Affordability and the Sciences with Valerie

Transcript

Valerie is a sophomore majoring in Geology with a minor in Geographic Information Systems. She is from Casper, and has been helped by the excellent support system on campus, including the Student Success Center. Thanks to the scholarships she received, Valerie will graduate debt free. Amazing. Valerie, tell us more about your journey.

– You rock, Alex, thanks for the gneiss introduction. In high school, I was considered homeless, and as an independent student, I didn’t have anyone to help me get started in my college journey, but the TRIO program helped guide me to Casper College. An admissions rep helped me sign up with ease. They even helped me fill out my FAFSA form. There is truly an amazing support system here. The Student Success Center is full of resources to help students with whatever they need. On top of that, Casper College awards approximately $3.8 million in scholarships and grants a year. Because of the scholarships and grants I have received, I’m able to graduate debt free, even as a dual major. When I registered for geology as one my majors, I didn’t realize the multitude of unique and fun experiences I’d have. A notable experience was attending a class in the same room as a mammoth skeleton. It’s all right here on campus, in the very unique Tate Geological Museum. I also had a chance to dig up dinosaur bones with one of my instructors. It was an amazing experience where I met some of the world’s top paleontologists. Working alongside these experts really deepened my understanding of paleontology and made the job unforgettable. I was even lucky enough to keep a tiny chunk of a triceratops rib. The instructors here have provided us with real world experiences and connections. Being a STEM major has been so influential on my life. My experiences here will help me in my career and everyday life. I’ve gained an understanding about how beautiful and amazing our world is. Well, it’s about time I mica my way out of here. See you on the rock slide, Alex.

– Thank you, Valerie for a look inside the impressive Tate Geological Museum, V the Mammoth is amazing, and having the opportunity to participate on a dinosaur dig sounds fantastic. Casper College does have a wonderful support system in place for all students, and the Student Success Center is there to help every single student. Take care, Valerie.