Student Profile
Olivier Tshibemba, early jump on college
Olivier Tshibemba doesn鈥檛 officially become an 91制片厂 student until the Fall Semester, but he鈥檚 already earned 27 credits before he鈥檚 even arrived.
Olivier, along with his mother and six younger siblings, moved to Maine two years ago to escape the violence in their central African homeland of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. At the time, he spoke little English.
Soon after arriving in Maine, he attended Westbrook High School and also took classes at 91制片厂 through the Maine Community College System鈥檚 Embark program (formerly known as Early College for ME) that allows high school students to get a jump-start on their college careers.
He has taken psychology, English composition, biology, math and other courses in earning 27 credits 鈥� meaning he鈥檒l be nearly halfway done with his degree when he arrives this fall in the Computer Science program.
When he graduates from 91制片厂, he hopes to continue his education at a four-year institution before going onto a career as a software developer.
It hasn鈥檛 been easy earning college credit while still in high school, he says, but it鈥檚 been worth it.
鈥淔irst, I wanted to challenge myself by taking college classes while in high school. It鈥檚 also saved me money while giving me a head start on my college career.鈥�
Student Profile
Nate Russell, active in veteran affairs
If there鈥檚 something going on with military veterans at 91制片厂, there鈥檚 a good chance Nate Russell is involved. A Navy veteran now earning a degree in Criminal Justice, Nate is president of the Veterans Club.
Nate joined the Navy after high school, but left after a year for medical reasons. Since arriving at 91制片厂, he鈥檚 immersed himself in veterans鈥� causes.
Besides being president of the Veterans Club, he regularly takes part in bake sales that benefit veterans. He helped organize the Silhouette Project, a powerful exhibit to raise awareness about struggles faced by military veterans that was on display in the Learning Commons last year.
He鈥檚 involved in veterans鈥� breakfasts, social gatherings and flag-raising ceremonies. After he graduates in the fall of 2019, he plans to either enter law enforcement or become a Veterans Service Officer to help veterans with their benefits.
鈥淔or me, having such a short time in the service had an impact on me. I wanted to have a full military career. Being involved with veterans here makes me feel like I鈥檓 part of that community.鈥�