Hello Joe and Jeff [Moraine Park IT Instructors],

I hope this email finds you well. I have been meaning to reach out to you sooner but my life is as busy as ever. But, better late than never. I want to start by saying, “Thank You”. Thank you for giving me a wonderful learning experience at Moraine Park. I truly did enjoy the lectures, labs, and even the occasional debates that would eventually get the whole class off topic. I also appreciated all the effort you all put into having us students apply our knowledge, skills, and critical thinking through programs like the Computer Clinic, Tech Tyme, and the IT Club. The latter two proved instrumental in helping me develop a sense of leadership, organization, and pride in motivating myself and my peers to go above and beyond to help out the local community by applying what we learned in class. In mentioning that, I hope the Club is going stronger than ever and that more and more students find the real value of the experiential learning that it offers them. 

But all in all, it was a challenging three years that have paid off for me and my family. Prior to enrolling in school, I was giving up in attempting to fulfill my dream of college education before even trying and I was just about ready to succumb myself to working a dead-end job that would lead me nowhere but to complacency. Thankfully, I had a wonderful group of family and friends that encouraged me to finally believe that I could achieve my dream as I did. That moment at graduation was a milestone achievement in my life that my family and I will never forget. 

It didn’t just end there. Last May, there was an opening in the IT department at Masters Gallery Foods. I felt excited, nervous, and stressed about applying for the position and not knowing what kind of candidate they were after. However, I was also confident that all the hard work and sacrifices I put in those three years at MPTC would make me a worthy candidate whether I got the job or not. Needless to say, I aced the interview. I was asked questions about networking, such as defining DHCP and DNS, as well as to what troubleshooting approach would I take when dealing with malfunctioning hardware and software. Also, they were very impressed with the volunteer work I did as well as the internship at JF Ahern. I left the interview not know what would happen next. Two days later as I was driving home from class, I get a call from HR saying that the IT Director and Network Manager had selected me as their primary candidate and that if I chose to accept, I would be joining their Networking Team as a Technical Support Specialist. I couldn’t contain my excitement and relief, I had to pull over to the side of the road as my hands started to tremble and I couldn’t drive straight anymore. 

Almost a year later and I find myself working with coworkers who are just as passionate about working in IT as I am. I feel good going to work every day and feeling proud of what I did to earn it. I look back at all that lead me to this job and I don’t regret one thing. I just wanted to share this story with you so that you realize how impactful your work is in shaping students and their lives. Keep up the good work and I hope to see you soon. 

P.S. I am currently in the process of enrolling at Lakeland University to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in their Management of Information Systems program.

Best wishes,

Jose R. Bustos

Moraine Park Class of 2018- Information Technology

Change is scary, and those who are working to pursue their educational goals know this all too well. Ashley Martin of Fond du Lac recognized that fear when she found herself at the front steps of Moraine Park’s Fond du Lac campus in 2017.

As a mother of four, she had been working two jobs to make ends meet, but she had aspirations of finding her dream career.

“I wanted to better my life,” Martin said. “When I walked through the front doors of the College I was so scared. I didn’t know if I could go back to school after all this time.”

Like many returning students, she was looking for a career that would work well for her life and fulfill her goals. Moraine Park’s Student Success Center helped her with a career assessment. Through that, she discovered the Substance Abuse Counseling program. She enrolled immediately and began her college career in fall 2017.

“I instantly felt welcomed,” Martin said. “I have found great friends and supporters who are more like family, and they always give me a reason to keep coming back.”

One of those connections was with Sam Saeger, a student life specialist at Moraine Park.

“Ashley is one of a kind,” Sam said. “She is driven and focused. Not only is she an exceptional student in and out of the classroom, but her commitment and enthusiasm towards the College are unmatched.”

Since enrolling at Moraine Park, Martin has served on the Student Senate as secretary and vice president, and the Diversity Club as the vice president. She founded the Substance Abuse Counseling Club, is a member of Phi Theta Kappa, and has served the College on cross-functional collaboration teams as a student representative. She is also a part of a work-study with Sam and can be found all around the Fond du Lac campus and in the community, helping with student life events and advocating for the College.

“It’s incredible to know that as students, our voices are valued and heard,” Martin said. “Moraine Park is my college, and it will always be my college. I find such value in the fact that my opinion matters.”

Martin has also maintained a 4.0 and been on the Dean’s List her entire college career. It is because of her drive, determination, and all-around positive spirit that Martin has been named as Moraine Park’s 2019 Student of the Year.

“I’m still in shock,” she said. “I never thought this was possible for me. I have worked hard, and I am proud of myself.”

Criteria for Student of the Year nominations include demonstrating excellence in and out of the classroom while modeling Moraine Park’s core abilities to communicate clearly, act responsibly, work productively, think critically and creatively, adapt to change, demonstrate integrity, and work cooperatively. There were ten candidates this year, all of whom excel both academically and in their service learning. There are very few student honors that exceed this award at Moraine Park, and to even be nominated is a tremendous accomplishment.  Martin will receive her award at the Student Awards Banquet on May 10.

“We all celebrate with Ashley on her success at Moraine Park,” Sam said. “However, it is her heart and generosity that stand out the most. She is very deserving of the Student of the Year award, and I couldn’t be more proud of her.”

Martin will graduate on May 18, and it will be her first time walking a commencement stage.

“Moraine Park has given me unlimited opportunities,” Martin said. “I’m proud of my school, and I look forward to serving as an alumnus.”

She has goals to continue her education, with an overall goal to be a mental health counselor.

The finalist include Dominic DeLaura of Slinger, Troy Essmann  of Oconomowoc, Justin Kraus of Fond du Lac, Alex McCleary of Fond du Lac, Christian McCreary of West Bend, Michael Moon of Beaver Dam, Jonathan Szczesny of Iron Ridge, Sam Turner Baraboo, Elizabeth Wustrack Fond du Lac.

For more information on Moraine Park, visit morainepark.edu.