Welcome to the Northwest Technical College Transition Institute web site. Let me tell you how we got started.

About three years ago, before there was much media coverage of the needs of aging baby boomers, I read an article in Time magazine about why Baby Boomers wanted a retirement that was different from their parents and why two-year colleges were uniquely qualified to provide services in this area. This article caught my attention for two reasons. One, I work in a two-year college and am interested in college trends. But more importantly, I was approaching retirement age myself and wasn’t feeling at all ready to end my career.

I shared the article with our College administration and received support to look into what was happening in our area and identify how Northwest Technical College could help people approaching traditional retirement age make the most of the second half of life. One of my first efforts was to survey adults in our area about their retirement plans and need for services.

The results of this survey and what I learned from my research about national and state trends form the foundation for the Transition Institute at Northwest Technical College. Although I feel like we are still in the beginning stages, we are seeing an increasing interest in the needs of aging Baby Boomers and requests for support as Baby Boomers explore what’s next.

Now, let me tell you a little bit about me. For the past thirty years I have been a counselor at Northwest Technical College. During that time I have helped adults make positive transitions in their lives, identify career pathways, and set and achieve educational goals. I am trained as a life, career and retirement coach and have been trained by and am affiliated with the Purpose Project, a joint project of the University of Minnesota, Center for Spirituality and Healing and Richard Leider of the Inventure Group. I am also a certified Adult Career Pathways Leader. This year I am facilitating the Bemidji site of the Vital Aging Network’s ALVA, a leadership development program for experienced adults.

I believe that we all deserve and can achieve a vital and rewarding second half of life and welcome you to join us on this wonderful journey.