The exam results tell the story of Ashley Vatcher鈥檚 success at 海角乱伦.
First exam: 96; mid-term: 100; second exam: 102.
For a student who struggled with her grades during her early days at Great Bay, Vatcher鈥檚 good grades 鈥渇eel amazing. I went from getting Cs and Ds and barely passing, or not passing, to maintaining a 98 average,鈥� said Vatcher, who is majoring in Veterinary Technology. 鈥淚t was a big struggle for me at first, but eventually something clicked. It鈥檚 a surreal experience going from a C or D average to As.鈥�
That 鈥渟omething鈥� was taking advantage of the academic support offered by Great Bay鈥檚 Center for Academic Planning and Support, or CAPS. CAPS offers one-on-one tutoring, academic coaching, and study space, among other services.
鈥淭his year, I just started putting in more effort, I started going to CAPS and I began asking for help. My professors have been super understanding, and they have all been there for me. I appreciate Great Bay because the professors really do care about their students and they want to see us succeed.鈥�
She singled out Deborah Discher, who serves as the director and chair of the Veterinary Technology Department and has taught at Great Bay for 15 years. 鈥淒eb has seen me struggle, and she has stayed with me since year one.鈥�
Vatcher also attributed her turnaround to spending more time on campus, which has immersed her in an academic environment and helped her develop better study habits. 鈥淚 never expected I would say something like this, but I like studying and I like learning. Before, studying felt like a tiring activity, like it was work. But now, with my improved study habits, I actually enjoy it. I put on my headphones and just go for it.鈥�
Vatcher, 22, expects to graduate from Great Bay in three years. During that time, she hopes to build her experience at a vet clinic and is especially interested in emergency veterinary medicine. Long term, she imagines going back to school to study zoology. 鈥淢y final goal is work in a zoo as a vet tech or an animal handler. I have always been passionate about animals, and I am glad I am on track with my goals and dreams.鈥�