Hector V.

Hector had worked in the restaurant business for 15 years before he decided to return to college and earn a college degree. His decision to return to school was delayed temporarily by the drug and alcohol dependency he had developed during his time in the workforce. To address his issues, Hector entered a live-in drug and alcohol treatment program. It was at this halfway house that Hector met his MEOC advisor and began to pursue his college plans in earnest.

Hector's MEOC advisor assisted him, in pursuing his goals “one at a time.” Hector began taking review classes at a local adult education center, and found that he “really liked being in the classroom atmosphere.” With more assistance from Rebecca and MEOC, Hector successfully filed his financial aid paperwork, conducted a search of colleges in the area, and completed his college applications. At the same time, Hector worked actively on his recovery process, earning the admiration and respect of his housemates and counselors. Hector was accepted at Eastern Maine Technical College and began his studies in the Culinary Arts program.

While at EMTC, Hector has earned a 3.67 GPA and earned admission to Phi Theta Kappa. He is actively involved in fundraising and volunteering throughout the community. His future educational plans include attending Husson College in Bangor, Maine, and earning an Bachelor’s degree in Business with a focus on hospitality.

Reflecting on his accomplishments in recent years, Hector says, “College has given me back a great deal of confidence that I’d lost over the years of using alcohol and drugs. I will finally be able to move up the ladder and to lead the kind of life I’ve always wanted to but couldn’t because of a lack of education. Getting help for my alcohol and drug dependency and going back to college are the best things I’ve ever done for myself and my family.”