The Right Move

When does someone begin to truly appreciate the learning process?

For Kristen Morse ’08, it started when she was a freshman at SUNY Corning Community College – a place she now considers home.

“I was an average student in high school and I really didn’t appreciate learning until I came to SUNY CCC,” said Kristen. “Once I got here, I excelled. I made the Dean’s List and had over a 3.6 GPA.”

Kristen credits the SUNY CCC professors for making it easy for students to get help when they need it.

“I had very easy access to all of my professors, whether it was during their office hours or after class,” said Kristen. “I built real relationships with the professors, and it made me more comfortable because I had a support system.”

After graduating from SUNY CCC, Kristen enrolled at SUNY Geneseo and majored in communications. She graduated in 2010 – a time when jobs were scarce due to the recession a few years prior.

Kristen eventually got a job as the Communications Coordinator at the Corning YMCA, but her desire to unplug grew stronger. When she saw an open position at SUNY CCC, Kristen decided it was time to come back, but this time as an employee. She was hired as an Executive Assistant in 2014.

“Going from communications to doing administrative work was a big shift for me, but it was absolutely the right move,” said the Corning, N.Y., native. “I’m glad I found my way back to SUNY CCC.”

Kristen is now involved in campus campaigns and projects, event planning, and fundraising.

“I get to do something new every day and learn while on the job,” said Kristen. “Fundraising is new for me, but I love getting to see how generous and supportive this community really is.”

Kristen is looking forward to seeing the new changes happening at SUNY CCC over the next few years.

“I’m excited and optimistic for the future of the College,” said Kristen. “We’ve been talking a lot about workforce ties, and I’m eager to see what we can do in terms of more local industry connections. I’m happy I get to be a part of something like that.”