"Being a student at GC has broadened my life and learning experiences"
Tim Tice's Bio
Major
Business Management & EntrepreneurshipCurrently
GraduateWhy GC for Tim?
- Affordable in-county tuition and financial aid opportunities
- Variety of online course options and flexibility while working full-time
- GC's Life Experience Assessment Program enabled him to earn credits towards his degree, by way of relevant work experience
- Close proximity of GC to his home and work in Grantsville
- Qualified for grants and scholarships available to non-traditional students (beyond 18-25 years of age)
- GC broadened and enhanced his life and learning experiences
Twelve years ago, while simultaneously working full-time and raising two young kids at the time, Tim Tice made the decision to enroll at Garrett College. Planning for one or two classes a semester, he was on track to finish a two-year degree in approximately six years.
A few years into starting classes, he began a new job, the kids were getting older, and life became busier. Tim found himself procrastinating on completing the credits.
Words of his daughter, Mikaila (who was also enrolled at GC), keep coming back to him:
"Dad, if you don't watch it, I'm going to graduate before you." He clearly remembers his response: "That won't happen".
His daughter was going to be right.
Remarkably, it was Mikaila's graduation that loomed on the horizon that pushed him to finish. The result was a once-in-a-lifetime moment for both– a shared college commencement.
"In some ways, it almost felt like I shouldn't have been there at the same time as her. I didn't want it to be about me," Tice stated. "It was very special to share the moment, and I'm very proud of her and what she accomplished. While we are in different places in our lives, with different short-term goals, it was a neat experience to graduate together."
He also shared in another moment with his daughter during commencement. Amongst 102 members of the May 2018 graduating class, five graduated summa cum laude (with highest honors). Tim and Mikaila were both recognized with this achievement.
Tim Foster, GC's professor of mathematics, had the opportunity to instruct both father and daughter.
"The family is hard-working and dedicated to their education," Foster said. "I wish we had more students like them."
Garrett's in-county tuition, online options, and a close proximity to home (Grantsville) enabled Tim to earn his associate of applied science degree in business and information technology/business management & entrepreneurship.
"My wife sacrificed the most in the early days so I could attend class and/or commit time to online classes," he stated. "Everyone with whom I interacted at Garrett was very helpful and pleasant.
"Cissy VanSickle was very helpful in the Financial Aid office, sometimes getting grants for me that I didn't know were available and I hadn't requested."
There are scholarships and grants available for those returning to school beyond the traditional 18 to 25 year old range.
As Tim was seeking a degree in a field related to his work, Dr. Qing Yuan, GC's dean of academic affairs, was instrumental and facilitated a way for him to earn credits towards his degree, through GC's life experience assessment program.
"I was able to present my work experience as qualification for the final three credits I needed to graduate," Tim stated.
Realizing others may be walking in the same shoes as he was nearly 12 years ago, he encourages individuals to consider the opportunities that exist around them.
"Dream, but also be practical. That may include getting a degree, or it may mean focusing on learning a skilled trade in addition to or instead of a degree," he said. "When it comes to your job or career, it's great to do what you love doing, but it's better to do something that, not only pays your bills, but also enables you to have financial independence and liberty."
