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From Skepticism to Success
When Diane Bullock
left an abusive relationship with two young children to support
and a full time job, she was
unsure that she would be able to complete the courses assigned
to her through the Monmouth County Home Based Distance Learning
program. “One year ago I was skeptical about finishing
the courses”, Diane Bullock said as she addressed her fellow
graduates and their families gathered for the first Home Based
Distance Learning (HBDL) Graduation Awards Ceremony. The ceremony,
which was held at Brookdale Community College in Long Branch,
New Jersey on Wednesday March 19, 2003, honored Diane and 21
other women who have successfully completed their on-line training
through the Business @ccess website established for the Monmouth
County Community. Now she feels blessed about her accomplishments
after completing not only the three (3) assigned courses but
an additional 27 courses made available to her.
The First of Many
During her testimonial at the graduation
ceremony, Diane thanked her family for their support over the
year. She also thanked
the many organizations and government departments that worked
together to offer this program to individuals such as herself.
In concluding her remarks, Diane wholeheartedly said “I
hope this is the first of many classes to graduate.”
Brenda Body, another Achiever who is now among Monmouth County’s
HBDL alumni, also presented a testimonial. She noted that, although
she did not have much prior experience with computers or training,
the learning was clear and easy. “As I progressed quickly
I felt a sense of purpose.” She noted that Business @ccess
was available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week for
the technical support she needed. As she learned new technical
and academic skills she said she became more confident in her
ability to complete the courses prescribed to her and when she
did she was “inspired by the effort.”
“ First Class Citizens of Cyberspace”
Dr. Linda Milstein, Vice President
of Outreach Business and Community Development at Brookdale
Community College began an
inspiring keynote address by telling the Achievers that “you
are our first class citizens of cyberspace”. Dr. Milstein
noted that most adults begin training feeling disadvantaged as
learners but that, in most cases, the opposite is true. She said
that she has found adults to be among the best learners because
of their focus and dedication. “A degree seemed a distant
dream a year ago,” she said. “But all graduates have
learned new skills and abilities in that short time.” Dr.
Milstein expressed her hope that the graduates would continue
their learning and might consider Brookdale Community College
as a vehicle for the next step in achieving goals and dreams
with more on-line courses using Brookdale’s Home Learning
Program. She concluded her remarks by saying that support from
family and friends were a large part of the success of the Achievers
and encouraged their continued strength in their support.
Pioneering Women for the Twenty-first Century
Mr. Douglas A. Placa, Chief of Staff
with the New Jersey Department of Labor, during remarks made
at the ceremony thanked the Monmouth
County Workforce Investment Board for their leadership and congratulated
all those who had earned their certificates. “By overcoming
the daily toils, the Achiever’s, a designation well-earned,
were able to complete post-employment training with opportunities
to advance.” Mr. Placa noted that March is Women’s
History Month, which this year has the theme of “Pioneering
Women”. He told the Achievers that they are the pioneers
who are leading New Jersey’s workforce to face the challenges
and opportunities of the 21st century’s global economy.
Applauded Forever
After the presentations of diplomas
by Carl Lillvik, Chairman of the Monmouth County Workforce
Investment Board (WIB) and Mr.
Placa, Sharon Dutra, Administrator of the WIB, came forward to
offer closing remarks and to present two special, unplanned surprise
awards. Sharon told the graduates of her pride for their determination
and that they were to be “applauded forever.” Business
@ccess, Sharon told the audience, had taken notice of the struggles
and ultimate successes of all the Achievers and had sent two
special awards of a $50.00 gift certificate to Office Max, a
business supply company. The awards were presented to Diane Bullock,
who was recognized for completing 30 courses on line, more than
any other Monmouth County Achiever, and Linda Brown, who logged
over 175 hours in on-line training time.
The Monmouth County On-line Community continues to grow as new
Achievers are brought on board. Sharon indicated that another
graduation ceremony would most likely be held during the summer
months as Achievers who finish their core curriculum and advance
in other training opportunities are identified. Additional information
regarding the program, including eligibility to participate is
available at the Monmouth County One Stop Career Center in Red
Bank at (732) 747-2282, extension 31.
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