The exam results tell the story of Ashley Vatcher’s success at Great Bay Community College.
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’s good grades “feel amazing. I went from getting Cs and Ds and barely passing, or not passing, to maintaining a 98 average,” said Vatcher, who is majoring in Veterinary Technology. “It was a big struggle for me at first, but eventually something clicked. It’s a surreal experience going from a C or D average to As.”
That “something” was taking advantage of the academic support offered by Great Bay’s Center for Academic Planning and Support, or CAPS. CAPS offers one-on-one tutoring, academic coaching, and study space, among other services.
“This 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.”
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. “Deb has seen me struggle, and she has stayed with me since year one.”
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. “I 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.”
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. “My 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.”