Ann Marie Kauffman

Ann Marie came to Delaware Tech to better herself. "I had quite a few setbacks in my teen years that prevented me from going to school right after I graduated (high school). I want to be in a career that I am proud of."

Convenience was a huge factor in Ann Marie's decision to come to Delaware Tech, but the prospect of little to no debt, as well as the nationally-accredited nursing program, was attractive as well. "I found that I was always interested in anything medical and I love helping people, as cliché as that sounds, which helped me decide on the nursing program."

Ann Marie said she has "grown as a person" since coming to Delaware Tech. "I have changed and matured and have changed my attitude about certain situations and have found new ways to problem solve."

Ann Marie advises students to utilize the tutoring centers and talk to their instructors. "I recently had the pleasure of becoming a tutor at the Dover campus, and I wish more students utilized (tutors); as a peer tutor, I have been where you are and I understand the struggle. Talking to a student (can be) less intimidating than speaking to a professor. All the instructors I have had the pleasure of having have helped me in so many ways. They've helped me in my personal life when issues caused me to struggle academically, and because I took that step to contact them and explain what was going on, they worked with me because they want to see you succeed."

After graduating from Delaware Tech, Ann Marie would like to pursue a master's degree and a career in veteran-based hospitals and facilities. She dreams of being a head nurse in her unit.