Admissions Ambassadors

Chris Matteson

Chris Matteson

Age: 25
Hometown: Belfield, ND
Where do you live now: Coeur d’Alene, ID
Year in School: Second
Expected degree or certificate at NIC: A.A.S.
Major/program at NIC: CITE – Network Administration
Expected graduation date: Spring of 2010
Involvements at NIC: Study Groups and Admissions Ambassador

What made you decide to attend NIC? “Coeur d’Alene is my second home and I love living here. It also helps that tuition is very affordable.”

How are you paying for your education? “Student Loans, Ambassadorship”

How easy was it for you to get involved at NIC? Why did you want to be an NIC Ambassador? “It was a struggle at first. Getting back into the swing of things took some time. To help new students feel confident enough to succeed during their time here is one reason I wanted to become an Ambassador.”

What things have you learned about NIC and its students by being an NIC Ambassador? “I have learned that NIC has a great safety net for students who are unsure of what they want to do with their education. Not to mention the wonderful staff that is willing to go the extra mile to help you succeed.”

What do you like most about NIC? “I like the campus size, the professors, as well as the small class sizes.”

What would you tell someone who was considering attending NIC? “It’s worth every penny! The best investment you can make to improve yourself.”

Jeff Howard

Jeff Howard

Age: 20
Hometown: Bonners Ferry, Idaho
Where do you live now: Coeur d'Alene, Idaho
Year in school: 3 (sophomore)
Expected degree or certificate at NIC: Associate of Science
Major/program at NIC: Law Enforcement
Expected graduation date: Spring 2010
Involvements at NIC: Resident Advisor and Ambassador

What made you decide to attend NIC? “I liked how close to home NIC was for me. I am only an hour and a half from Bonners Ferry and can go home anytime. I also liked how NIC has a small campus because it makes it easy for going from class to class. The fact that the college is right on the lake didn't hurt either.”

How are you paying for your education? “I get my tuition paid for through the Admissions Office because I am an Ambassador. My room and board is paid for through my Resident Advisor position in the dorms.”

How easy was it for you to get involved at NIC? Why did you want to be an NIC Ambassador? “Getting involved isn't hard at all. If you hear about something that you like, just sign up. When I heard that my tuition would be paid for as an Ambassador I came to the Admissions Office and asked about it. Once I met all the nice people in the office I filled out an application, went through a brief interview process and got the job. Now I am back for my second year.”

What things have you learned about NIC and its students by being an NIC Ambassador? “I have learned that NIC has a lot to offer. I have learned about the different programs and offices here at NIC that I didn't know of earlier. I have also learned that a lot of NIC students take advantage of the Nursing program.”

What do you like most about NIC? “I like how helpful the staff is, and the small classroom settings. It is very relaxed here but stern enough to be a challenge. The close proximity to the lake is nice.”

What would you tell someone who was considering attending NIC? “I would tell them that I would see them next year, because if they are considering it, they know how good of a school it is. If they know how good of a school this is, there isn't any reason to consider a different school.”

Reina Lopez

Reina Lopez

Age: 20
Hometown: Bonners Ferry, Idaho
Where do you live now: Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho
Year in School: Third
Expected degree or certificate at NIC: Associate of Science
Major/program at NIC: Social Work
Expected graduation date: Spring of 2010
Involvements at NIC: Athletic Department

What made you decide to attend NIC? “NIC is a perfect size to start off with in the first year of college and I really like the atmosphere it gives. NIC is a great community college that offered great opportunities and a welcoming environment.”

How are you paying for your education? “I am paying for my education by being an ambassador for the school.”

How easy was it for you to get involved at NIC? Why did you want to be an NIC Ambassador? “It was extremely easy. I wanted to be an NIC ambassador because knowing that I could influence people’s lives by helping them choose this college is an honor. It was easy to get involved at NIC with living in the residence hall, meeting people while helping with the Athletic Department as well. I chose to be an ambassador because it gave me a greater chance to help people.”

What things have you learned about NIC and its students by being an NIC Ambassador? “I learned more about the buildings and giving tours. By being an Ambassador, I have learned about the system of NIC offices an how many people are involved to make things possible. I have learned that all students have different goals and career choices.”

What do you like most about NIC? “I love how it has teachers that are willing to spend one on one time with you and help you in any way possible. The thing I like most about NIC is the positive energy it gives through all the programs and people.”

What would you tell someone who was considering attending NIC? “I would tell them that NIC gives you the opportunity to get involved with the classes, it has extraordinary people, sports, and you can feel welcomed. I would tell them NIC has a lot to offer with peers, tutoring, one on one time with teachers, and the whole campus is a welcoming environment.”

Sabrina Cossairt

Sabrena Cossairt

Age: 19
Hometown: Bonners Ferry, ID
Where do you live now: North Idaho College Dorms
Year in School: Sophomore
Expected degree or certificate at NIC: A.S.
Major/program at NIC: Psychology
Expected graduation date: Spring 2011
Involvements at NIC: Resident Advisor and Ambassador

What made you decide to attend NIC? “Both of my brothers went to NIC before me and I knew it was a great school.”

How are you paying for your education? “Financial Aid, being a Resident Advisor and an Ambassador.”

How easy was it for you to get involved at NIC? Why did you want to be an NIC Ambassador? “It was pretty easy for me to get involved because I really enjoy NIC and I want other people to come and enjoy NIC too.”

What things have you learned about NIC and its students by being an NIC Ambassador? “The people at NIC are extremely friendly and always willing to help.”

What do you like most about NIC? “I really love the 1 on 1 with teachers at NIC, because the classes are so small, it’s more personal.”

What would you tell someone who was considering attending NIC? “NIC is the best way to start out your college education because it has great classes and events. Teachers are easy to become personal with because of small class sizes."

Sara Priest

Sara Priest

Age: 21
Hometown: Kellogg, ID
Where do you live now: Coeur d’ Alene
Year in School: Third
Expected degree or certificate at NIC: Associate of Science
Major/program at NIC: Registered Nursing
Expected graduation date: May 2011
Involvements at NIC: TRIO Program and Ambassador

What made you decide to attend NIC? Cost and location.

How are you paying for your education? “Loans, scholarships, ambassador program.”

How easy was it for you to get involved at NIC? “It was very easy to become involved at NIC. I was referred by a teacher to become a math tutor for the TRIO program. Then I was told by one of the students I was tutoring that I would be a good candidate for the ambassador program.“

What things have you learned about NIC and its students by being an NIC Ambassador? “I’ve learned that NIC really has a lot to offer students, academically and non-academically. NIC provides many very useful resources for all types of students and the faculty is incredibly helpful and wants you to succeed.”

What do you like most about NIC? “I really enjoy NIC’s campus, the laid back atmosphere, friendly people, opportunities it provides.”

What would you tell someone who was considering attending NIC? “I would tell them that NIC is a great place to start or continue their education as it provides many opportunities for all sorts of students and gives off a very welcoming atmosphere. Also, that NIC has great staff/faculty that really do care about their students succeeding.”