Anita Kapelewski

“I knew at this stage of my life I wanted to ‘get to the point’ with a two-year degree,” said Anita Kapelewski. “Tri-C stood out for me because of its convenient locations, scheduling flexibility and cost.”

The Copley resident was looking for a change after 16 years in sports medicine as an athletic trainer. Before she earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees that supported her health care career, she had considered engineering. Tri-C provided the opportunity to revisit that original career path, and she earned an associate degree in mechanical engineering technology in 2010.

“I did a total reboot of my work career, thanks to the degree from Tri-C,” she said. “It provided me the opportunity to start a new career when I was in my 40s. In fact, my best memories of Tri-C were connecting with fellow students — most of whom were several years younger than me. I have forged friendships that have lasted to this day.”

Her new degree led to a job offer as a manufacturing engineer for a pilot flight equipment design and manufacturer. Her commitment to building relationships has kept her new career on track.

“I am proud to have been recently recruited by a former boss to join him at a new company,” she said. “I've always tried to leave a good impression on my employers.”

Kapelewski compares Tri-C favorably to her other educational experiences.

“I've been to a few schools in my life,” she said. “Tri-C staff and instructors do care very much about your success. Tri-C provides a quality education, so long as you're willing to show up and work at it. And there is help at every turn — just ask.”

The engineer reflects further on making a career pivot later in life and urges others to embrace change.

“It's never too late to honestly evaluate where you are and where you want to be,” Kapelewski said. “Your life and career aren't required to conform to what others think it should be. Make yourself happy.”