Craig W.

Craig suffered a work-related mill injury in 1984, and spent the next twelve years of his life grappling with the frustrations of living on worker’s compensation benefits. At that point Craig knew it was time to change to a more productive lifestyle; he began taking classes at his local technical college. There, Craig met Sally Daniels of the Maine Educational Opportunity Center (MEOC), who introduced him to the idea of earning a four year degree.

Sally gave Craig an application packet to the Onward Program at the University of Maine. With Sally’s assistance, Craig completed the admissions and financial aid process and enrolled in Onward in the Fall of 1996. According to Craig, Sally “planted the seeds” of higher education inspiration; these seeds were watered and grown by the staff, faculty, and fellow students at the Onward Program. As Craig says, “Onward, its staff, and fellow students have helped me to overcome many emotional and academic obstacles, hence leading to my success.” While at UMaine, Craig has maintained a 3.5+ GPA and been awarded the Presidential Achievement Award. He is also a member of the Lambda Phi Eta Honor Society in the Communication and Journalism Department.

In reflecting on his decision to attend college, Craig says that “No matter where I go, or what job I do, no one can take the confidence I have gained from my college experience (in and out of classes) away from me. My 16 year old daughter, after seeing me out of work and doing nothing productive, has expressed a certain level of pride [in my accomplishements], and wishes to follow my example.”