FARMINGTON — David Merrill of Anson was scared to death of college writing courses. While in high school, he never did a book report, but he recently earned an “A” in a Central Maine Community College writing course.

A construction worker since graduating in 1990, he wanted something more than working 60-hour weeks. He quit the work, started his own business in home inspections and started down the path to a degree in business management.

He credits much of his success to a 14-week intensive course that helps adults who have been out of school, for either a few or many years, to gain needed skills before they try college.

The college transition class held at Franklin County Adult Education in Farmington helps adults “brush up” on skills such as reading, writing, math, computer and study skills. Sponsored by a state Department of Education grant, it’s offered at no charge to participants. It can also help them explore careers and complete college and financial aid applications, said Nancy Dionne, program coordinator. The class meets two days a week from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Merrill was joined by five other adult students who had completed college transition and enrolled in classes at CMCC. They were there to share their stories and newfound wisdom about life at college with the seven current students in the course.

Two presenters told the class about losing long-held jobs at Wausau Paper in Jay, another came to the area with her family, and then her husband died, leaving her with two children to support. Another was a single mother who wants to pursue a career in education. The sixth presenter was younger but has used what he learned in the class to complete two years of community college and is ready to move on to the University of Maine at Orono.

Along with improved math and writing skills, each credited the local course with helping them gain confidence to go to college.

“It was a big help and I’m so glad I took it,” said West Saunders of Jay who shared how his confidence grew helping him go back to school to study graphic arts.

John Neal of Livermore, a Wausau employee for 25 years, told the group he graduated in 1977 but through his school years had a difficult time focusing.

“I lost track of what’s important,” he said. Finishing his college semester with “A” and “B” grades, “was not bad for a kid who didn’t have any focus,” he said. He is working toward a future in radiology.

“When I walked in the door (of  the college) I knew the expectations and after taking the study skills class (at the college transition course), I knew how to meet those expectations,” he said.

The current college transition students raised questions about age and whether the six felt intimidated in classes of younger students.

They were reassured by the six that many of their classes included several older students who are more driven and ready to reach their goals.

“Older students go the extra mile while in class,” Merrill said, while he and others shared the advice to do the homework, work with the teacher and show up for class. Things that younger classmates didn’t always do.

The group also shared advice on scheduling, book purchases and much needed computer skills.

While these six all attend CMCC, other students have gone on to other community colleges and universities from the transition course, Dionne said.

Some local CMCC classes are also available at Mt. Blue and Mt. Abram high schools in Farmington and Salem Township, respectively.

For more information or to apply for college transition, contact the Adult Education office at 778-3460 or Dionne at [email protected]

[email protected]

John Neal, left, of Livermore shares his story with current members of the college transition class held at Franklin County Adult
Education in Farmington. He and five other graduates of the college
transition course who are enrolled at Central Maine Community College in Auburn shared their experiences. From left, are
Neal, Allicea
Howard of Anson, David Merrill of Anson, Nick Ranco of Lewiston,
Donna
Robinson of Farmington and West Saunders of Jay.

John Neal, left, of Livermore shares his story with current members of the college transition class at Franklin County Adult
Education in Farmington. He and five other graduates of the course who are now enrolled in Central Maine Community College in Auburn shared their experiences. From left, are Neal, Allicea
Howard of Anson, David Merrill of Anson, Nick Ranco of Lewiston, Donna
Robinson of Farmington and West Saunders of Jay.