A Second Chance at Great Bay Leads to Dream Career
Like many young adults, Molly McNeill did not find her ideal educational path right out of high school. In 2019, she enrolled at a four-year university, but after two years, she realized she couldn’t
see herself happy there long term.
McNeill withdrew from college and returned to teaching preschool for five years while continuing to volunteer with local charities.
Her turning point came while volunteering for Annie’s Angels, a New Hampshire nonprofit that supports families struggling with life-threatening disease, illness, or disability. McNeill had volunteered with the organization since age 17 and joined its Board of Directors at 21, eventually becoming the longest-serving member of its current board.
Recognizing her natural talent for organization and leadership, fellow board members encouraged her to pursue event planning professionally, prompting her to return to higher education at Great Bay Community College.
Enrolling in Great Bay’s Event and Meeting Planning Certification program, McNeill thrived in the college’s hands-on, community-centered environment. Balancing full-time work and classes for two years to pay her way debt-free, she gained comprehensive training in all aspects of event planning and presentation, including food safety, business professionalism, and event law.
Mentors like Laurie Mantegari, program coordinator and faculty advisor for the Hotel, Restaurant, and Event Management program, provided both real-world experience and ongoing professional support that continues long after graduation, McNeill said.
“Great Bay gave me the perfect jumping-off point,” she said. “I loved how in-person and collaborative the program is. The hands-on training prepared me directly for the field.”
Today, 25-year-old McNeill serves as director of events and sales at the historic Three Chimneys Inn in Durham, N.H. As the primary point of contact for clients, she manages functions ranging from weddings and corporate luncheons to university retreats and holiday parties.
She credits her Great Bay education with giving her the confidence to coordinate complex logistics and turn her professional dreams into reality. McNeill’s journey highlights how community colleges offer vital second chances, affordable career shifts, and practical pathways to long-term professional success.
“I plan to stay here for the long term,” McNeill said of her role at Three Chimneys Inn. “It’s a great space, and there’s a real family and community feel here.”