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Success Stories

A Dream to Count On

Jennifer Quesenberry’s quest to become an accountant began in high school when she took Accounting 101. It was a class she “loved.” Post high school she held several jobs but she wasn’t satisfied with her career direction. One day while driving past the Charlottesville Campus of National College, Jennifer decided to stop in and learn more about the accounting programs. She immediately met with an admissions representative and a financial planning representative and learned that she could get the career she wanted with financial assistance.

Jennifer officially enrolled in the business administration-accounting program in 2005. “The accounting classes and financial aid is why I enrolled,” she says. “Knowing I would be receivingfinancial assistance to help me with my education was a big factor in my decision.”

Her dream of being an accountant was becoming more of a reality

To no one’s surprise she thoroughly enjoyed all her accounting classes. Jennifer is specifically thankful for Instructor Bill Alberts for making each student work for their grade. “He taught in a way that we could easily understand and was willing to explain things if we didn’t get it.” Apparently Jennifer got it. She graduated two years later with an associate degree with high honors. Her dream of being an accountant was becoming more of a reality.

With her new degree in-hand, Jennifer submitted a resume to Kenny Sisk, Accounting Manager with R.E. Lee & Son, a general contractor located in Charlottesville that specializes in construction and renovation projects. R.E. Lee & Son is one of nine companies whose parent company is Piedmont Virginia Companies, a diversified construction services company.

Of the 60 or so resumes he received, Jennifer’s resume made his short list easily. After reading about her experience and qualifications, she was selected to be his first candidate to interview after which Kenny decided she was the right person to fill the company’s position as Payroll Clerk. “We needed someone who could do payroll, from timesheets to W-2’s…” says Kenny. “Having worked with her for only such a short time, she is truly what I expected in an employee. She’s a good, hard worker. We’re glad to have her...”

Being employed with R.E. Lee & Son has afforded Jennifer the opportunity to grow professionally in many ways. She’s proud to say she finally has a career she enjoys. And while Jennifer is appreciative of the roles National and R.E. Lee have played in her career, she can’t forget about her husband, Keith. Keith’s never-ending encouragement helped her to overcome the challenges she faced while going to school. With such a strong support network, Jennifer was bound for success academically and professionally. Congratulations, Jennifer! Special thanks to Kenny Sisk from R.E. Lee & Son for nominating Jennifer Quesenberry for this week's National News Spotlight on Success story.