Janet Poweski

Janet Poweski identified early in her career, as an Administrative Assistant at the University of Rochester Medical Center, that a formal computer course would enhance her knowledge and make her more efficient.

In the Spring of 2005, Janet enrolled in Computer Savvy, an introductory course on the Microsoft Office suite of applications, offered by the Center for Lifelong Learning (now Edvantage). Over the course of four four-hour lessons in the School of Nursing Computer Lab, Janet learned new skills in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access. “The other students,” Janet observed, “were all around my age, and the class was limited to twelve students.” Some students started out afraid to ask questions, but Emily Byland, the instructor, was very patient and kind, and Janet’s existing knowledge gave her the confidence to ask a lot of useful questions. The course needed to move quickly because the content was both extensive and detailed, but Janet found the new information and skills invaluable. “I couldn’t wait for Thursdays,” she said. “I have recommended the course to at least a dozen co-workers, and everyone feels the same way. The course shows how to do things, but even more importantly, it builds the confidence to trust your own commonsense. Now I feel like an expert!” The course is still paying off for Janet, as she frequently uses the course manual as a reference.