After nearly 30 years of working with the Adult Education programs at Cayuga-Onondaga BOCES, Case Manager Jennifer Driscoll’s passion for her students has never wavered.

Starting as a part-time Community Education Instructor in 1995, Driscoll transitioned to teaching the former Business Careers program before becoming a Case Manager in 2000. And while she has held that title for more than 22 years, her duties have certainly evolved over the years.

“The title hasn’t change, but the hats that I wear have changed,” she said. “I coordinate the CDL program, I’m the program manager for the literacy program. I’m the financial aid officer for the PN students, and I’m also the GED exam administrator.”

When asked what she loves most about her position, Driscoll said she loves the variety each day brings, as well as the ability she has to make a positive impact on adult learners.

“I love helping the adult students find success in their education, because most of the students that come to us have not found that success,” she said. “They may be the ones who dropped out of school, or found that school was not right for them. But we have the flexibility to be able to find what works for them and then help them achieve their goals.”

Driscoll said her fellow staff members at The Center for Learning also make coming to work enjoyable each day.

“It always feels like a family here. We all support each other and look out for each other,” she said. “We’re all friends outside of being co-workers, and you really don’t find that everywhere.”

As for what advice she would give to a new staff member, Driscoll simply said to always remember the purpose of the BOCES.  To make sure BOCES is serving our community to the best of our ability.  

“The fact that I live in this community makes me want to serve our community well. And if you’re going to stay with BOCES long-term, you’re role should be to help ensure that changing community needs are always being met.”

In her free time, Driscoll loves spending time with her two children and husband on their hay farm. Her family also spends time together traveling to her daughter’s college basketball games.