Jennifer Napper
Elizabethtown Community and Technical College
PERSONAL BIOGRAPHY
My name is Jennifer Napper. I am 37 years old and a single mother of two daughters, ages 8 and 16. I will graduate in spring 2007 with an Associate of Applied Science degree in Business Administration - Accounting option at Elizabethtown Community and Technical College.
I made the decision to go to college at the age of 35. Being a survivor of domestic violence and a recovering substance abuser, I wanted a better life for my children. I gave my two weeks notice to my employer of 3.5 years, Nationwide Uniform Corporation, and started college in January 2005.
When I first began college, my Department of Community Based Services worker suggested that I contact Nikki Ellis, the coordinator of the Ready to Work program, when I got on campus. I'm really glad that I did. She has supported me through the last two years. Nikki has always been there, even when all I needed was someone to listen. She has helped me through work study and encouraged me to join clubs on campus. Nikki has been my coordinator, my counselor, and most of all, my friend.
Accomplishments I am proud of include being president of Phi Theta Kappa (the international honor society for two-year schools) and being treasurer of SIFE (Students in Free Enterprise). I have earned certificates in General Business and Basic Business Administration and have possibly earned National QuickBooks certification. I have a great work-study position as the student assistant to the office assistant of the Social and Behavioral Sciences division on campus. I also volunteered at new student orientation this fall to speak to incoming students about Phi Theta Kappa and SIFE.
I believe that my success in college is owed not only to my own hard work but to Nikki, to the Ready to Work program, and to my professors, advisors, co-workers, and friends. They all had faith in me when I didn't have faith in myself. I want to thank all of them, especially Nikki, for their help and encouragement.
My tip for success to all students in Ready to Work is "face your fears." I have faced many in the last two years, and I continue to face them every day. Looking back, I now realize that I would have missed out on many wonderful opportunities in college and in life if I had let fear stop me. Please don't let your fears stop you from becoming the person you are meant to be.
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