Alumni Spotlight: Krista Brink – Associate of Science in Business Administration with a Concentration in Banking and Finance
NECB: Why did you decide to attend NECB?
Krista: Getting my college degree was something that I longed to achieve. I attended college after graduating high school but was not able to complete school at that time. I made a promise to my parents that I would finish school and it had always been my intention to do so. Fast forward 25 years and three children later, the opportunity presented itself when a representative from NECB, Amy, visited my employer. Amy was able to discuss my transfer options and gave me the confidence to conquer my fears of going back to school. She discussed a time line and made the choice attainable. Being a single mom with a disabled child, I was able to utilize NECB’s online forum to complete my courses at my own pace and in my own time all from the convenience of my home.
NECB: What advice would you give to someone who is considering going to NECB?
Krista: If I were to give advice to someone potentially attending NECB I would strongly encourage them to do so. Go for it! Being able to participate in an online forum while still working full time and taking care of my youngest child was a lot easier than I imagined and the instructors are amazing. They understand the challenges you may face because they are juggling themselves! A mountain’s peak is achievable, but you need to climb it to reach the top! That happens by putting in the work. I never thought I would graduate in the top of my class with a 3.92, but I did it! Accomplishing my goals as well as graduating with high honors gave me the strength and self confidence I had longed for.
NECB: What advice would you give to students to be successful with online learning? Any challenges you had to overcome? Or any misconceptions you had going in that turned out to be untrue?
Krista: The biggest misconception I had going into the program was that I would not be able to handle the workload. Stay on track and utilize time management skills by allotting yourself the time everyday to get your work done. This way, by staying on task, you can reward yourself with some downtime or by doing something special once you’ve completed your course work. It is a great feeling when you know you’ve rocked your assignments and can now do something for you.
NECB: How did you juggle working and attending college? Any tips you can share with future / current NECB Students?
Krista: Don’t procrastinate! As I stated before, do a little bit every day. It’s crucial to create a schedule and stick to it. This way you still have the time to do the things you want to do for you!
NECB: What’s your biggest takeaway from attending NECB?
Krista: That after 25 years it is never too late to achieve your goals that you set for yourself. After all, they are your goals and what you do with them is up to you. The sky is the limit.
NECB: What’s next for you?
Krista: I will be enrolling in classes soon to finish my bachelor’s degree. I am also looking to obtain an Associates in Genealogy which is my passion.