need a degree. I sold beer and
wanted to move up to corporate, but they
wanted a four-year degree too. And my
salary just kept going down. I knew I
needed to get a degree. Considering my
background was in business, and aptitude
tests showed me I had potential in that
area, I decided to go for it."
The determination that accompanied Rita's
entry into higher education served her
well. Though she credits ARCC with her
success, it was Rita herself who graduated
with honors from Metro State. "I
never dreamed I would be capable of achieving
such a high GPA," she says proudly.
"I never could have done it without
everyone's support. Though my degree is
from Metro State, I consider ARCC to be
my alma mater."
With her enriching experience behind
her, Rita gives this advice to potential
ARCC students: "Every teacher is
wonderful if you just take the time to
approach them. Don't be afraid-you won't
be rejected! They will always make time
for you, no matter how busy they are because
they have a passion for what they do.
And no matter how active or inactive you
want to be on campus, there is room for
you at ARCC."
With degree and a successful business
to show for her determination and positive
approach, Rita Andert is proof that success
lies at the end of the path-you need only
to work for it. And ARCC is a great path
to help you get there.
Editor's note: Rita
would like to offer anyone a chance to
talk to her or ask her questions about
her experience at ARCC. You can contact
Rita at ritand@yahoo.com.
She looks forward to hearing from you.
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