Dominique Couture

Dominique Couture

Class of 2011
Morrisville, VT

Major: Elementary Education/Non-profit Management

Favorite weekend activity: Sports, singing

Career Plans: Teaching

"I started off in a big university and soon realized it wasn't for me. Since transferring to JSC, I’ve found the small, supportive academic community I was looking for. JSC’s size has made it easy for me to not only get involved with a lot of on-campus activities, but also to find the resources I need to succeed academically — I’m even on the dean’s list."

After spending a semester at a large university, Dominique Couture knew one thing: just being a face in a crowded lecture hall wasn't for her. To really reach her academic potential, she knew she'd need to find a smaller, more supportive community. Johnson State College fit the bill.

"The education program here is really small and personalized here," Dominique explains. "It makes it so much easier to get access to internships and jobs. Plus, the professors really care about you — and not just in my major, but in all of my classes. They've been real mentors to me. I can call on them any time."

The size and closeness of the community was a big shift from her initial college experience, but it was just what Dominique was looking for. "I'm the type of person to get really involved in things, and there are so many opportunities to get involved here." Case in point: she's an admissions tour guide, a fall 2009 orientation leader, and co-president of TAFT. Not only do these activities give her a chance to expand her horizons and learn new things, but she's also met a lot of people who she describes as being almost a second family to her. "One person on the staff made me cupcakes for my birthday — that never would have happened at the first place I went to college!"

Dominique has also been able to take advantage of the academic support network on campus through the TRiO office. "As a first-generation college student, I utilize TRiO every day. It's been so helpful." Her hard work and persistence, as well as her willingness to take advantage of campus resources like TRiO have landed her on the dean's list. And now that she's found an educational community that really works for her, Dominique is poised to go far as an educator, planning pursue a special education license and eventually a master's degree.