Jennifer Connor

Ada Comstock scholar
Studio Art
Jamaica, Vermont

The first time I was in college was in 1974. Since then I have had a career as a bank vice president, opened a retail store where -- for 22 years -- I sold my work as well as the work of other artists, and raised our five boys. But throughout this time there was this little nagging voice in the back of my head saying, “school...school...school!”

After spending a year at the community college in Brattleboro, I applied to the Ada Comstock Scholars Program. Having the camaraderie of so many women -- especially after the excess of testosterone at home -- has been wonderful. We can have open discussions about women’s issues that just wouldn’t be happening with guys around.

I stay on campus Monday through Thursday in the commuter housing for Adas: it’s another great part of this experience. We share our papers, meals, concerns about school and home, and offer each other support and encouragement. There’s a real sense of community.