August 6, 2012 — Amy Radik
Margaret Pace grew up in Lake Pleasant and attended Wells Central School. She began her college education at FM but needed to take a leave from her studies due to family obligations. When Margaret did return, she was no longer a traditional-aged college student; however, she felt like she fit right back in at FM. “I had been out of college for several years but FM made it an easy transition for me to get back into the classroom,” she said. “And with raising small children at the time, the fact that FM was so close to home made my decision to go back that much easier.”
With a college degree, Margaret believed there would be fulfilling job opportunities awaiting her, and she was right. She chose to study Computer Information Systems. “I chose this area of study because computers are prevalent in today’s society,” she said. “Regarding employment, I knew it would be an area where there was a real need. It also opened up several doors as far as what could be my specialty; my options were completely wide open. I could go into database management, programming, network administration, or one of many other areas.
One of my professors, Frank Yunker, made it clear that the opportunities are out there, you just had to be aggressive. If you drag your feet, then you just get what you get. Professor Yunker was very influential. With his intelligence, sarcasm, and sense of humor, you learned. He is a very smart man who enjoys teaching. He never gives up on his students no matter how hard they are struggling. Everyone was treated equal in his class regardless of age. Professor Yunker teaches you if you want something, you have to go for it. He is an excellent teacher and a huge asset to FM.”
Margaret’s goal after FM was to obtain a local job in the computer information systems field, which she did. She currently is responsible for the entire computer department/network at Electro-Metrics in Johnstown. She finds it to be a very fun and rewarding job, exactly what she was looking for by earning a college degree.
“In today’s world, a college education is a must if you want a decent paying job,” states Margaret. “The job market is becoming more and more competitive and is requiring a higher level of degree. FM is a great stepping stone to obtaining a job, but one should be prepared to continue their education little by little. FM also is a great start towards a bachelor’s degree. I am working on my bachelor’s degree through Empire State College’s online degree program.”
With three children, Megan 14, Mark 12, and Matthew 9, a full-time job, and working on a bachelor’s degree, Margaret still finds time to volunteer at Nathan Littauer Hospital. “I would do more volunteer work if there was more time in the day,” laughs Margaret.
If she had to do anything over again, Margaret says she wouldn’t change a thing. “I wanted a better life for myself and my children, they are my world. I now have it. And I can say FM helped to give me this better world.”
Amy Radik is Coordinator of Public Relations & Marketing at FM.
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