Student Profile
Olivier Tshibemba, early jump on college
Olivier Tshibemba doesn’t officially become an SMCC student until the Fall Semester, but he’s already earned 27 credits before he’s even arrived.
Olivier, along with his mother and six younger siblings, moved to Maine two years ago to escape the violence in their central African homeland of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. At the time, he spoke little English.
Soon after arriving in Maine, he attended Westbrook High School and also took classes at SMCC through the Maine Community College System’s Embark program (formerly known as Early College for ME) that allows high school students to get a jump-start on their college careers.
He has taken psychology, English composition, biology, math and other courses in earning 27 credits — meaning he’ll be nearly halfway done with his degree when he arrives this fall in the Computer Science program.
When he graduates from SMCC, he hopes to continue his education at a four-year institution before going onto a career as a software developer.
It hasn’t been easy earning college credit while still in high school, he says, but it’s been worth it.
“First, I wanted to challenge myself by taking college classes while in high school. It’s also saved me money while giving me a head start on my college career.”
Student Profile
Nate Russell, active in veteran affairs
If there’s something going on with military veterans at SMCC, there’s a good chance Nate Russell is involved. A Navy veteran now earning a degree in Criminal Justice, Nate is president of the Veterans Club.
Nate joined the Navy after high school, but left after a year for medical reasons. Since arriving at SMCC, he’s immersed himself in veterans’ causes.
Besides being president of the Veterans Club, he regularly takes part in bake sales that benefit veterans. He helped organize the Silhouette Project, a powerful exhibit to raise awareness about struggles faced by military veterans that was on display in the Learning Commons last year.
He’s involved in veterans’ breakfasts, social gatherings and flag-raising ceremonies. After he graduates in the fall of 2019, he plans to either enter law enforcement or become a Veterans Service Officer to help veterans with their benefits.
“For me, having such a short time in the service had an impact on me. I wanted to have a full military career. Being involved with veterans here makes me feel like I’m part of that community.”