It had been decades since Nicole Fulkerson, 53, had been in a classroom. But the mother of two decided the time was right. 

“I always wanted to go to college, but I was busy raising my kids,” Fulkerson said. “When they were old enough, I decided to give it a try.” 

Fulkerson lives in Wellington and said the Lorain County Community College Wellington Center made what might have been a difficult choice easy. The LCCC Wellington Center has six interactive video distance-learning classrooms that offer on-site courses and connect directly with LCCC. 

“I chose LCCC because I was able to take a majority of my classes at the LCCC Wellington Center,” Fulkerson said. “The center is very close to my home and the classes were in person, video distance learning that were broadcast to the center, or online.” 

Fulkerson said the LCCC Wellington Center staff were there to help from day one, whether she was registering for classes, completing federal financial aid forms, or navigating Canvas. And when she talked to staff members about her learning disability, which made her nervous about getting assignments done on time and her ability to study efficiently, staff members connected her with LCCC’s Accessibility Services.” 

“They helped me get extended time to complete my assignments and exams. They got me a recorder so I could record my lectures,” Fulkerson said. “And my various instructors were very helpful and understanding when it came to my learning disability.” 

In May 2024, Fulkerson will earn her associate of arts in liberal arts. She said she chose the pathway to obtain “a well-rounded education that could allow me to possibly pursue my education further.”  

Before deciding on a career, Fulkerson plans to volunteer with a few organizations that help people with learning disabilities.  

“I hope to make a difference in their lives and encourage them to not give up,” she said. “I can be patient with them and help them achieve their goals by working with them at their own pace.” 

For Fulkerson, who also leaned heavily on her faith to help her through, it’s as if her journey has come full circle. She’ll be giving to others the same patience and guidance she received at the LCCC Wellington Center.  

“All of these things, together, helped me to obtain my degree,” she said. “And now, I get to help others.”