Meet Shanti McKenna

When you arrive at CCV in Rutland, you're likely to get a warm welcome and a smile from Shanti McKenna, the site's administrative assistant. In accepting that position Shanti has realized one of her life goals, which she describes as "giving back to the community some of what I gained at CCV."

Shanti completed a year of college right after high school but realized that she wasn't ready to focus on academics. Ten years later, she became a single parent with a young child and soon realized that "I wanted to provide a better life for my kids, and getting an education was the ticket. I looked at all my options and found that CCV suited me best as a non-traditional student."

"CCV felt like home, a place where I was welcomed with open arms, where I belonged. I loved my CCV classes, and I learned a lot here." Even though she found it challenging to juggle work, family, and her classes, Shanti got involved as a peer tutor and also served on the Student Advisory Board. She says, "CCV is its own community and the people are great."

After graduating from CCV in 1998 with a degree in liberal studies, Shanti earned a bachelor's degree in mathematics and education at Castleton State College in 2002. Five years later she applied for the position at CCV and was delighted to have been chosen. She says "I love being the smiling face who can encourage new students when they walk through the door."

When asked about her future, Shanti is very clear. "I want to earn a master's degree so that I can teach at CCV and I want also to become an academic advisor. CCV has made such a difference in my life. I want to be able to help others find the courage to try out college and be successful."

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