Success Stories - September 2011
Karen Witt
Worth its Wait in Gold
"What are you waiting for? What can you say you earned in two years if you don't pursue a degree? Two years of watching TV? You can make this happen, class by class and it will add up to an amazing achievement."
-Karen Witt
Manager, Corporate Banking
Prudential
June 2011 proved to be a most memorable month for all the right reasons for Karen Witt. First, she received official notice from Thomas Edison State College that her BSBA degree was certified. A few days later, a job promotion message announcing her new position as a level 9 Manager was released. The good news spilled into the month of July for Karen after receiving word of being chosen Corporate College Services' 2011 Adult Learner of the Year. Equally impressive and deserving considering Karen had to abandon her dreams of pursuing a higher education more than 20 years ago due to life circumstances.
At the time Karen joined the CCS program in 2002, she was the sole financial provider for her family. She chose CCS in part to support a friend who was also considering joining. Completing her first class, Adult Development & Learning, had a threefold effect on her. "I realized how much I needed this to further my career, increase my worth in the competitive workforce, and enrich my overall knowledge," she said. With her thirst for knowledge reawakened, Karen set her sights upon attaining a BSBA in Human Resources Management/Organizational Management. Between balancing the demands of career, family, and now school, the goal proved to be a fulfilling yet at times, challenging undertaking.
Admired for her commitment and work ethic, Karen faced a number of life's more difficult moments...health issues...injuries...the passing of family members...additional job responsibilities, not as adversities, but as challenges to rise above. Not even a foot fracture suffered during an Interpretive Dance class taken as a free elective could sideline her. Unable to participate in the dance recital with her classmates, the very determined adult learner still attended every session believing that something of value can be learned from every class-even an elective. Part of Karen's philosophy of learning is, "you only stand to gain by throwing yourself into the subject matter."
Degree completion made it possible for Karen to experience a renewal of professional and personal confidence. "By applying my formal learning to different aspects of my life, I have learned to consider commitments outside of my comfort zone," she stated. Whether it is as a lector at her church, assisting her teenage daughter's friends with homework, or being a motivational speaker for school career days, Karen firmly believes that the human capacity to make the world a better place is limitless. Unknowingly, by her actions and example, she also serves as an inspiration to her friends and co-workers some of whom are now contemplating returning to school.
In her 2002 CCS career goal essay Karen wrote, "I want to enhance my current skill sets and the completion of my degree will provide me greater access to opportunities within business areas of my employer." Through much hard work and sacrifice, those words proved golden for Karen. Right now she is taking some time to savor her academic achievement as she settles into her new managerial position. The educative team of CCS applauds Karen for her accomplishment, promotion, and for her indomitable spirit and wishes her continued success in her professional and personal endeavors.
CORPORATE COLLEGE SERVICES, INC,
1139 Spruce Drive, Suite C, Mountainside, NJ 07092
908.233.3399 / FAX 908.233.5719
info@corporatecollegeservices.com
