Health Studies major Pamela balances a lot: she is a full-time student, full-time dental assistant, wife, and mother of two young children. In fact, Pamela brought her laptop to the hospital when she gave birth in January because she wanted to start the semester strong, talk about multi-tasking.

When Your Path Isn’t Clear

Pamela graduated from high school in 2014 and was unsure about college and her career path. At that time, her mother recommended a short-term dental assisting training at YCCC where she discovered that she loved that field, despite failing the course. Pamela took a break from school, moved to Florida to be with her now husband, and eventually enrolled in a 10-month program to work as a dental assistant with the goal of becoming a dentist. Pamela found success in school and work in Florida but decided to move back to Maine to be closer to family when she decided to have children.

Future Plans

There are differences in licensing between Maine and Florida and this allowed Pamela to think about the next phase of her career. To achieve a better work life balance, Pamela has decided to pursue a career in dental hygiene, instead of dentistry, and found her way back to YCCC! Pamela has enrolled in the Health Studies program which articulates into the University of New England’s dental hygiene program, helping her save money as she works towards her goal.

Experience at YCCC

Positive! Pamela appreciates how YCCC’s online coursework allows her to balance school with the rest of her life. Pamela also has the support of her success coach, Aubre, and the UNE transfer counselor, Peter, to ensure she completes all the necessary coursework for a smooth transition to UNE in the fall of 2025.

Advice for Future Students

Pamela’s advice for prospective students trying to decide if they can manage school is “Just do it. Let your haters be your biggest motivators and do not sell yourself short.”

For information about how YCCC can help you achieve your goals contact Admissions at 207-216-4409 or email ycccadmissions@mainecc.edu

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