Post-secondary education is generally a big change for a student that recently graduated from high school. Depending upon choice of program, maturity, comfort in new environments, and a host of other factors, new post-secondary students can find it difficult to transition from the high school environment to college. Travis Gyorko, WVJC Business Administration student and Student Government Association President, found himself in just this situation after high school. “It [traditional college] was a very different experience for me and I wasn’t able to fully adjust to it. “ His transition was so difficult that Travis was not successful in his first attempt at college. Like so many others, he found himself at a crossroads. “I bounced around from odd job to odd job not really knowing what I wanted to do with my life.”
As time passed, Travis began a hobby that would change his life. He began craft-brewing ale. At first, it was a hobby to do after work. Over time, Travis found that it might be more than just a hobby. It has been said that when you love what you do, you won’t work a day in your life and this is exactly what Travis began to feel. His concern was that he did not know how to take this skill and turn it into a business. Not feeling comfortable going into something like this blind, Travis began searching for education options that would work for him and his new found passion. “I heard about being able to get a degree in 18 months [at WVJC] and that they had a business program.”
Travis decided to enroll at WVJC Morgantown. “I chose WVJC…to turn my hobby…into a full-time career.” Travis had a very different experience at WVJC than he did at his first college. “I love the hands-on approach my professors have given me and each one has taken the time to get to know me. I never would’ve had an experience like this [in his first college attempt] and that really has appealed to me since joining the junior college.”
Travis has excelled as a student at West Virginia Junior College Morgantown and is even the SGA President. “My favorite class has been Fundamentals of Taxation. It was a lot of work but I appreciate being able to have the knowledge of how to do my own taxes.” He also added, “The professors are really passionate about helping their students succeed and the college offers a very student friendly environment.”
If you have any questions about the Business Administration program at WVJC or would like additional information, please contact West Virginia Junior College at 304-296-8282 or wvjc.edu.