“Business has always been a big part of my life,” stated Malerie Buck of Mapleton, a business administration student at Northern Maine Community College in Presque Isle.
Her parents own two businesses, the Maine Malt House and Buck Farms in Mapleton. Buck has childhood memories of growing up on the family farm.
“I worked on the farm racking the potatoes. I also remember picking rocks, hay and straw, and driving truck and the tractors.” Her parents encouraged her to work on the farm, which, in addition to learning the value of hard work, gave her the opportunity to work closely with her father, which she greatly enjoyed.
Prior to her acceptance at NMCC, Buck took classes in the business program at the Presque Isle Regional Career and Technical Center while she was in high school. “I got a feel for business,” she said.
She learned a lot about the field, which helped her when she started her business education. She also has been employed at various local businesses, including JCPenney and the Mapleton Recreation Department. She is currently employed as an instructor at The Maine Dance Academy in Caribou and as a secretary at Impact Auto in Presque Isle.
She sought education locally for several reasons; she said she wanted to stay in the area and save money, and also has several family members who have attended NMCC.
Buck reported she has enjoyed her time at the college.
“Everyone is very friendly and willing to help you,” she said.
She takes several of her current classes through the online option. Although those sessions do not meet on campus, she still has contact with her instructors.
“My instructors email me every week about assignments and to check in and offer support,” she explained.
Buck said she has enjoyed learning all aspects of the business world, as well as how different businesses operate. Although males typically dominate the business field, she noted there are several females in her classes and that the ratio of female to male students is well balanced. Gender has never been an issue for her.
“Everyone is treated equally,” she said. “I have never felt that I couldn’t go as far as someone else in the business field.”
Buck will graduate with her associate of applied science degree this May. She plans to continuing her education at NMCC after she graduates, pursuing a degree in medical assisting. She enjoys interacting with people and a career in medical assisting will give her the opportunity to help others.
She believes she will use the knowledge that she has acquired in business in the medical field. As a medical assistant, she will be able to do office work in addition to certain medical procedures.
“Medical assisting combines business with hands-on patient care,” Buck said. “It incorporates both of my interests.”
She offered advice for females who may be considering a career in business. “Even if it’s not what you are going for, it’s good knowledge to have. The concepts can tie into any program.”
She also shared some tips to help other students be successful, including the importance of asking for help and staying focused: “As long as you put the time and effort into what you are doing, you will succeed.”
