Learning at VCC

When I first began school this semester, I never thought that I could learn as much as I have. Being a non-traditional student, I thought it would be a lot harder for me to learn. How wrong I was!

Everyone at VCC is very friendly and helpful. I have experienced that going to class every day, participating as much as possible, taking notes and listening to my instructors have helped me a lot.

We students are all here for the same thing: to learn. Even though I am one of the oldest students in class, it hasn't mattered. Students treat me with kindness and have even helped me when I needed it.

The instructors are the greatest teachers that I have ever had. They are here for all students. They are kind, caring and understanding. If you don't understand, they are there to help you. If you need individual help, they and VCC's professional tutors will help you after class in the Academic Resource Center (ARC). (I advise that all students take advantage of the assistance in the ARC. It sure has helped me.)

I never in my life had a GPA as high as I do now. This is thanks to all opportunities that are here at VCC. What I have learned so far are these two things: I will accomplish my goals, and this is a place to get an education.

Learn------Learn-------Learn. This is the greatest thing you can do with your life.

I am so glad that I came back to school at VCC.

--By Connie Opdycke, freshman Liberal Arts student

A Shout Out to Anglers

I heard of a lake just west of Ely from my uncle who has lived here for a very long time. A buddy of mine and I decided to try it out, so we loaded up the snowmobile and fishing equipment into the back of the truck and headed out for the day.

From about 1:00 – 4:30 PM, we caught about ten crappies and one Northern.

The name of the lake is Sourdough. It's a good crappie lake, and I would suggest it very much.

--Erik Sandler, freshman Fish-Wildlife student

More To Do Than Study . . .

One sunny Saturday morning two friends and I took a one-mile hike out to a lake that was way out in the woods.

After we got there and started fishing. The fish weren’t biting so we decided that the fresh sticky snow would be fun to use to build a snowman.

All the balls were rolled up and just needed to be placed on top of each other. The middle one took all three of us to get on, and we barely got it on. The head was the same way.

It took all three of us, and in the end the snowman was taller than everyone of us out there. Logs for arms and bald head—we made it our Abominable Snowman.

--Caleb Svenby, freshman Fish-Wildlife student

Labs Classes and More

VCC is the perfect location for hands-on experiences! The classes are amazing. Most labs involve going outside, depending on the major. The teachers know you by name and are willing to help you out. It’s a perfect place to make new friends and experience new things. 
Sports are also fun, and after the season, there are always intramurals going on.
--Amber Honadel, freshman Fish-wldf

Transferring in to VCC!

I’ve wanted to be a backcountry ranger for some time now. I was enrolled in an environmental science program at a different school, but I didn’t feel that I was receiving the training that I felt would be essential to finding a career. A high school science teacher of mine recommended that I look into Vermilion. After the tour, I was sold. Originally enrolling in the Wildland/Wildlife Law Enforcement Program, I switched to Wilderness Management. I could finally see I was on the right path. Experienced instructors and practical hands-on classes have made this a great experience.
--Neil Johannsen, sophomore Wild LE

Why do you attend Vermilion -

This goes out to all those who are interested in the small school of Vermilion Community College. Among the reasons for attending up here in the North Country are the obvious and almost redundant facts: small class sizes, unique programs of study, and a connection with instructors. But what really separates us from the other institutes are the surroundings we are in!
If you are the outdoorsy-type person, this is home! If you can’t find things to entertain you outside, you’re a lost sheep. It seems to me that the people who sit in front of a television or computer just don’t make the cut up here or move home after a semester or year. But those who are at home in the natural world that surrounds us have endless opportunities! 
Gotta run. There’s weather to enjoy and fish to catch!
-Jake Otto, freshman Fish-Wldf