Amy Block

• Michigan City
• 2008 Bachelor of Arts degree
  in Behavioral Science

“I chose PNC because I felt comfortable with the university. It is a great learning institution and offers so much. The smaller class sizes gave me a chance to know the staff and students. My mother attended PNC when I was young - I visited the child care while my mother went to class. I enjoyed being a part of Purdue.”

That is how Amy Block describes how she became a PNC student. Her PNC experience was a positive one and she decided to continue on to attend graduate school.

She will attend Purdue University Calumet and plans to become a school counselor after earning her master’s degree.

“A career as a school counselor would give me a great opportunity to fulfill my hopes and dreams of helping children cope with life’s terms,” she explains.

Block is a single mother of a son who is entering first grade and a son entering second grade. She also worked as a waitress and during her final semester on campus, she completed an internship at Michigan City High School, attended classes on campus and volunteered at her sons’ school.

She credits careful time management with keeping her on track, “I always kept a journal to I write down my goals, appointments and when assignments were due. I quickly learned how to multi-task. My studies were done mainly in the early morning and late at night.

“In the beginning of my college career I had a hard time adjusting to the demands that were expected from college students. After acknowledging the expectations, I learned to study harder, thick more critically and manage my time better.”

Her hard work paid off. Her grades placed her on semester honor’s lists. 

She also thanks her father, David Block, with explaining the importance education to her while she was a child.

Those around her also offered their support. “Everyone I spoke to about my education gave me words of encouragement. I wanted to continue my education is to set a good example for my children and provide a good life for my family.”

On campus, Block was involved with the Social Work Club and the American Sign Language Club. She also taught some basic sign language to elementary school students. One of her favorite events was a trip to a workshop at the Indiana School for the Deaf in Indianapolis.

Block is quick to recommend PNC to prospective students. “It is great for adults working a job and raising children. PNC has a great day care system that offers care even in the evenings. It has flexible course times to fit individual schedules. The professors and staff are exceptionally accommodating and available to help when needed. I met a lot of professional people that have inspired me throughout the years at PNC. This university allows students to gain the skills and knowledge that will prepare them to successfully enter the work force.”