Courtney Winzenried, Biological Science student

It is sometimes difficult for students, in the early years of their education, to see the relevance of things they are learning to their future careers. Biological Sciences student Courtney Winzenried is the type of student who has the foresight to see the value in the chemistry, math and biology courses that are part of the curriculum that will put her on the path to an eventual career as a veterinarian.  The Easton High School graduate, who decided to pursue college after several years in the workforce, believes that NCC raises the academic bar as a means to put knowledgeable people out into the working world.

"I've developed a lot of confidence at NCC," says Winzenried. "I was a little surprised at some of my curriculums, but they set the bar here for people who want to be real professionals."

Winzenried has also had her eyes opened to the value of student-teacher interactions.

"Through studying with the faculty here and with my peers, I've also found a love of chemistry and of teaching and helping others," says Winzenried. "I'd love to teach people about science, and work part-time as a professor. I'd really like to be able to give to others what my instructors here gave to me. There are professors here who pushed me to succeed and they believed in me every step of the way."

Winzenried has a lifelong love of animals and works as a veterinary technician at a local animal shelter while she pursues her academic goals. The hands-on experience has also proven to be a motivator, particularly when it comes to keeping her eyes on the ultimate goal.

"Shelter medicine has really inspired me to pursue my dream. We get to see the coolest stuff," Winzenried enthuses. "I think it's very fascinating. My biggest goal is finishing my four-year degree, going through grad school and being able to concentrate on researching feline leukemia."

With just two semesters left in her time at NCC, Winzenried has seen the value in how far she's come already.

"I think people out of high school don't expect to have to work this hard," she acknowledges. "But everything in this world worth having, we have to work hard for."