Caroline Drouin
2009 and 2023 Graduate
Lead Teacher
I graduated from LRCC in 2009 with a degree in Business Management and the skills to be a strong and confident learner. LRCC gave me the foundation I needed to thrive in a college environment, and that momentum carried me through my bachelor’s degree at Southern New Hampshire University. As much as I loved my time “on the hill,” I was prepared and ready for the next chapter.
As my career progressed, I joined The Village Nursery School in Gilford, NH. To meet state requirements, I needed to take three early childhood education courses. Because I had such a positive experience at LRCC the first time, returning felt like the natural choice. Once I completed those initial classes, I realized I didn’t want to stop. In 2023, I proudly earned my associate degree in early childhood education.
Returning to college as a non-traditional student came with challenges. I was older than many of my classmates and balancing work and family responsibilities. But LRCC made it possible. The faculty and staff were incredibly supportive and flexible with my schedule. Diane Lewis, LRCC’s Early Childhood Education Program Coordinator, went above and beyond — advocating for my transfer credits and guiding me through the requirements to ensure I stayed on track. College doesn’t look the same for everyone, so having an advisor who goes the extra mile makes all the difference.
Today, I’m in my sixth year as a lead teacher at the Village Nursery School. My education at LRCC deepened my understanding of how children learn and helped me create a nurturing, engaging classroom environment. The tools, strategies, and hands‑on experience I gained allow me to make a meaningful impact on my students every single day.
Looking back, I wish I had attended LRCC right after high school. They have a lot of degrees and programs to choose from which would have helped me discover my interests and passions sooner. With so many strong programs and a close‑knit community, LRCC is an ideal place to grow academically and personally. Two years is the perfect amount of time to mature, explore, and prepare for whatever comes next.
An additional bonus for me is that LRCC is only 15 minutes from my home. I could take afternoon or evening classes depending on what worked best for my schedule. It’s a wonderful resource that truly accommodates different ages, schedules, and lifestyles. We’re fortunate to have this state‑of‑the‑art facility right here in the Lakes Region.