David Bradshaw is a student in his eighth semester at the Kennett Area Higher Education Center, where he is majoring in elementary education.
Bradshaw says his experience at KAHEC has been wonderful.
“What I would like to stress to incoming students is not to feel like they are any less of a person because they are going to a satellite campus,” Bradshaw said. “When I graduated from high school, I was very confused on where to go to college. I was offered a scholarship for a full ride for four years to a university in Missouri. I just really didn’t want to leave my family and community. I love Southeast Missouri. At first, the thought of going to college in a renovated grocery store was appalling to me. After my first day at KAHEC, I learned to get over that.”
Over time, Bradshaw has had many experiences at the Kennett Area Higher Education Center.
“My fondest memory is working with the fund-raising committees to plan the KAHEC banquets. Recently, I was chosen to give a student address at the banquet. I was very excited because not only did I get to share my story with the community, but I also shared the stage with Sheryl Crow. It was definitely a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” he said.
He also has developed strong friendships at KAHEC.
“What I thought I would miss out on by going to a satellite campus, I came to realize that I hadn’t,” he said.
He also has taken several interactive television classes (ITV).
“If it weren’t for ITV courses, distance learning would be impossible, and since I’m a distant learner, I could not continue my education,” he said. “I have facilitated many ITV courses in the past and love learning the technology that falls behind broadcasting a class.”
Bradshaw says many scholarships are available to KAHEC students, including local scholarships awarded every semester. He also says the staff at KAHEC sincerely cares about your educational plans.
“They are willing to help you in any way. They will help you to succeed as a higher education student.”
Bradshaw plans to teach elementary school after graduating and to work on a master’s degree in either counseling or educational administration.