Maureen Boufas is a 2004 graduate of Herkimer High School
Do what makes you happy and follow your gut instincts
What’s your favorite high school memory?
One of my favorite memories was doing the school musical, “Bye Bye Birdie.” I also enjoyed being on the basketball team, and being one of the captains during my senior year. I have such great memories of just hanging out with friends.
What have you been doing since you graduated?
After high school, I attended HCCC and graduated with my associate’s degree in fashion merchandising and buying. I then went to SUNY Polytechnic and received my bachelor’s degree in accounting. After college, I worked as an administrative assistant at Catholic Charities in Utica, and then started my career in 2013 as a financial aid counselor at Wells College. In 2016, I became the assistant director of financial aid at Mohawk Valley Community College. I am now the director of financial aid at Herkimer County Community College.
Did anyone from Herkimer Central School District influence you in becoming who you are today?
Yes, in high school, I took accounting with Mr. Spinner and then with Mr. Lanz, and that is how I started learning accounting. That is what led me down the path of pursuing a bachelor’s degree in accounting, and led me to my current career.
What advice do you have for current Herkimer High School students?
I’d like to tell HHS students that it is O.K. if you’re not sure what you want to do when you graduate. Do what makes you happy and follow your gut instincts. Time goes by so quickly, and it’s true that you don’t regret things that you did, but rather the chances you didn’t take. Make friends, go out, live your life. Don’t let anyone treat you badly or put you down. Be open with who you are and never be ashamed to be completely you.
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