Beyond the Classroom: Support System

Beyond the Classroom: Support System

Spring 2019

| By: Britten, Casey

Students serving as college ambassadors play a vital role in making others feel welcome.​

Angela Welch worried about fitting in when she first enrolled at Fox Valley Technical College. “I’m 52, and I didn’t know how other students and instructors would view me,” she says. “On the first day, I realized that accepting others and helping everyone succeed is what this college is all about. You are not just a number here; everyone looks out for you.”

When an instructor recommended that Welch apply to be a college ambassador, she jumped at the chance. “The experience helped me come out of my shell and develop good leadership skills,” says the Milwaukee native. “Plus, I love helping people and bragging about what the Tech has to offer.”

College ambassadors give tours of the college, participate in panel discussions about going to Fox Valley Tech and more. “People are always impressed with the Culinary Arts facilities, the Fitness Center and the Public Safety Training Center,” says Welch. “I especially love hearing people ask about the stuff students can do outside of class.”

Welch, who graduated in December from FVTC’s Human Resources program, says that her degree is the culmination of a lifelong dream. “My son told me about Fox Valley Tech and encouraged me to enroll,” she states. “He and my husband are both proud of me for chasing down a dream.”

Welch plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in human resources through a credit transfer partnership with Lakeland College. “I’m a much better student now than I was in high school,” she says.

Learn more about the FVTC College Ambassador program >>