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Spotlight on Success

Like many veterans, Danny Gibbons took his military training and found work in the civilian sector when he left military service.  In Danny's case, as a former petroleum supply specialist in the U.S. Army, he drove commercial trucks to support himself for many years.

But after recently becoming a single parent upon obtaining custody of his 12-year-old daughter, Danny realized he needed a more lucrative career.  So it was then that he learned about National College's Stow campus and the many programs it had to offer-not to mention the exclusive veterans' grants offered by the college.  "I didn't waste any time when the door opened for me," says Danny, who admits that without National's veterans' grant he probably would not have been able to attend college.

Danny appreciated the fact that he could start classes right away and finish his degree - he chose business administration-management - quickly.  Even taking four classes per term, he is able to continue working as a lawn care specialist while pursuing his education.  His goal is to operate his own business, and he is already researching opportunities and making contacts with an eye toward establishing a lawn care service.  Eventually, however, he wants to apply his business management knowledge to his transportation experience.  "If I can't start with my commercial [trucking] business, I can start with lawn care and go from there," he says.

Danny admits that he never saw himself going to college, and that his classes are challenging at times.  But National's learning environment is what makes it possible for him to succeed.  "It's just like a family here to me," he says, adding, "small classes are beautiful, I feel like you can learn a lot more."

Danny knows he has made the right decision and is proud to be serving as a role model for his daughter.  It's a choice that has shown him, as well, just how much he can accomplish when he sets his mind to it.  "It's been a great adventure," he says with satisfaction.  Without a doubt, the adventure has only begun as Danny continues to work toward a brighter future.