Nancy Johnson
I think the accounting program at New River Community College is an excellent program. The teachers are knowledgeable and are willing to go beyond the classroom to help each student understand their assignments. They create an environment in the classroom that makes students feel comfortable. I would recommend New River Community College to anyone entering the accounting program.
Terri Morris 
I had been thinking about returning to school for quite a while. Sometimes things just work out for the best. I’m the Assistant County Administrator in Floyd County, and my bosses are the Board of Supervisors. Three years ago, they changed my job duties to be more finance based, gave me a host of new duties, and required an Associate’s Degree in Accounting within three years. My decision to return to school was made for me.
Returning to school as an older student was very frightening. My thoughts were running in all directions – would I be able to do the work, am I too old to learn, how would the younger students treat me, am I going to make a fool of myself? My first Accounting class was terrifying. But luckily, I had Jay Wright as a teacher for that first class, and with his encouragement and support, I made it through. I’m very thankful that he was my first teacher, the process was much easier. Also, and just as importantly, Ray Wurzburger was my advisor, and teacher in some classes, his support is immeasurable.
I found I could learn, I could do the work, and I made some good friends of all ages in my classes. I also found that all the faculty and staff that I came into contact with at NRCC are so helpful and want your educational process to be a success.
In 2005, I was awarded the Who’s Who in American Junior Colleges. In 2006, I received the Outstanding Accounting Student Award and an Achievement Award from the Virginia Society of Certified Public Accountants. I finished up my Associate’s Degree in May 2006 (just within the three years my bosses required).
I’ve already registered for Fall 2006 classes. I won’t need many classes to obtain an Associate’s Degree in Business Management. Thank you NRCC for opening up a new chapter in my life.
Christine Talbott
When I first attended college at Virginia Tech, I was fresh out of high school. I was young, I had very few responsibilities, and I had a desire for a higher education. Unfortunately, after 2 semesters, I was forced to take some time off due to financial circumstances. In the meantime, I started my life.
My first son, Derek, was born when I was 22 years old and I began to build a life that revolved around him and my family. I wanted him to have a better life than I had, but more importantly, I wanted to make sure that he didn't have to struggle to pay for his college education. On the day Derek was born, I promised myself that he would be able to go to college and that I would be able to pay for it as well as the expenses that come along with an education.
It wasn't long after I formulated this goal that I realized that I would have to complete college myself, and then the decision making began. “How am I going to be able to attend classes when I have to work and when I can't afford a babysitter for Derek?” I would ask myself. “How am I going to be able to pay for it?” I would also ask myself. The objective was clear, and so was the problem. How could I get from point A to point B?
The very first thing I did was consult with my husband. After careful preparation and a lot of calculations, I was able to show him a financial outlet that would allow me to quit my job. He agreed that with a careful budget we could live on just his salary alone.
The second step I took involved visiting the New River Community College campus. After speaking with a counselor, I learned that NRCC offered a lot of independent distance learning (IDL) classes. IDL classes allowed me to attend school without having to physically be present in a classroom. Because of this, I would not have to worry about paying for a babysitter for Derek. Finally, I filled out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Upon filling out the application and receiving aid, I was able to pay for my classes as well as my books.
Because of an encouraging husband, a great staff and faculty at NRCC, financial aid, and the best support network available, I will be graduating with an associate degree from NRCC next month. In the fall, I will be returning to Virginia Tech to pursue a degree in Accounting and Information Systems.
Getting from point A to point B wasn't easy, but I feel as though my decision will not only inspire my children (my second son, Dylan, was born in August of 2003) to strive for a college education, but it will also make it easier for me to make it happen for them. Every problem that presented itself to me was overcome and I was able to find the strength within myself to keep going and achieve this goal.
Reba
Smart
I have been employed at First National Bank since April 1973. I began taking
classes at NRCC through the American Institute of Banking. I graduated
from NRCC in 1996 with an AAS degree in Accounting and AAS degree in Business
Management. I was named the Outstanding Student in Accounting and was named
to the Who's Who Among Students in American Junior Colleges. I also have
completed the required courses through AIB to obtain a diploma in General
Banking, Consumer Lending and Bank Operations. I graduated in June 2002
from the BAI Graduate School of Bank Operations and Technology at Vanderbilt
University. Also, I have been an instructor for the American Institute
of Banking, teaching Accounting, Supervision, and Principles of Banking.
I began my career at FNB in the Proof
Department, and have advanced to my current position of Vice President/Retail
Operations Coordinator at First National Bank. This would not have
been possible without the education and support I received from the
faculty at New River Community College. I value the time I spent
in classes at NRCC. Not only did I learn more than I ever thought
possible about accounting, banking laws and economics, I became more
self confident and self - assured. I would never have been able to
teach classes of any kind had it not been for the instruction and
training I received at New River. There were times when I felt like
giving up and forgetting the whole education thing, but I am thankful
that I persevered - thanks in a large way to the advice of my advisor
at NRCC. Although I took classes for over 20 years, starting in 1973
and continued to 1996, working around family and work schedules,
going to school only at nights, I will never regret finishing my
course studies and getting those diplomas. Thank you NRCC! |
