Melissa Gruin
Human Resources Compensation Analyst
West Seneca '08
Why did you decide to pursue your bachelor's degree with P.A.C.E.?
Completing a bachelor's degree was something that I wanted to do for a very long time, but never seemed to be able to find the time. I chose P.A.C.E. because the location was convenient for me and it only required one night a week in the classroom. There were no tests and final exams to stress over, no hassle registering for classes and getting textbooks, and the group/cohort atmosphere provided the opportunity to work with fellow students for presentations and projects – without having to put in extra time meeting each other outside of the classroom.
Describe your P.A.C.E. experience.
My P.A.C.E. experience was really rewarding. The professors really seem to enjoy working with the adult students, and they are very supportive. I learned so much from the other students in my cohort. In a classroom filled with adults, there is just such a wealth of knowledge and experience to be shared. The P.A.C.E. staff was friendly and very attentive to my needs as a working adult student. The curriculum is structured to ease adults, returning to the classroom after a long period of time, into being students again. There were times that I felt incredibly challenged by the coursework. The sense of accomplishment is the reward I got as I discovered what I was capable of achieving.
What would you tell a prospective student considering enrollment in P.A.C.E.?
P.A.C.E. is fast-paced and the curriculum is challenging. Whenever it is possible to make it more convenient and less stressful for you to be an adult student, P.A.C.E. does that. Everyone involved is there to support, assist, and encourage you. You get very personalized attention. You need to make a commitment to devote yourself to learning. I promise you that if you go into it with that attitude, and you give it all that you can, you will be successful and the sense of accomplishment that you will get from it is amazing.
What professional outcomes did you achieve by completing P.A.C.E.?
The education that I received has helped me at work. I am more "well-rounded," and I feel that I have more value to contribute to the team because of my education. I was also able to pursue and obtain a professional certification in my field.
What do you value most about your time spent in P.A.C.E.?
I got more than a degree in Business Management. I received an education, and a desire to continue learning throughout my life.
