"My name is Rene Drouin and I'm the President and CEO of the NHHEAF Network Organizations. Some people wonder why we decided to create a college website for middle school students. After all, it will be years before you attend college, right? Well, did you know that in a recent survey 36% of high school seniors responded that they decided in the 6th grade or earlier that they would attend college? It is never too early to plan for higher education. We want you to be prepared and inspired to go to college. We want you to have every opportunity to develop your talents, interests, and skills. We want you to be a college graduate. So become a member of the college club, and begin to plan today."

"Hi kids. My name's Kevin Valenti. When I was growing up I always knew that I wanted a career in law enforcement because my father was a police captain in Manchester and my grandfather had been a police officer in Boston. After graduating from high school I joined the army for five years. I thought that having military experience would help me get a good job-and it did. For 12 years I worked at the NH State Prison for men as a corrections officer and I liked my job but I decided that I could help the inmates more if I became a probation parole officer. Probation and parole officers, also known as PPOs, help inmates to successfully plan for their life after they leave prison. But in order to reach my goal I knew a college degree was required. I went to Springfield College in Manchester, NH where I received my Bachelor's degree in Human Services. I learned a lot about resources in the community that would help these former inmates to find jobs and whatever else they might need to be successful. Now I work as a probation parole officer for the State of NH. Getting my college degree helped me to have the best of both worlds. I still work in law enforcement. Yes, I have a gun, a badge and a bulletproof vest but most of the time I help people to plan how to make their lives better and how to avoid making the mistakes that sent them to prison and that's what I really love about being a probation parole officer."

"Hi. My name is Colleen and I'm a dental hygienist. When I was young, the dentist that lived next door to us needed someone to clean his office on Saturdays. So he asked me if I'd like to help him. When I grew up I went to college to learn how to become a dental hygienist. I worked with families in my community helping them learn to take better care of their teeth and gums. College helped me become an important member of my neighborhood."

"My name is Mark Scheffer and I'm an orthopedic surgeon at Dartmouth Hitchcock clinic. I've been practicing orthopedics there for the past 12 years. Prior to that, I was an orthopedic surgeon in the military at the air force academy. I went through undergraduate training at Auburn University in Auburn Alabama and then medical school at Vanderbilt Medical School and then five years of residency afterwards at the Mayo Clinic. I wasn't sure exactly when I started off how I was going to pay for medical school and I was fortunate enough to get a military scholarship that paid for my last two years at University and four years of medical school. I did a civilian residency and once I completed that I was able to serve my time with the military on active duty prior to coming to Concord, NH. When I was in high school the thought of spending what ultimately ended up being 14 years after high school on an education to become an orthopedic surgeon would have been absolutely intolerable for me. I found when I got to college I was able to proceed at a much quicker rate, the classes were only a small part of my schedule for the day. I spent a lot of time in labs and a lot of time in extra-curricular activities. So, basically I would say that I wouldn't let the fear of being in a classroom for long periods of time dissuade anyone from being in college because it's a very different experience and a much more efficient, pleasant, fun experience to be in college. To learn, to get your academic requirements under control but not feel as though you're being smothered in a classroom for a prolonged period of time."

"Hi kids. My name is Cindy Hoisington. I'm here to tell you about the story of becoming a veterinarian. I grew up reading Dr. Dolittle and the Black Stallion. Later I got my own horse named Amber. In middle school instead of babysitting I was grooming horses and mucking stalls. I knew I wanted to be a veterinarian. As soon as I was old enough I started working at a veterinarian's office. Initially, I was walking dogs and cleaning cages. However, I continued working with the animals and worked my way up to being able to assist in surgery. Through college, at UNH, I continued my work with animals working at grooming facilities and boarding facilities. Then I went to Cornell veterinary school. Today I own a small animal hospital. I am able to help shelter animals for the local humane society and help clients with their dogs and cats. One of the things I like best about my job is that it allows me to use my problem solving skills and that there is always something new to learn about medicine and the treatment of animals."