Robyn B.

Robyn is a 33 year old Junior at the University of Maine at Augusta, holding a 3.84 GPA in their Administration of Justice Program. She’s made the Dean’s List eight out of her nine semesters in college, and by May of 2003 will have earned both an Associate’s and a Bacholor’s degree in the Criminal Justice field. In addition to her academic accomplishments, Robyn is a full-time mother of two daughters. Robyn is one of those students who makes it seem easy to accomplish impossible tasks like balancing a busy household and full-time school; however, she didn’t always possess such high motivation and organization. Before becoming involved with the Maine Educational Opportunity Center (MEOC), Robyn was unemployed, staying at home, and possessed “little to no desire to change [her] lifestyle.”

Forced by state regulations to either find work, volunteer, or start school, Robyn enrolled in a local Women, Work and Community Program. For the first time, Robyn began to develop a sense of her self and her own interests and desires. She began to consider higher education as a possibility; then she met her MEOC advisor, who helped Robyn apply for college, obtain financial aid, and develop the self-confidence to pursue her new dreams. According to Robyn, “[My MEOC Advisor] is a tremendous asset to the University of Maine. Through [their] workshops, I am able to apply for financial aid every year, and have the confidence that I dotted all my I’s and crossed all my T’s.”

After graduation, Robyn wants to find a career in adult probation and parole. She knows that “by receiving my degree, I will open doors to a future that will secure a better financial outlook, and provide more job opportunities.” When reflecting on the radical change in her life goals and motivation, Robyn says, “I now believe none of this would have been possible without receiving the support of my family, friends, and people dedicated to their jobs, like [my MEOC Advisor.]”