McCluskey enrolled in the tuition-free professional development and workforce training program through �鶹��Ժ Community College in Portsmouth, and before the two-week intensive ended, he had already interviewed for his next career opportunity.

WorkReadyNH is designed to boost the career skills and confidence of New Hampshire residents. Offered through the Community College System of New Hampshire and partnered with NH Employment Security, it targets unemployed, underemployed, and career-transitioning individuals to help them stand out to local employers.

The curriculum uses a blend of live, interactive group classes and independent online work focusing on professional soft skills, essential workplace skills, and career preparation.

After owning and operating his own business for several years, McCluskey realized he needed to refresh his soft skills in order to rejoin the workforce. Specifically, he needed to learn how to be a better listener.

“I thought I was a good communicator and listener, because that is the role I played for more than 20 years,” he said. “But I realized I had some things I need to work on, and this program gave me the opportunity to do it.”

McCluskey participated in a cohort of about 18 students. Over the course of their two weeks together, they engaged in a variety of group activities and role-playing, based on common work scenarios. One of those involved preparing for a job interview and perfecting the art of the 60-second opening pitch.

“I had conducted thousands of interviews as a business owner, but I had only been interviewed maybe four times,” McCluskey said. “I had never even really thought about a pitch speech or worked on any exercise like that.”

His efforts paid off. On the day he was scheduled to make his pitch before his classmates, he got to practice it for an actual job interview. The interview went well, and McCluskey came away from it confident he had found his next work opportunity.

“Doing that exercise made me so much calmer. I knew my story, and I knew how I wanted to tell it. It brought structure to the process, and it gave me confidence,” he said.

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Panciuc is an intern in the title department at Service Credit Union, where she has learned to process titles for automobiles, motorcycles, boats, RVs, and other items during a 10-week internship arranged through �鶹��Ժ.

“It’s been an amazing summer and an amazing experience,” she said. “I have learned so much, and Service Credit Union is a great place to work. Everyone has been so helpful.”

Panciuc enrolled at �鶹��Ժ in fall 2024 based on the positive reviews she had read about the college. As a European student, she worked closely with the admissions team at �鶹��Ժ to ensure her academic transcripts were in order and that she was eligible for enrollment.

“�鶹��Ժ was very, very helpful in my path to enroll in classes. There were some complications with the documents, and �鶹��Ժ was extremely helpful and patient, and very responsive.”

Soon after enrolling, she declared Business Administration as her major and committed to completing the degree as quickly as possible, which meant taking summer classes last year. She will continue her education at UNH this fall, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in accounting.

“My career goal is to get another internship next summer in accounting, and then start my career after I graduate,” she said.

Panciuc expressed gratitude to Lynda Bonneau, Business Administration Department Chair and Associate Professor, who helped guide her. “Professor Bonneau made the experience in accounting so interesting and so much fun,” she said. “That is why I chose accounting as my major at UNH. �鶹��Ժ was an absolutely amazing experience.”

The post From GBCC to UNH with an internship at Service Credit Union in between appeared first on �鶹��Ժ Community College.

Elizabeth followed the same path, enrolling as a nursing student at �鶹��Ժ the year her mother graduated. She will graduate with her nursing degree this spring.

“I have wanted to be a nurse since I was 11 years old, when I was present for the birth of my younger brother,” she said. “High school was very challenging for me, and I never truly believed college was an option—let alone nursing school.”

Gardner started by taking a few classes “to test the waters” and quickly realized that she was more than capable. She was accepted into the nursing program and deferred enrollment for one year due to the birth of her first child.

“Navigating nursing school as a young single parent while working multiple jobs has not been easy, but the faculty at �鶹��Ժ and the support they showed me every step of the way is a huge part of why I am graduating,” she said.

Gardner said her mother’s experience at �鶹��Ժ directly influenced her decision to pursue a nursing degree. �鶹��Ժ was part of her childhood, she said. She remembers attending a Polar Express movie night in the gymnasium, playing pool with her younger sister in the student center while her mother studied for exams, and other campus activities.

“Those experiences helped me see from a young age how welcoming and supportive the campus community was,” Gardner said. “Seeing my mom work so hard to build a better future for herself and for us showed me that nursing school was possible, even when life felt overwhelming. �鶹��Ժ has been such an important part of both of our journeys, and I’m grateful to be able to share that.”

The post Meet GBCC Nursing Graduate Elizabeth Gardner appeared first on �鶹��Ժ Community College.

First exam: 96; mid-term: 100; second exam: 102.

For a student who struggled with her grades during her early days at �鶹��Ժ, Vatcher’s good grades “feel amazing. I went from getting Cs and Ds and barely passing, or not passing, to maintaining a 98 average,” said Vatcher, who is majoring in Veterinary Technology. “It was a big struggle for me at first, but eventually something clicked. It’s a surreal experience going from a C or D average to As.”

That “something” was taking advantage of the academic support offered by �鶹��Ժ’s Center for Academic Planning and Support, or CAPS. CAPS offers one-on-one tutoring, academic coaching, and study space, among other services.

“This year, I just started putting in more effort, I started going to CAPS and I began asking for help. My professors have been super understanding, and they have all been there for me. I appreciate �鶹��Ժ because the professors really do care about their students and they want to see us succeed.”

She singled out Deborah Discher, who serves as the director and chair of the Veterinary Technology Department and has taught at �鶹��Ժ for 15 years. “Deb has seen me struggle, and she has stayed with me since year one.”

Vatcher also attributed her turnaround to spending more time on campus, which has immersed her in an academic environment and helped her develop better study habits. “I never expected I would say something like this, but I like studying and I like learning. Before, studying felt like a tiring activity, like it was work. But now, with my improved study habits, I actually enjoy it. I put on my headphones and just go for it.”

Vatcher, 22, expects to graduate from �鶹��Ժ in three years. During that time, she hopes to build her experience at a vet clinic and is especially interested in emergency veterinary medicine. Long term, she imagines going back to school to study zoology. “My final goal is work in a zoo as a vet tech or an animal handler. I have always been passionate about animals, and I am glad I am on track with my goals and dreams.”

The post Meet GBCC Student Ashley Vatcher appeared first on �鶹��Ժ Community College.

The best part about it: She’ll get her college degree for free.

“Something that surprised me about the program is that there are no strings attached and it’s literally free schooling, and one less year of high school,” said Hardy, who enrolled through a partnership between the Community College System of New Hampshire and the New Hampshire Career Academy.

NHCA is a chartered public school that integrates high school, college, and career preparation. Through a collaboration with the Community College System of New Hampshire and partnerships with local employers, students learn on college campuses, earn two degrees, and build the skills that open doors to higher education and meaningful careers.

Hardy is studying business administration because of her interest in the hospitality industry, and she hopes to be part of the event industry or continue her career working with luxury hotels.

Through a close collaboration with the Community College System of New Hampshire and partnerships with employers across the state, NHCA aligns education with opportunity. Students complete high school requirements while earning college degrees or industry credentials. They gain hands-on experience, mentorship, and professional confidence, preparing them to thrive in whatever comes next.

Hardy values her education and experience. The role of community at �鶹��Ժ has made a positive impression and impact on her life.

“The most useful ‘real-world’ skill I didn’t expect to get in a classroom was how much community really means and how much thoughtful professors really can impact your education,” she said. “I really felt ‘rooted’ for by a professor when I was struggling in a specific class and the teacher took many hours of their time and devoted it to helping me truly understand the curriculum outside of class.”

Why did you choose �鶹��Ժ? When do you anticipate graduating?

I chose to continue my schooling at �鶹��Ժ because it offered early college and free tuition through the NHCA. I plan to graduate Spring 2026!

Specifically, what attracted you to �鶹��Ժ? Did you know what you wanted to do and decided it was your best option compared to other schools?

�鶹��Ժ has a beautiful campus and was the closest community college to me that offered the program I was interested in. I didn’t even need to look at other schools, this automatically made sense for my situation.

Did you apply and enroll right out of high school? If so, what year did you graduate high school?

I enrolled my junior year of high school and started my freshman year of college early through the New Hampshire Career Academy my senior year. Through this program I graduate this year from high school and college!

What educational pathway are you pursuing at �鶹��Ժ Community College and why did you choose that path? In other words, what is your major and why?

I’m studying Business Administration with a big interest in the hospitality industry. I’ve taken many Hospitality courses as well as business courses. I hope to be a part of the event industry or continue working at luxury hotels.

What is something that surprised you about the program?

Something that surprised me about the program is that there are no strings attached and it’s literally free schooling, and one less year of high school.

What advice do you have for other students considering it?

Some advice I have for other students considering this program is to at least check it out. Everyone’s situation is different, but if you are willing to give up your senior year to get a kickstart on a career path, this is definitely a great option for you.

What is the most useful ‘real-world’ skill you’ve learned that you didn’t expect to get in a classroom?

The most useful “real world” skill I didn’t expect to get in a classroom was how much community really means and how much thoughtful professors really can impact your education.

Can you tell us about a time you felt like a professor or staff member was truly ‘rooting’ for your success?

A time I really felt “rooted” for by a professor was when I was struggling in a specific class and the teacher took many hours of their time and devoted it to helping me truly understand the curriculum outside of class.

Are there any other opportunities at �鶹��Ժ Community College that have been especially helpful to you?

The fitness center has been super nice to have as an option if you like to workout!

The post Meet Business Administration Student Madelyn Hardy appeared first on �鶹��Ժ Community College.

“With the liberal arts path, I was able to explore everything I wanted to explore, and I explored psychology, social work, and the arts,” they said.

And when it came time to focus on career choices, Burwell met with an advisor in the college’s Center for Academic Planning and Support (CAPS), a multi-service center that supports students with their academic needs. Burwell took a career interest assessment, and through discussions with the career coach confirmed their true passion was art, and specifically illustration.

The career coach suggested getting involved in the local art community, and through connections in the art community, the support of art professors at �鶹��Ժ, and the opportunities provided by a work-study job at the Heron’s Nest, Burwell now believes combining art and the desire to give back to the community will lead to a satisfying career.

“They helped me realize that what I want to do is something I actually can do,” said Burwell, who is on track to graduate in May with an associate degree and intends to enroll in a four-year school to earn a bachelor’s degree. At this time, Burwell is considering continuing their education at either the University of New Hampshire or Maine College of Art & Design in Portland with a focus on illustration.

“I have always loved art, and thanks to �鶹��Ժ my love for art is as strong as it has ever been. It has given me a real, true passion for art.”

Burwell’s career options are numerous. Professional opportunities include roles in publishing as a book illustrator, in the entertainment industry as a storyboard artist, animator, or conceptual artist, and in advertising and marketing to help a company or organization with visual storytelling. They could design graphics for products and packaging, work as a medical illustrator, a technical illustrator, a courtroom sketch artist, an art director, or in many other capacities.

“The career center at �鶹��Ժ helped me realize just how many options I actually have with my degree,” said Burwell, adding that Fine Arts and Digital Media Professor Thomas Devaney also has been supportive and encouraging.

“He is an amazing teacher, and he is good at helping people with their pieces and figuring out what is missing or what I need to do next,” they said. “When I told him I was worried about completing my portfolio, his response was, “We will work on it together and we will get it done.’”

In addition to professors and the �鶹��Ժ support staff, Burwell received inspiration from another source: Their mother.

“I actually learned about �鶹��Ժ from my mother,” Burwell said. “She graduated from the nursing program right before I enrolled, and she said it was the most supportive environment she had ever experienced. She said it was amazing, and she really loved her experience here.”

Both agree, their �鶹��Ժ experiences have been life changing. “This school is the only reason I can attend college at all. The affordability of a �鶹��Ժ education makes all the difference in the world. It allowed me to explore my interests and figure out what I want to do.”

The post Meet GBCC Student Raven Burwell appeared first on �鶹��Ժ Community College.

Now at age 22, he’s on the cusp of making that happen thanks to �鶹��Ժ Community College. After transferring to �鶹��Ժ two years ago, Blood graduates this month with an associate degree in Criminal Justice and a certificate in Homeland Security.

“My goal is to work in a local police department or sheriff’s office. Working as a fish-and-game officer would be great, too,” said Blood, who lives in Stratham and completed an internship with the Somersworth Police Department.

Blood’s success story is a testament to the benefits of a community college education. He was drawn to �鶹��Ժ’s affordability, flexibility, and its promise of small class sizes. He thrived once he arrived.

But it wasn’t his first choice. After graduating from high school, he started his college experience at a small four-year college in the Adirondack Mountains region of New York. He enjoyed the one year he spent there, but it was too far from home—and expensive. He returned to New Hampshire and enrolled in a large state university. That didn’t work out, either. After one semester, he transferred to �鶹��Ժ.

“It was too big and too expensive. I had to take out a massive loan, and it just wasn’t right for me,” he said. “People told me about �鶹��Ժ, and when I looked into it, I saw they offered a degree in Criminal Justice. That really interested me.”

He began taking classes in 2023. His advisor arranged for the transfer of his transcripts from high school and both colleges and helped him pick his classes. “There was no stress at all,” he said. “It was so easy.”

Unlike at the other schools, at �鶹��Ժ he didn’t have any loans to pay back. “I was able to pay as I go, semester by semester,” he said. “And unlike any other courses I have taken in college, at �鶹��Ժ nearly all my classes allowed me to attend either in person, remotely, or 100-percent online. It was very flexible, which allowed me to work full time while I was going to school.”

The best part, all his professors had real-world experience, and nearly all of them were working in the field while teaching at �鶹��Ժ. “It was very nice to know they are coming directly from their work in law enforcement to teach you what they just saw that day. They’re not just reading from a slideshow, they are sharing their own stories and experiences and discussing the topics based on their experiences. It’s nice to know that you are not learning from a textbook, but from their actual experiences in the field.”

Blood especially appreciated the one-on-one attention offered by professor Eric Kulberg, Chair of the Criminal Justice Department. “He’s thorough and fair, and he treats you like a friend. He guides you through the classes, helps with internships, and is always available to answer questions. He is one of the top professors I have ever had,” he said.

The post Meet GBCC Student Brandon Blood appeared first on �鶹��Ժ Community College.

This fall, Pilot followed her own advice and in her son’s footsteps when she enrolled in the Accounting program at �鶹��Ժ. Four decades after first enrolling in college in her home country of Indonesia, she decided it was time to get her degree.

Completing her college education has been a longtime dream that Pilot, 59, put on hold many years ago. She finished two college semesters when she settled in California after arriving in the United States, but she had other priorities.

“I got married, had kids,” she said. “I had to sacrifice. I let my kids go to school first.”

She remembers the pride and joy she felt when her son enrolled at �鶹��Ժ. “I was so happy, just overwhelmed.”

As a student working toward the completion of her degree, she feels similar elation.

“I am very excited to go to school. It is a lot of homework, but I am determined. My goal is set–I am determined to get my degree, and it will take me a few years to do it,” she said. “At first, it scared me. I had been out of school for 40 years. It was not easy at the beginning. But so far, so good. I am going in the right direction.

Pilot is accustomed to working hard. Her husband is disabled, and she has juggled several jobs for many years, working as a tax preparer and in the hospitality industry. After years of sacrificing for others, she is thrilled to be able to focus on herself and pursue the college degree she put on hold for so long.

“I feel honored. I want to go to school,” she said. “This is my dream. Other people my age, they can achieve their dreams, too. It’s not a matter of age. It’s a matter of desire.”

The post Meet GBCC Student Arielle Pilot appeared first on �鶹��Ժ Community College.

Gardner enrolled at �鶹��Ժ in fall 2024 for prerequisite courses needed to qualify for the nursing program, she took the spring semester off, and she then signed up for an eight-week course in phlebotomy during the summer. In that class, coursework is split between classroom instruction and clinical practice.

“I took the summer class as a way to put myself in a healthcare setting before becoming a nurse,” she said. “I wanted to get some experience and get some patient care under my belt.”

The course was taught by Dr. Tarry Attallah, a physician with a certification in phlebotomy and extensive teaching experience. Dr. Attallah began teaching the Medical Assistant program at �鶹��Ժ in 2023 and spearheaded the development of the phlebotomy technician program.

“Dr. Tarry was one of the best professors that I have had throughout my college experience, and that’s saying a lot,” said Gardner, who earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of New Hampshire before focusing her education on nursing. “She is incredibly kind, very passionate, and she wants you to truly understand the material. She is also very knowledgeable.”

After completing the summer course, Gardner passed a certification exam administered by the National Healthcareer Association, becoming a Certified Phlebotomy Technician. In addition to the coursework and experience, Gardner appreciated �鶹��Ժ’s Career Center, which helped her prepare a better resume and feel more confident in her interview skills.

She now works as a phlebotomist one day a week with Core Physicians at Exeter Hospital. “Learning phlebotomy and getting my job with Core Physicians will give me more direct patient care experience,” she said. “This will help prepare me to eventually become a better nurse.”

Ultimately, Gardner enrolled in the nursing program at New Hampshire Technical Institute in Concord. But she credits her time during the phlebotomy course at �鶹��Ժ for reigniting her passion for healthcare, further solidifying her choice to pursue a nursing degree.

“At �鶹��Ժ, I was able to practice actual physical skills instead of sitting in classes and listening to lectures. Most importantly, it got me excited about where I am headed.”

The post Meet GBCC Student Emily Gardner appeared first on �鶹��Ժ Community College.

He and a friend, also 16, enrolled in a criminal justice course together.

“We wondered if we were in over our heads, but we both pulled straight As,” said Priestley, now 19. “I am set to graduate this semester with a 3.97 GPA. I definitely got out of it what I came for, and in some cases, even more. When I started, I thought I had no business being at a college. But I did. I just didn’t know it at the time.”

Priestley’s success highlights the opportunity of Early College. Available to high school juniors and seniors, Early College offers a large selection of courses during the day and evening, all taught by college professors. In addition to earning credits toward high school graduation, Early College students earn credits that can be used at �鶹��Ժ and colleges and universities nationwide.

The ability to transfer credits is important to Priestley, who is using the credits he earns at �鶹��Ժ as the foundation for additional educational experiences and a career in the military and homeland security.

Priestley enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in spring 2024, pausing his �鶹��Ժ education after earning 30 credits toward his degree to prepare for basic training and his six-year military commitment. He resumed his education this past summer as an active member of the Air National Guard.

An Airman First Class who specializes in security, he views his Early College experience at �鶹��Ժ as integral to his military success, and he credits Eric Kulberg, department chair and professor of Criminal Justice and Homeland Security, for helping him choose his path.

“Eric was fantastic working with me and helping make all of this happen. I took my first class at �鶹��Ժ with him and he has kept his eye on me, which I appreciate,” said Priestley, who came to �鶹��Ժ as a homeschool student. “The actual experience of being 16 or 17 in a class with people in their 20s or older was interesting and challenging. But it was a welcoming environment, and I made a few good friends in the programs and classes. I was in classes with veterans, who knew what I was getting into. It was helpful to talk with them.”

Among the skills he has acquired at �鶹��Ժ were efficient study habits, effective communication techniques, and the ability to process knowledge critically and apply it to present-day situations, he said.

After graduating this fall with an associate degree in Homeland Security, Priestley plans to pursue a second associate degree in criminal justice from the Community College of the Air Force. From there, he intends to transfer his combined community college credits to the University of New Hampshire for a bachelor’s degree in Homeland Security.

By the time his military commitment is up four-plus years from now, he expects to have earned two two-year degrees and a four-year degree while attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant. All of that will prepare him for a career with the U.S. Marshal Service or another law enforcement agency, such as the FBI, Drug Enforcement Agency, or Secret Service.

When he pauses to reflect, Priestley is astounded how much his life has changed since his mother encouraged him to contact �鶹��Ժ to ask about Early College.

“I wanted none of that, but I wound up finally saying, ‘Why not?’ That turned out to be a great decision.”

The post Meet GBCC Student Ed Priestley appeared first on �鶹��Ժ Community College.