Humans of 4Cs: Sharon Boonstra
by Mallory West
Sharon Boonstra, a now part-time advisor to Cape Cod Community College (4Cs), has been instrumental in helping students achieve their goals since January 2015. Whether it is a student seeking to transfer, a student in dual enrollment, or any similar affairs, Boonstra has taken on an active role in students’ educational trails.
Many have noticed an increase in dual enrollment students at 4Cs. Why do you think dual enrollment is so popular?
“I think that ‘word of mouth’ has been a big reason that you’ve seen an increase in dual enrollment students at CCCC. Students who have taken dual enrollment courses tell their friends about the positive experience they have had at CCCC. We also keep in close touch with the high school counselors in the area, so they are well-informed about the opportunities that dual enrollment offers their students.”
What do you think students get out of dual enrollment?
“It is a great way for students to experience the independence associated with taking college courses. Students not only get to experience the rigor and challenge of college but also can learn more about their own interests and passions. It is a great way to try out college and explore different areas of interest without paying the higher cost of a 4-year public or private college. In addition, many students are also able to take courses at CCCC that are either not offered at their high school or that they are unable to fit into their schedule.”
Did you know you wanted to be an advisor when you were younger? How did you get into advising?
“I had no idea! I went to community college right out of high school and then got a bachelor’s degree in Business Management. It wasn’t until I was in my early 50’s that I went back to school for a Master’s in School Counseling so I could become a high school guidance counselor. Unfortunately, there were not many jobs available for high school counselors, so I broadened my search to college advising and it turns out it was the perfect fit for me!”
Where did you grow up/live before 4Cs?
“I grew up in Grand Haven, Michigan, on the shores of beautiful Lake Michigan. I first moved to Cambridge, Mass. when I was just 20 years old. After a short time there, we moved to Nashua, NH and later to Westford, Mass. where I raised my two children. We moved to Falmouth eight years ago and love it here!”
What is a favorite memory of yours at 4Cs?
“Honestly, getting to know each individual student and seeing them grow and mature creates wonderful new memories for me every day. If I had to pick just one it might be when one of the first students, I advised in the Transfer Office came back to visit me five years later after she had reached her goal of becoming a commercial helicopter pilot!”
When did you become part of the advising team for Dual Enrollment students?
“In July 2016."
Did you have any special role models that influenced you into becoming an advisor?
“My two children had amazing counselors in high school, and I think they were role models for me. Since becoming an advisor at CCCC, my colleagues in the advising center as well as the Director of Advising, Art Esposito, are role models for me every day. I am always learning from them!”
What do you like to do for fun? Now that you’re part-time, are there any activities or hobbies that you do now that you did not previously have time for?
“I enjoy reading, taking walks and exercising as well as traveling. Now that I am semi-retired, I have more time to do all of these things!”
Categories: Professors, People