Student Mentors

History at Empire College: Prior to attending Empire College I spent many years in the United States Army. Upon my honorable discharge I found myself without direction, and wanted to find a new career path. I have always had a fascination with computers, but my experience with them had been little to none. After speaking to several friends who have attended Empire College, I made the choice to check it out for myself.

I have experienced the traditional college school system prior to enlisting in the Army, which led me to obtaining a Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice from Sonoma State. After having attended Empire College I have found that this institution has offered me more than I could have ever hoped to achieve. This institution has provided the tools and environment that have allowed me to achieve goals I never thought were possible.

History at Empire College: I have had many jobs, but I came to Empire College looking for a career. I graduated high school with no idea what I wanted to do with my life. I have a passion for helping people, for learning, writing and research, and I wanted to find a career that could combine all of my passions into one job. The legal field has so many opportunities within it to grow, continue learning, and so many different types of law to learn. I thought I would try the Paralegal Program. It combined every one of my passions into one career that I will enjoy doing, and will provide me with financial stability.

I fell in love with my school. My teachers challenge me to be the best, and do my best, in order for me to reach my full potential. I also discovered how much I love learning about the law! The Paralegal Program gave me a new passion to focus on, everything legal.

History at Empire College: After being a stay home mother of four, for eighteen years, I have decided to pursue my interest in medicine. I am enjoying the school experience as an adult and feel confident that my new skills will lead me to success. It has been a good reminder of my capabilities and interests.

My experience at Empire College has been fulfilling in a number of ways. The support, encouragement, and friendships are abundant, and I feel excited and motivated to arrive each day as a result. I am honored and excited to be a student mentor, and I look forward to helping you succeed!

History at Empire College: I started my journey here at Empire College back in January of 2017, in pursuit of a Paralegal degree. After spending quite a bit of time in that program, I decided to change my major and pursue a degree in Business. Wow! what a difference that made. Although acquiring a basic understanding about the law was very interesting and useful, I knew the moment that I began taking a few business courses, I had made the right decision.

With the help of the dedicated teachers here at Empire, I have really come out of my shell as a student, and I look forward to all the knowledge that I will continue to gain throughout the rest of my time here. I am confident that I will continue to progress as a student and as a leader, and I hope to help others to do the same along the way.

History at Empire College: I started Empire College June of 2017 in the Business program. After taking the first two accounting classes and hearing all the job opportunities in the accounting field, I decided to major in accounting. I could not have made a better decision. I am now in the Accounting Essentials program and look forward to upgrading my program to the associate degree.

I worked retail for several years and knew that was not what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. I also worked a couple of office positions and knew that I needed a better educational background to better my skills. When I had the opportunity to come back to school, I jumped right on it! Since coming to Empire College, I have come a long way and could not be any happier. I am excited to be a mentor for my classmates and continue to strive for greatness.

History at Empire College: I decided to make a big change in my life after my older sister—who graduated from this college— told me about this amazing school. I am doing the Phlebotomy Degree program. Before starting the first module I didn’t know what to expect. I was nervous but excited to meet new people who would have a goal similar to mine.

So far I have had the pleasure of having great instructors who take the time to get to know me and help me if I am having problems understanding the material. Also, I have made some great friends that always keep me motivated. My friends inspire me to keep doing well and to believe in myself. I am blessed to have great support from my family, who help me and push me to be the best that I can be.

History at Empire College: My interest in the legal field began during a mock trial in one of my high school law classes after successfully defending my client. Fast forward a couple of decades, two kids, and at least two careers later, I made it to Empire College!

The ethics and professionalism that are not only modeled, but expected, make this an exceptional institution. I absolutely love it here. The staff and student body are supportive and positive, and there is an immeasurable forward growth that takes place here each day. I never feel alone or without help when I need questions answered, and the encouragement of a strong and healthy learning environment has meant the world to me. The quality of education surpasses my expectations for being prepared to enter the field in my profession, and I cannot wait to begin the next chapter of my life as a paralegal!

History at Empire College: I came to Empire College because I wasn’t satisfied with the jobs I have had and wanted a more purposeful career, and I believe Empire College is the best choice to help me achieve that goal.

I have been working with computers for a long time and hope to pursue a fulfilling career in the near future. I like to help where I can so please feel free to ask me anything that comes to mind whether IT related or not, and I am always happy to take on new personal projects or help others with theirs. It it my hope that I can help others reach the same level of satisfaction in themselves and in this school that I have found.

History at Empire College: After becoming a single dad, I came to Empire in February of 2018 looking to make a big change in my life. I have been around medical terminology my entire life (with a mother that works in the medical field) and have always been good with numbers. That is why I chose the Medical Billing and Coding program here at Empire. All of the programs here at Empire offer great pathways to lead you to the career you are looking for, it just depends on where your passion takes you. For me, that was the medical program.

I am very fortunate to have a great support group of family and friends that have helped push me and motivate me, but the people I have met at Empire have been a huge part of my success. I have loved my time here at Empire College, and look forward to finishing strong before I graduate in January of 2019. I have learned a LOT, met some wonderful staff members and teachers, and have made some great friends along the way. My best advice to the new students is to use the teachers, staff, tutors, and mentors as a resource to guide you down your path and to help you along the way. Never be afraid to ask questions and continue to learn. I am very honored to be your student mentor for the medical department and am happy to help you in any way that I can.

UPDATE: Phil is indeed finishing strong, achieving his Certified Professional Coder certification one month prior to graduating.

History at Empire College: I started going to Empire College when I won a scholarship and began the Specialized Associate’s Degree in Accounting. I am happily married and the very proud mom of four sons ranging from teenagers to toddlers. 

I have been in the field of accounting for the majority of my adult life. It wasn’t a career I chose; it more or less chose me. I have a knack for numbers and accounting. I decided to pursue a formal degree when my life took a dramatic turn, and it was time to make some big choices. Empire College has been the perfect place to make my dream happen. 

I am both flattered and honored to be chosen as a student mentor. I enjoy supporting and assisting my peers in their personal progress to success, and I look forward to continuing to do so. 

History at Empire College: Going to college was never negotiable. By my senior year, my family was strongly pushing for Empire College. My uncle had graduated from our very own tech program (2005) and continues to uses the valuable skills today in both his daily and work life. High school wasn’t necessarily my strong point; that being said, I did everything I could to get out – so much that I graduated early. However, I was nervous to pursue my schooling career because I hadn’t been excited or even liked school since the good ol’ elementary days.

That all changed my first day here at Empire. By my second day, I knew I didn’t want to opt out. I knew where I was supposed to be. Initially, I joined the shortest program because I was intimidated by the idea of being consumed in the college student lifestyle. But the excellent staff, student body, and instructors exceeded my expectations in making me feel not only welcome, but feeling at home.

Belonging to this college really means so much for me, I came from SRHS where faces are often lost in crowds and teachers only know you by their rosters. Empire is so personable and hearting, I truly believe I made the right choice and I can finally say I’m happy to be at school again.