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Learning that Understands

Not every learning experience is the same. At NSCC, staff and faculty make it their mission to support each and every student, turning challenges into successes.

Ask Nicole Johnson about her future today, and she'll tell you she gets goosebumps just thinking about it. "So many doors have been opened to me in the last year, thanks to NSCC," says Nicole. "I truly believe the possibilities are endless."

Almost 20 years after dropping out of high school, Nicole decided that 2007 was the year to get back into the classroom. She turned to the African Canadian Transition Program to help open that door. "It was such a supportive and welcoming environment," says Nicole. "I learned a lot, matured a lot and feel ready to take on anything."

Nicole also earned her high school diploma and was accepted into NSCC's Music Business Certificate program. "I have confidence now that I can succeed in anything I do. I've found a way to incorporate my passion for music into my career and I can't wait to see where it takes me."

Sometimes, geography can be the greatest obstacle a student has to overcome. Robyn Hanson wanted to improve her job skills through NSCC's Business Administration program but as a single mother living in Digby, commuting to other campuses out-of-town wasn't an option.

That's when Nina Barnaby, Learning Coordinator at NSCC's Digby Learning Centre, came into the picture. "She really wanted to learn and I knew we could find a way to support her," says Nina. She helped Robyn create an online learning plan and provided the space for Robyn to do her studies.

Robyn will graduate from the program in 2009 without having to leave her community. "I couldn't have done this without Nina's support and NSCC's flexible learning options," says Robyn. "They have helped me secure a brighter future for me and my family."

A brighter future is what Yvonne Knowles-Atkinson was looking for when she went to NSCC's Shelburne Campus in early 2006. She completed her high school diploma with the Adult Learning Program and enrolled in the Office Information Technology Program. Within a month, she knew she was in trouble.

"I was having a really hard time keeping up with the fast pace of the class," says Yvonne. "I was ready to drop out."

Staff at the campus took note of Yvonne's struggles and moved in to help. They soon learned a visual impairment was making it difficult for Yvonne to spend long hours in front of a computer screen. "Once we figured that out, we were able to adjust Yvonne's course load," says Helle Jorgensen, Student Success Counsellor. "With fewer classes, she was able to keep up with the course requirements and successfully finished her program in two years instead of one."

Yvonne is grateful for that personalized support. "No one ever suggested I couldn't do this. The focus was always on me and my success. I knew that staff, faculty and other students were cheering me on and I'm so proud that I didn't let them - or myself - down."