Lara Ghougasian-Bairamian

Major: Contemporary Arts: Professional Communication

I always wanted to finish school and get my Bachelor’s degree but it was not feasible for me to quit my job to attend college. And many schools don’t make it easy for a working adult, so when I heard about the Degree Completion Program at Ramapo, I wanted to know more.  I called the school to get some more information and once I learned more about the program, I was sold. I had found the place that was perfect for me, and I am so thankful that I did because this program changed my life in so many ways.

The most challenging part of coming back to college, and with this program specifically, was the fact that there was pretty much no break in between semesters for 2 years. It was a double-edged sword: on the positive side, classes moved quickly and you never really got out of “school mode,” but it was intense.

That said, I was surprised by how simple it was to reenroll and work on reaching my goal of a college degree. The program is set up for you to succeed, and honestly, in a world where people often try to tear you down, this was hugely encouraging. The professors all want the best for you and they are so eager to help.  That was a new experience for me, compared with other colleges I attended in the past.

Within a year of graduating, I landed a job at Peloton AND received a promotion!  Although employers may say they don’t care if you have a degree or not, they really do.

At Ramapo, I also made some lifelong friends. During my two years in the program, I was going through some tough times in my personal life. This program allowed me to meet other people on a similar journey and to create close relationships with some amazing people.

If you are thinking of going back to school, look no further!  Although Ramapo was not initially my first choice, once I learned more and realized how much the Degree Completion Program advocated for its adult students, I was thankful it was an option. Take the chance on yourself, it’s worth it!

Wendy Ayala
Major: Social Science

Once I realized that I had more than half of the required credits to graduate, I was motivated to finish my bachelor’s degree.  I was afraid of returning to college and being the eldest in class. But that wasn’t an issue in the Degree Completion Program because most of my classmate were about my age.  And Ramapo made the enrollment process very easy.  Earning my degree gave me such a sense of accomplishment!

The best advice I can give to an adult thinking about returning to college is: don’t overthink it. Don’t be intimidated by your age.  And if writing essays is not your forte, Ramapo has a Center for Reading and Writing to help you out.

Aracelis Ruiz
Major: Social Science

I decided to look into returning to school because I was stuck at a job that I disliked and had no future in. I had attended Ramapo previously and decided to return there in order to give myself a chance at finding a career I loved.  Ramapo’s Degree Completion Program made me see that it was possible to return to college at this stage in my life.

The process of re-enrolling through the Degree Completion Program was very smooth.  Balancing work, school and my personal life was not easy, but it was doable.  It required help from my loved ones in caring for my child, and lots of planning and scheduling on my part.  And the program director provided guidance and reassurance every step of the way.

Earning my degree opened up the opportunity to get a new job. Though I previously had the experience in my field, most jobs required the degree. Now I have both!  I was also able to prove to myself that I am capable of doing new or difficult things. It took many years for me to decide to return to college, but I did it and demonstrated to my son that you can accomplish whatever you set your mind to.

If you are thinking about finishing your degree, my advice is to take it one step at a time.  It can be overwhelming if you try to do it all. Take the amount of classes/credits that you can handle, and don’t worry about how long it will take. Ask as many questions as you need to. Ask for help when you need it–your professors are there to help you.  And remember that you are not alone throughout this process and that you will be so proud of yourself once you obtain your degree!

Linda Sisti
Major: Social Science

It was always in the back of my mind to complete my degree.  Once my younger son went off to college, I decided that it was the right time.  At Ramapo, my degree plan was mapped out for me, but also included options for adjustments.

Initially I was afraid that I would not be able to balance work and school, so I made sure that I set aside time each night to focus on my homework.  I also always went ahead and completed future assignments, especially if I knew I had something going on and thought I might not be able to complete it on time.

I just got a new job a few months ago and am making $25,000 more than what I was making in my old job. And having my degree just gives me peace of mind. It something that had always been weighing on me.

Although it may seem very daunting, returning to school really is manageable if you take the time to plan ahead.  And Ramapo’s Degree Completion Program made the process so easy and painless!

Nikole Duch
Major: Contemporary Arts: Professional Communication

Before enrolling at Ramapo, I researched several schools that had programs for working adults. I also have friends and colleagues who attended Ramapo, so I was aware of the college and its reputation as a great in-state school. When I learned about the Degree Completion Program, I really felt that the program set-up would benefit me as a working adult student. In particular, I liked the cohort program structure and the set schedule of in-person classes, as well as the mix of in-person, hybrid and online classes. I also liked the accelerated course schedule because I knew that if it was going to take a long time to earn my BA, I would never finish.

I was surprised by how much I really enjoyed the in-person classes and interactive, lively discussions with the professors and my classmates. I felt that the professors respected us as working, career-minded professionals. I learned so much from the in-class conversations alone.

Since graduating, I’ve been elevated to a lead role at my company, managing our customer compliance program. I have taken on additional responsibility and am learning new skills.  Education is highly valued at my company, and I don’t believe that I would have been given additional responsibilities if I had not finished my degree.

I feel more confident about myself and abilities now that I have my degree. Not having my degree was always something that I was embarrassed about, but now I feel that I am “equal” to my peers and colleagues.  My advice to other students is to just do it.  It will not be easy, it will take a lot of time and dedication, but it will be well worth it in the end.

Sarah Devenney
Major: Social Science

I was motivated to return to Ramapo when I heard about the Degree Completion Program. I had gone to Ramapo for a few semesters years prior and was always happy with the campus and classes.  I was frustrated paying off loans when I didn’t even have the degree to show for it.  I wanted to finally finish my Bachelors and returning to Ramapo seemed like the best choice.  I was excited when I found out they had this program specifically geared towards returning students.

The most challenging part of coming back to college was juggling the classwork with my other responsibilities, like life and family. I tackled that challenge by making sure I was always organized and knew what was due when so that I could best prioritize my time.

I was surprised at how helpful the staff was at Ramapo. During my first time at college, I never took advantage of any resources. This time if I had a problem, I knew I could reach out to staff and be helped.

The pride I have in finishing my degree has been tremendous. Also knowing that when it’s time for me to look for another job I have more prospects is extremely comforting.

I would highly encourage anyone thinking about returning to seek help when needed and utilize all the resources available to them.

Robertson Guercy
Major: Contemporary Arts: Professional Communication

I enrolled at Ramapo because my employer required me to have a degree.  I was concerned about being able to manage my time in order to complete my coursework along with my job and family responsibilities.  I wouldn’t have been able to complete the program without the support of my wife assisting with our children creating a space for me to study and attend my courses in the evenings.

When I began the Degree Completion Program, it was comforting to know that I wasn’t the only one with these concerns; many of my peers in the adult cohort were experiencing similar challenges balancing work, school and family.  But we came together and encouraged one another every week.

It was worth it. I was able to qualify for a promotion and a salary increase as a result of my degree. Plus, I gained a new professional network through the peers in my cohort.  Most importantly, I showed my young children that with hard work and determination, earning a degree is possible.  If you’re hesitating about returning to college, I recommend that you just start with one class and everything else will fall into place!

Luis R. Hernandez
Major: Contemporary Arts: Professional Communication

I started at Ramapo many years ago and after raising kids, I wanted to go back to finish my degree. I chose to return to Ramapo because of their adult hybrid accelerated program which allowed me to complete courses at a pace that worked for me.  Finishing my degree is about my third infancy as a retiree.  I wanted to be prepared for new possibilities in the future.  For example, I love to teach and mentor, but in order to work with certain organizations, a college degree is required.

It took some discipline to get back into doing homework, especially since I had a demanding IT job. I had to make the time to prepare and actively participate in class so as to not fall behind. Having other professionals from different walks of life in my classes made it easier.  We would work together and share our experiences to get the work done and get good grades. I had procrastinated about finishing my degree for a few years because I did not think I was going to have the time for it.  What surprised me is that there are many people like me who want to earn their degrees as adults!

For me, achieving success meant making a commitment and setting the time aside.  You need to work with your family because they are in it too, whether they know it or not. And always check out if your employer is willing to help lessen your financial burden.

Andrew Lunau
Major: Business Administration: Marketing major, Finance minor

I felt that not having a bachelor’s degree would hinder my future employability and I wanted to change that. I researched schools that were within a reasonable commuting distance and able to accommodate my work schedule.  Then I learned about Ramapo’s Degree Completion Program and it was exactly what I was looking for.

It was challenging to give my full effort both at work and in my classes, but by holding myself to a scheduled time for completing classwork, it was very manageable.  I was surprised to find that even after six years away from the college environment, it was easier than expected to re-acclimate myself.

While enrolled at Ramapo, I learned about new opportunities and made meaningful connections which led me to a new career path. Since graduating, I’ve found a satisfying position in that field, which wouldn’t have happened had I not completed my degree.  Finishing your degree is a much more attainable goal than you might think. Don’t hesitate, it will be worth it.

Manuela Miccoli
Major: Social Science

I returned to Ramapo to finish what I had started many years before.  I had set a personal and professional goal for myself, and knew I needed my bachelors in order to achieve it.

I had been out of the classroom for over twenty-five years. I was anxious and afraid to return, not sure if I would be able to make it. As a full-time working wife and mother, I wasn’t sure how I’d find the time to study and get to campus. But I did. I wanted to succeed more than anything so I dove in and just started paddling until I made it to the finish line and graduated.

Earning my bachelor’s degree has allowed me to pursue my graduate studies at Ramapo so I can start a brand-new career in social work and eventually become an LCSW.

What surprised me? I surprised me. I exceeded my own expectations and now I am more confident in myself. I want others to know that you won’t regret challenging yourself.  It’s hard work but it’s worth it. You are worth it.

Rodrigo Barrera
Major: Social Science

I returned to school in order to move forward in my profession.  I was afraid that I would be out of my element.  I didn’t want to take classes with younger students when I had nothing in common with them.  But at Ramapo, I found I was not alone and I had a lot of classmates in the same boat.  It was very encouraging.

Since earning my degree, I became the coordinator for the most important programs at the agency I work for. And I got a raise!  My advice for others thinking about going back to school is do not hesitate. Just do it and you won’t even notice how fast the time flies when you have a goal.

Major: Contemporary Arts: Professional Communication
Current occupation: Branch Manager/Vice President for JP Morgan Chase & Co

Tara Podhayny’s academic journey began in 2008 when she started her associate’s degree.  Like so many adults, she juggled family demands, from her youngest daughter starting high school to her father needing more care.  This made earning her associates a start-and-stop process.  When her youngest graduated from college, Tara asked herself what was next.  She saw an online ad for Ramapo’s Degree Completion Program and thought, “In two years, I’m going to be two years older, regardless.  So why not give it a try?”

In 2015, she enrolled in Ramapo and indeed, two years later, earned her BA.  Her very first course, Speech for Communication Arts, has had a lasting impact.  “I remember the instructor silently counting and then announcing to everyone the number of ‘ums’ in each student’s speech. To this day, I actively work to eliminate ‘um’ from my presentations!”

For Tara, the highlight of the Degree Completion Program was the diversity of students she met in her cohort.  “Even though we were all different ages, we had a lot in common.”  Beyond her diploma, Tara says she earned a sense of confidence.  “When you don’t have a college degree, you work hard to avoid the questions that come up in casual conversations—where did you go to school, what did you study?  I really wanted to be part of that club.”  In fact, her positive experience as an adult student propelled her to earn her Ed.M. in Adult and Continuing Education from Rutgers University in 2019.

Her advice to other students who want to be part of the conversation is to know what resources you have in place:  “I had the support of my family and my employer, and both were crucial to my success.”

Major: Social Science
Current occupation:  Program Coordinator, University Hospital, Newark NJ

Noah Melamed enrolled in college immediately out of high school, but found he didn’t enjoy it.  He became involved in EMS and found his passion. However, he quickly discovered that despite his extensive professional experience, any promotion or advancement would require a bachelors’ degree. Noah enrolled in an online degree program, but missed the in-person interactions with instructors and other students.  Through Ramapo’s Degree Completion Program, he found those connections: “Being part of an adult cohort and learning with people who had similar experiences was a huge benefit.”

For Noah, the program’s year-round course schedule provided the structure he needed to stay focused.“Once I had the confidence that I could do this, the Degree Completion Program gave me the momentum to finish.” He advises other adult students to beware the pressure of impossibly high standards. “Occasionally, my drive for perfection held me back. I finally realized that not everything needs to be perfect on the first, or even the last, try.  What’s most important is to get it done.”

With his BA in hand, Noah advanced his career by becoming a Program Coordinator at University Hospital, where he designs and delivers preparedness training programs for the public, first responders, and hospital staff. However, in additional to his professional goals, Noah also had a very personal motivation for returning to school: “Before my mother passed away from a long illness, I promised her I would finish my college degree.  The Degree Completion Program helped me keep that promise.”

Major: Social Science
Current occupation:  Consulting Manager at W-Systems, a CRM, sales and marketing solutions company

Ken Clark’s impetus to finish his bachelor’s degree had roots very close to home. “My son was starting his junior year of high school, so we were having many conversations about college.  And I wondered, how can I stress to him the importance of a college degree when I didn’t finish my college degree?”  So in the Fall of 2013, he enrolled in Ramapo’s Degree Completion Program to set an example for his son.

Ken readily admits that the hardest part of returning to school was balancing classes and homework along with the other responsibilities—full-time work and family needs—in his life. However, forming a community with the other adult students in his Degree Completion Program classes made the investment a bit easier: “I looked forward to seeing my classmates each week.  Knowing I was part of that community made the time commitment worth it.”

He greatly appreciate the support from his instructors. “The faculty realized that we were making a lot of sacrifices to be in their classrooms.  They recognized that we brought a lot to the table, and I felt they valued our contributions.”

Ken’s advice for new students is to keep an open mind.  ”One of your classmates may have knowledge or experience that is different than yours and that could actually completely change your point of view on a subject.”