Life ushers new opportunities for graduate Vicki Mitchell of the Administrative Professional program. The 55-year-old Menasha native learned more than new skills for a career; she also discovered that it’s never too late to start over on something.

Mitchell spent several years working for minimum wage while raising a child as a single parent due to an upbringing that didn’t allow her to complete high school. Wanting more out of life, she looked to Fox Valley Technical College to pursue her GED as a stepping stone to success.

Mitchell was part of a 16-member group of students who participated in the Seeing Beyond Barriers program three years ago through FVTC’s Adult Basic Education program. The grant-funded effort supported by the J. J. Keller Foundation, Inc. provided increased mentorship from faculty and staff to build employability skills and other abilities related to both educational and workplace success. Each student received either his or her HSED or GED as part of the Barriers program as well.

The students culminated the Barriers experience in spring of 2014 by purchasing clothes with grant dollars in preparation for their first job interview. The event drew media attention and helped catapult the students into the workforce or enrolling in continuous education.

While at FVTC, Mitchell volunteered her time to mentor other students. She shared her pathway to success as a guest speaker in ABE classes and gave the 2014 HSED/GED student commencement address. Mitchell plans to pursue more education at FVTC while hitting the job market in her field.

Video produced while Ms. Mitchell was enrolled in the Administrative Professional program at FVTC.