by Jennifer DeJoy | Jul 27, 2026 | Build Your Career Stories, News, Participant Stories
I am a first-generation college student. At almost 40 years old, I challenged myself by enrolling in a college English course, and to my surprise, I earned an A. That experience changed the way I saw myself. It gave me the confidence to continue my education, and even...
by Jennifer DeJoy | Jul 21, 2026 | Build Your Career Stories, Participant Stories
I moved from China to the U.S. with my husband almost a year ago. It was a big change for both my life and my career. We were excited to start a new chapter together in Maine. Since moving here, we’ve met so many kind and welcoming people. We’ve also...
by Jennifer DeJoy | Jul 10, 2026 | Build Your Career Stories, Participant Stories
Enrolling in college was one way for me to break the cycle of poverty and addiction in my family. I am about to start my senior year of a bachelor’s degree program in mental health and human services (MHHS) at the University of Maine at Augusta (UMA). I feel...
by Jennifer DeJoy | Jun 23, 2026 | Participant Stories
I have been aware of New Ventures Maine (NVME) since the organization was called Women, Work and Community. When I was getting my undergraduate degree through the ASPIRE program as a divorced, single parent at the age of 36 I was connected to people and resources...
by Jennifer DeJoy | Aug 21, 2025 | Participant Stories
I have a bachelor’s degree in psychology, but it wasn’t the platform for success that I had hoped for. So here I am, a freshman in college again at 47. I am following my passion, purpose, and responsibility. I couldn’t make ends meet as a public-school educator and a...
