ATLANTIC CITY — It's a new year, and for incoming freshmen students at Atlantic Cape Community College, a time for new dreams as they prepare for the upcoming Fall Semester. Each year during New Student Orientation individuals from a multitude of backgrounds come together at each of the College’s three campuses to learn what to expect as a new college student, explore the classrooms, meet faculty and staff, and get acquainted with fellow classmates.
Community college is filled with an eclectic mix of students from various backgrounds. Whether a freshman fresh out of high school, or still in high school as a dual credit Early College Program student, or a military veteran, first-generation college attendee or adult learner returning after a prolonged absence, the nervous anticipation, excitement and questions are all similar.
One of Atlantic Cape’s newest students this Fall Semester is Atlantic City resident Miguel Balga. A 27-year-old United States Navy veteran who was stationed in Norfolk, Virginia on the USS Tortuga (LSD 46), Balga served as an E-3/Fireman for three years between 2019-2022 before receiving an honorable discharge. Following the completion of his Naval service, Balga began working in security and after three years he knew it was time for a change.
“I decided to enroll at Atlantic Cape because I wanted to do something more with my life instead of being idle and working like I have been doing for the past three years,” said Balga. “I really want to get into computer support systems because I love tech and computers. I am looking to move up further in the world, and give myself a better life and financial situation.”
Balga was eligible to use his GI Bill benefits to help pay for his community college education. The GI Bill was created in 1944 to help qualifying Veterans and their family members get money to cover all or some of the costs for school or training.
As a first-generation scholar in his family, Balga understands that college will be a challenge, but he is ready to tackle this task with the same energy and determination as his time in the Navy.
“Being the first in my family to attend college is definitely like breaking new ground for me, but if I was able to get through my time in the service, my mindset is that I know that I can do this too, said Balga, who plans on utilizing the College’s free tutoring to help with his math classes and the Library too.
There is still time to register for the upcoming Fall Semester, which starts on Tuesday, September 2. Visit atlanticcape.edu/one-stop to get started today.
About Atlantic Cape Community College
Atlantic Cape Community College is a Middle States accredited, 2022 Achieving the Dream Leader College and Hispanic Serving Institution proudly serving the residents of Atlantic and Cape May counties. As a comprehensive, two-year community college, Atlantic Cape offers 47 undergraduate degree programs, and 34 certificate and professional series programs at its Mays Landing, Atlantic City and Cape May County campuses. Atlantic Cape is home to the renowned Academy of Culinary Arts, rated the top culinary school in New Jersey, and for more than 50 years, our highly-acclaimed Nursing program. Atlantic Cape also partners with more than 30 colleges and four-year universities to offer students the opportunity to seamlessly earn a bachelor’s degree upon graduation.
