A stay-at-home mom for many years, I returned to school for a decent paying job and to take some of the burden off my husband. With four of seven children living at home, and grandchildren, I needed to return to the workforce.

Estefani is an extraordinarily gifted student and an outstanding member of the school and local community. Estefani participated in the 2018 Summer Biomedical Research Program at ECU, conducting research on skin cancer.

After graduating high school, I moved in with my sister in North Carolina. I began a gap year working retail and volunteering at a local nursing home. Though I was busy working, traveling and volunteering, I knew I wanted more – to continue learning.

Before attending GTCC, I was a college dropout without a purpose in life. Stubborn and naïve, I believed that life consisted of what I saw on the Real World, which of course set me up for more failure. I used materialism, intimate relationships, and drugs to fill the void I felt within myself.

In 2003, I was a traditional student at a four-year university; however, I did not have a very well thought out plan concerning where I was headed in life. I could not afford $16,000 per year tuition as an out-of-state student, so I decided to join the United States Army.

One year ago, the prospect of going back to school was not an option. My wife and I had moved from Utah to North Carolina. I was grateful to find work at a local bank with decent pay and great hours.

In May, 2019 Academic Excellence Award recipient at Bladen Community College, Katie Pontak, earned an Associate in Arts, Associate in Science, and a high school diploma all at once.

When I started my college career I was excited for what my future as a student held. I was already working two part-time jobs and then I just added the task of going to school full-time. In the fall semester of my first year was when I decided to join the fire department.

Wayne Community College has helped me work on completing my current goals and strive for success. The teachers, staff, and other students have been a pleasure to work with and made this learning experience the best possible.

Born and raised in Omaha, Nebraska Emily West-Furey at the age of 19 moved to Jacksonville, North Carolina in 2010 with her husband.  For the next 5 years, she devoted her time to building and focusing on a family and raising her daughter while her husband was deployed.  In 2015 Fuery-West decide

When it came to choosing a college for the first time, there were many important factors to consider. For example, the most important item to consider was the college’s offering of programs. Another factor involved “fit”.

Who would think that a dirty-faced 8-year-old child roaming the streets selling bleach would earn the Durham Tech Academic Excellence Award!?  At age 8, I was already working in my hometown of Tulua, Colombia, while going to school in the afternoon.

Two years ago, my husband and I became licensed foster parents.  Since then, we have fostered three children and have learned a great deal from each one. Through my experiences with foster care, I was informed about the Guardian ad Litem program which is a child advocacy program.

My name is Tria Brown and I started my academic career at Cape Fear Community College in the spring of 2010; I am now a senior in the Surgical Technology program.

The success of Santiago Avila Ponce, a Radiography student at Randolph Community College, goes beyond his grade point average, which is excellent at 3.893. It shows up in various ways in the classroom and at clinical sites, according to his instructors.

Aquaculture student Todd Gill, 30, has maintained a 4.0 grade point average while taking more than 24 hours of Aquaculture, Biology and other science courses at the college. This semester, Mr. Gill is taking 20 hours of science related courses.

I began my college education in 2006 when I was an eighteen-year-old. After the first semester, I dropped out due to pregnancy. I got married and decided to stay at home with my son. Over the next few years, I worked several part-time jobs and had two more children.

In elementary school and middle school, I was an A and B student.  At the age of 17, my senior year of high school, my life took a 360 degree turn because of making a wrong decision.  I graduated from high school with a very disappointing GPA and begin working a full time job, which I did not lik

My path to Richmond Community College has been interesting and the timing could not have been better.

Being diagnosed with asthma and anxiety disorder cut short the military career of Marian Corp Veteran Joshua G.

I chose to go to JCC right after high school not because it was my only option but because it just made practical sense.

My goal of becoming a leading member in the Horticulture profession has been progressing at a rapid pace here at Fayetteville Technical Community College.

Many things go through a first-year college student’s mind when walking into their first class. These fears can include: having trouble at making friends, embarrassing themselves, and even failing their class as if they are not prepared for it.

Edgecombe Community College has been an academic oasis during this initial phase of my college journey. Without a doubt, the College’s faculty has had a decisive impact on my intellectual formation.

A friend is one that is always accepting and encouraging regardless of how much time has passed. For thirty years Guilford Technical Community College has consistently demonstrated this concept.

Moving to the United States from Mexico at the age of two, Diana Gonzalez knew first-hand the communication difficulties her family had while she was growing up. “I usually had to translate for my mother whenever she would have appointments,” Diana recalls.

As a Franklin County Early College High School student, Hope has been a member of the Vance-Granville Community College family for five years. The obstacle Hope has had to overcome most of her life, especially in the last few years, is her father’s long battle with illness.

I have always had a lifelong love of learning and upon graduating from high school in 1981, my intention was to complete a college degree, but life intervened and I found myself divorced, raising two children alone.

My success story begins with a year-long break from school, where I determined what I wanted to do with my life. During that break, I taught school children team-building skills as well as environmental education at the Betsy-Jeff Penn 4-H Center in Reidsville, North Carolina.

It is by no means an overstatement to claim that Wilkes Community College (WCC) has reinvented my world, shaped who I am, and molded my future. At WCC, I have been immersed in a variety of courses that have altered my perspective.

After being out of high school for over nineteen years and never taken a college class ever, I began to have trouble adapting to the college class environment and lacked self-confidence. I was starting to doubt whether I was really cut out or even smart enough for college.

My success story began in 2015. I was a single mother, working a fast food job and I saw no future in what I was doing. I found out that I was pregnant in April of 2015, and I was forced into quitting my job for health reasons. During my pregnancy, I decided that I wanted to go back to school.

Almost three years ago to the day, I was sitting in the same spot on the couch that I’m sitting in now typing this essay. It is only by reflecting back on that painful night three years ago that I’m able to put into words my “success story” involving my NC Community College experience.

I enrolled at Wilkes Community College two years ago to pursue the Architectural Technology degree. It only took one drafting class in high school and I was instantly hooked.

Making the decision to attend early college program at Southeastern Community College gave Austin Todd the best opportunity to achieve the long-term goals he had set for himself.  Transferring to the main campus while still a junior in high school he began working on a two-year associates degree

I came to Sandhills Community College in 2010 when I entered the polysomnography program.  Due to the downturn in the economy, I was a displaced worker.  SCC provided me with a fresh start and a new beginning.  As I began taking courses, I became aware of a passion that I did not know I had.  I r

In August of 1998, I enrolled into my first year of college. This was exciting to me because I became the first of my mother's children to enroll into college. Unfortunately, I decided to discontinue my pursuit of a degree when I became pregnant.

Aside from my mother, education has been the only constant in my life. My mother and I were homeless for a year. I began my senior year living out of a motel. I walked to restaurants to turn in homework assignments. I sacrificed. I cried.

Keeping my CVCC Success story under 200 words may be one of the most difficult challenges I have had to face since beginning my journey here.

I am a second-year student at Roanoke-Chowan Community College with plans to graduate in May 2016 with an Associate Degree in Business Administration. in 1976, I attended Roanoke-Chowan Technical Institute majoring in Executive Secretarial Science.

Since I was seven, I wanted to attend college. Growing up in a family of nine children gave me a strong desire to set a positive example. Due to financial constraints, it seemed less feasible I could attend college.

The decision to alter one’s path is never an easy one. However, at the age of 41, I made that decision and applies to the school of nursing at Haywood Community College. Throughout my academic journey at HCC, I have been presented with many challenges.

About ten years after getting my GED from Piedmont Community College, the opportunity arose for me to finally begin my college education. I always knew I wanted to get a degree, but things just never worked out.

The year 2012 was my year of second chances. I was informed in December 2011 that the company I had worked at for the last thirty-four years was closing and all manufacturing was moving to either Mexico or China. My job would end on March 31st 2012.

As the first college graduate in his family, Marco Leonardo Chumbimuni knows the importance of his accomplishment. Not just for himself, but also for his younger brother and his relatives in his parents’ native country.

After graduating from Creswell High School in 1977, I continued my education at Martin Community College (MCC) where I received a diploma in Carpentry. I did well in my program, and the staff and faculty at MCC helped me locate a job at Robersonville Products Company.

I am a thirty years old and the mother of two boys, ages ten and three. After graduating high school in 2006, college seemed like an unreachable goal. I began working instead of pursuing my passion to be an artist. In 2008, my high school sweetheart and I, had our first child together.

“To be nobody but yourself-- in a world which is doing its best, night and day, to make you everybody else--means to fight the hardest battle which any human being can fight.”

After High School I went to college for one semester before deciding to join the ARMY.  I completed my obligation and when I returned home I started working and put school out of my mind.  I was hired as a police officer and with the schedule of a police officer I felt like completing school was

I began classes at Isothermal Community College after being out of school for over 10 years. I knew I wanted to continue my education, but was unsure at the time if I could do it while raising a young child.

My greatest achievements are becoming a wife, dedicated mother of three young boys, and a college student. In 2007, I graduated from Guilford Technical Community College with Honors, was inducted into Phi Theta Kappa, and received my AAS in Culinary Arts.

Attending Surry Community College has been the best choice I could have made. After graduating from high school, I was not yet sure of my future path or ready to leave home. These last two years at Surry have instilled a confidence in me that will continue pushing me to strive for my goals.

When moving to Gastonia four years ago, I did not know what to do with my life other than what my family has set out for me - nail business. I wanted something more to satisfy my hunger for knowledge, so I took the first step by getting my GED at Gaston College.

I am currently a student of Duplin Early College High School and will complete both my high school diploma and Associate in Arts degree in 4 years, graduating in May 2014.

Philomena De Piante's education started with two goals.  To receive her Associates in Arts degree then transfer to a four-year university.  She soon realized that Central Piedmont Community College had more to offer than just an excellent education.   For Philomena CPCC provided an environment of

My journey in post-secondary education began at the age of twenty-three. I graduated from high school six years earlier and set out to make a name for myself as a musician. As I grew older, my priorities changed, and I found myself wanting to be a force for good in my community.

My decision to attend Western Piedmont Community College was based on proximity, cost, and uncertainty in terms of career path.

I was homeschooled for grades 1-12.  I was given an excellent education by my parents, but I had never attended a class with more than a few students.  I had no idea what to expect from college.

My name is Jessica Cain. I am 19 years old and I am currently enrolled in my fourth and final semester at Bladen Community College. I will graduate in May 2013 with my Associate in Arts degree.

In chemistry, there exists a concept titled potential energy. This concept is characterized by the accumulation of potential to exert a maximum amount of energy by a body due to its surrounding conditions.

Tyler Drew was initially drawn to Southeastern Community College by the opportunity to play on the College’s intercollegiate baseball team, but he had misconceptions about the academic rigor of community-college classes.

It is an honor to be Montgomery Community College's nominee for the NCCCS Academic Excellence award. I owe a lot of my success to MCC, so it is great to represent my school.

Being a high school senior at Duplin Early College High School, while taking college courses at James Sprunt Community College has not been easy. It has taken plenty of hard work and dedication. I have learned that reaching my goals in life will not be easy, but it will be worth it in the end.

I was employed at International Paper in Franklin, VA for 25 years. When the paper mill closed in 2010, I was faced with many decisions about my future. It did not take very long for me to realize that my best option was to return to school.

Matthew was born and raised in the town of Metairie, Louisiana-just outside New Orleans. Shortly after graduating high school in 2004, he joined the United States Marine Corps.

GTCC helped save my life. At 18, I joined the military, and as a result, suffered from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Left untreated, it contributed to a tumultuous twenty years. On August 7, 2013, I woke up in a hospital, suffering a traumatic brain injury from a car accident.

After 18 years of working in the airline industry, Margaret Raynor decided to retire in 2005. She tried several different jobs over the next six years, but she still wasn't fully satisfied.

Angel Andrade had a passion, and that passion was football.  His love for football didn't make Pitt Community College a top priority in his education plans after graduating high school.  Andrade, however, had come to a realization that completing his Associates in Arts, and transferring to a high

College is a foundation that many people need to succeed in life, and my foundation started at Tri County Community College.  I got my G.E.D eight years ago at Tri-County and now I’m 21 hours away from my two year degree.

When I began my journey at James Sprunt Community College, it was to earn an accounting diploma to make myself more marketable, but it became so much more. During the summer of 2017, I registered for an accounting diploma, something I could complete in one year.

I am a thirty-year-old, married, mother of two who is actively engaged within the community.

Thus, while researching options of where to attend college, I knew I needed a flexible and transitional environment. Therefore, attending Wake Technical Community College was my only option.

After being a stay-at-home mother for five years, I enrolled in college when my son began kindergarten. I felt that the time had come to invest in my intellect and the future security of my family by pursuing a degree.

Everyone has a story and those stories have common themes; indeed, the human condition requires such. All humanity experiences love and hate; joy and consternation. Each and every soul shall encounter daunting obstacles in the pursuit of every endeavor.

As a student here at Southwestern Community College, I have been liberated from my inadequacies. My instruction here has given me the necessary skills and self-assurance to continue in discovering my strengths.

My time spent as a student at Central Piedmont Community College has proven to be one of my greatest adventures. Before I started attending CPCC I was a student fresh out of high school in Toronto, living on my own, and working part-time.

I quickly discovered that Roanoke-Chowan Community College was like another family. The one aspect I enjoy the most about being a student at R-CCC is the closeness that is encouraged between individuals on all levels. I also appreciate that the faculty and staff will listen to my ideas.

My true measure of success comes not from my personal successes, but from the success of the many students I have had the privilege of mentoring while on my college journey. As a U.S.

As a homeschool student who graduated high school early, Anna Marie Vagnozzi says Cleveland Community College seemed like the best way to pursue her passion for learning.

As I begin my final semester at RCCC, I am 100 pounds lighter and am astonished at my academic and personal growth.  I entered college with a love for numbers but am leaving with a much greater appreciation of who I am.  Throughout my journey, my instructors have introduced me to an eclectic worl

I love College of The Albemarle. During my first year at COA, I was able to make the President’s list each semester, while also serving as a member of the COA Baseball Team and as Vice President of the PTK Honor Society.

Over the years, I have had many goals and aspirations, one of them being to succeed throughout my time here at Guilford Community College. I decided to attend GTCC for a variety of reasons and couldn’t be happier with my choice.

Growing up I struggled through school, so initially I decided against college. At first it was fine, but after this past recession I realized without furthering my education I would not be able to provide a decent living for my family.

Sampson Community College student, Shonita Vann, has been chosen to receive the Academic Excellence Award for the 2013-2014 academic year. Mrs. Vann is currently enrolled in Sampson Community College's School-Age Education program.

In August of 2015, I enrolled in the Career & College Promise program at Western Piedmont Community College. When I look back now, I realize the amount of growth from then to now. Deciding to enroll at WPCC has allowed me to excel in numerous ways.

Earning a college degree has always been a goal I hoped to achieve and with help from the excellent faculty and staff at Mitchell Community College I am about to see that goal realized. Not only have I gained intellectual growth while studying here, I’ve also grown as a person.

Making the decision to attend Cleveland Early College High School was a difficult one, but probably one of the best I have ever made. The January before attending CECHS, I lost my father and was very uneasy about going to a school where I did not know anybody.

Since I was little, I have wanted to be a nurse.  The time I realized it the most, was when my great grandma became sick. I along with many other family members helped care for her around the clock.

My name is Kyrian Scott. I am thankful to be Halifax Community College’s nominee for The Great Within the 58. I previously attended another institution, but was not ready for college at the time and never earned GPA over 2.0.

In May, I will graduate from College of The Albemarle with three Associate degrees and 101 college credits, a week before I graduate high school (J.P. Knapp Early College).

My journey through the Carteret Community College has been a very rewarding experience.  Through the Radiography program, I have found a love and passion for a career and I have gained experience from opportunities I never knew I would be a part of.

In January of 2011, I attended a women's conference that was hosted by a local church in town. When the Guest Speaker described the different places she had traveled to, I was shown images of people who looked different than me.

Johna Barbour enrolled at Sampson Community College in the fall of 2014, following a 16-year career as a Medical Transcriptionist. The shift from manual to automated transcription led to a decline in demand for transcription services, which resulted in a layoff in May of 2014.

After a five year hiatus from my first college experience, I began attending Craven Community College because I was ready to seriously pursue getting a degree. However, I found myself unsure of what direction I wanted to take.

Many people think that they need to go to a university to get a quality education. I can personally tell you that is not the case. Since I work full time and provide for a family of seven, Community College was my only choice.

I am the type of person who is driven to succeed. Many people throughout my life told me I would never make it. In June 2011, I graduated from Richmond Senior High School with a GPA of 3.75.

In 2012, I graduated high school with a GPA of 2.0 and made some poor life choices. I can only describe myself as a disenchanted teenager who fell between the cracks. With my bad grades and unruly conduct, I came to feel like a failure.

Laura Caitlin Ritchie finally discovered that her true calling was nursing.  Having to balance work, school, finances, family and life in general, Ritchie saw how affordable Carteret Community College was and the scholarships and financial aid offered through the financial aid department.  The fa

My maxim is “knowledge is power.” I believe all experiences throughout life provide knowledge that will be empowering for future events. Always strive to seek out new knowledge, gain new insights, and explore new opportunities.

Gavin Taylor, a second-year student studying criminal justice at Rockingham Community College, has been named one of “The Great Within the 58” – an academic excellence award presented to one student at each of North Carolina’s 58 community colleges.

When I moved to the United States from Gambia, I was both nervous and excited about what the future had in store for me, so I used that as a fuel to succeed in every aspect of my life, especially in education.

After graduating from Chapel Hill High School in 2010, I took a semester off and worked at a local restaurant. While working, I volunteered with the NC Special Olympics and helped students with Intellectual Disabilities in the classroom.

My experience at Martin Community College has been one-of-a-kind! Ever since I made the decision to go back to school, I knew it was not going to be an easy journey.

My experience at Rockingham Community College began in the fall of 2009 when I was accepted into the second class of Rockingham Early College High School.  Currently, I have completed 33 credit hours at RCC and have become more mature as a college student with each semester. 

I am honored to be nominated for the North Carolina Community College Academic Excellence Award on behalf of Sandhills Community College (SCC). I would not have been able to succeed without the support of my SCC family. Prior to coming to SCC, I earned my A.A.S.

Earning a college degree has always been a goal of mine, one which seemed unattainable until I enrolled at ICC.

Timothy Wyatt has been selected as Mayland Community College's Academic Excellence Award recipient for 2014.

Nichole Medlin graduated from high school in 1991.  After 20 years away from school to be a devoted stay-at-home mom and wife Medlin decided it was time to pursue her future.  With her daughter now gone from home to pursue her own career, Medlin knew that she needed the right tools to compete in

When I read about the Medical Assisting program at Wayne Community College, I knew that it was exactly what I wanted to pursue. I applied and was accepted into the program. I love everything about this career field, and I feel so blessed to have been given this opportunity to study at Wayne.

My Stanly Community College journey began in January 2016. I was terrified and unsure of what to expect, especially since I had been out of school for ten years and I had a one-year-old daughter. Being a mom motivated me to be the best I could be.

I am a dual-enrolled student who took on the challenge of earning a high school diploma and an Associate in Science degree though Wilkes Early College High School at Wilkes Community College. The strong educational environment and supportive staff gave me a pathway to graduate with good grades.

  I have never considered myself a successful person until I became a student at Cape Fear Community College. This journey has set me on a path that I would have never been able to envision for myself.

I had a young child that my family cared for during the time I was incarcerated.  Upon my release, I was determined to make a good life for myself and my son and felt the first step towards reaching this goal would be to go back to school.

My early education took place at home. Being homeschooled prepared me for my college education which began at Surry Community College when I was a junior in high school. My transition to SCC was smooth since I had been dual enrolled.

I chose James Sprunt Community College because I was told they had a really good welding program and VA representative. As a veteran that was important to me. I was in the marines for four years and did two deployments overseas.

Having a hard upbringing Jennifer Liebelt knew that for her future she wanted to break the cycle of poverty and substance abuse.  In 2012, Liebelt made the decision to enroll at Cape Fear Community College to get her degree and make something of herself.  Just after being enrolled Jennifer was fa

At the age of 31, I decided to become a civilian and leave my Army life behind. Unfortunately, my skills at firing missiles were not in demand outside of the military. I needed more education and training to achieve my goal of becoming a biomedical engineer.

Deciding to come to Craven Community College has proved to be one of the best choices I could have made for myself and for my future. When I enrolled with Craven, my mother had just divorced my step-father, and my home life and finances were unstable.

I am a nontraditional student in the sense that my pursuit of a degree at South Piedmont Community College is taking place much later in life than most students.  A few years ago I retired from a career in engineering, a career that was professionally satisfying and afforded me the opportunity to

“I’m just so thankful for Durham Tech.  I got a new start.”

Receiving the Academic Excellence Award feels a bit surreal. I cannot help but think about how the student I used to be ten years ago is the polar opposite of who I am today.

Being born and raised in the state of Maryland for 12 years, moving to Lumberton, North Carolina was a difficult transition. I overcame my culture shock and learned to adapt to my new environment by keeping an open mind and building relationships with my new teachers and people in the community.

I had desired to go back to school for years and it was my children, now two, four, and 10 years of age, who were my motivation to do so. I wanted to prove to them, and myself, that it is never too late to better yourself.

In 2012 Ahn Nguyen immigrated from her native Vietnam to America to be with her husband and to make a better life for herself and their children.   After her husband's disability changed their plans she decided to work and studied English for three years.  During this time she found an educationa

Piedmont Community College. Those three words have meant so much to me these past two years.

I walked into Blue Ridge Community College with a clear vision of what I wanted to achieve. What I didn’t expect was the level of encouragement and assistance I’d receive from the faculty.

When I began at Tri-County in 2010, I had no real direction.  I was 61 years old, my job had just ended, and thinking about a career change at this point was not very realistic.

Alamance Community College has had a tremendous impact upon my life. The faculty, students and sheer love resonating from everyone has helped me to blossom into a successful woman who will continue to journey forward after college. Through ACC, I learned that everything is possible.

I was a junior in high school when I enrolled at McDowell Tech in the fall of 2013 as a dual-credit student.  I had known for a long time that I wanted to become a teacher, because I wanted to impact the lives of children and give them a great foundation of learning at an early age.

As a young adult fresh out of high school with the dwarfism condition known as spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenita, I was uncertain of my future.

From South Carolina to Afghanistan and back a time or two, I’ve spent the last ten years running away from where I was raised.

In 2010, I graduated from Central Carolina Community College with an Associate Degree in Lasers and Photonics.  I had to look for a job outside the state due to economy.  Half a year after graduating, I found a good job in Delaware.  I packed all my things and moved to an unknown place with no fr

Going back to school after 30 years was quite a daunting challenge for me. As a single mother of two teenagers, it was necessary for me to lead by example; therefore, failure was not an option.

A small vignette on the front of Piedmont Community College's student planners describing the Student Government Association caught the eye and interest of Cristian McLaughlin.  After e-mailing the advisor of the SGA and conversing back and forth McLaughlin jumped in the "deep end" and ran for SG

At nineteen, I find it difficult to think of my life as a “success story.” How can someone who has not even been alive for two decades claim such an achievement? At my age, success does not define me yet, but is something I aspire to achieve.

Ana Grace Brooks is an Associate in Arts student planning to transfer to a four-year institution to pursue a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in occupational therapy.

My experience at Wilson Community College began in spring 2012 – 25 years after graduating from high school!

In my early thirties, I found myself to be a single mother with a failed career. The financial hardships were overwhelming but, more importantly, my self confidence was shaken, and I questioned my ability to succeed.

My journey to higher education began, like most, with a desire to obtain a degree. I had attempted to pursue a degree several years earlier, but life got in the way. Divorce and illness put a fork in the road. My journey was derailed, but I never lost the hunger.

Upon receiving my acceptance letter into the Radiography program at AshevilleBuncombe Technical Community College (A-B Tech) I instantly knew that my life, as well as the lives of my family, had positively been changed for the better. That letter was the ticket to a new start.

I walked into my first class on shaking knees and sat down. It wasn’t long until I heard someone say "Who’s the old chick?" I looked around for a moment and realized that, at 42 years old, I am the old chick! So, I introduced myself to my younger classmates.

Since I began at Alamance Community College, I have noticed that the faculty and staff are always eager to help students succeed.

My journey at Pitt Community College began when I realized my job was not taking me to the place I wanted to be in life, nor did I feel passionate about my career. My mom set a good example for me as she was hardworking and loving, and I wanted to do the same for my son.

Ever since I was a little girl, my dream was to become a doctor. I did not know what kind of doctor I wanted to be. All I knew was that I wanted to help someone and maybe even save a life or two, or three, or even a hundred.

A student-friendly learning environment is why I chose to attend a community college. I wanted to be more than just a number on paper. I always thought I would attend a university after high school.

A mother who raised her son alone, 2014 was going to be a challenging year for Debra Jean Cumbie.  In May of that year she lost her husband to cancer, and two weeks after his death she lost her job.  She realized that it was time for a change and she needed to chase her dreams of becoming a nurse

After retiring from the military in the spring of 2011, I found myself at a crossroad.  I finished a great career but was unsure of what I wanted to do next.  I always had an interest in office work and the medical field.  I decided to see what opportunities were available in these areas.

Yan Zhang has been living in the city of Kinston for five years now. In 2014, she enrolled at Lenoir Community College to learn English. Three years later, she decided to pursue an A.A.S. degree in Computer Engineering Technology.

For many years I had an unrealistic fear of math and computers that locked me into believing I could never attend college.  I was terrified to even try the placement test, but a mentor, Mr. Charles Moore, said, “Face your fears,” and what sound advice that was!

Right before I enrolled at Central Carolina Community College, I was laid off from my job.  I did not see a great deal of potential in my future.  I was tired of working dead-end jobs, and I knew I needed a college degree to properly take care of my wife and two kids.  That is why I returned to s

I started at Craven Community College after I finished serving 12 years of service in the Marine Corps. My time at the college has been very high tempo, but also very rewarding. There have been many things I have done and accomplished, that I never saw coming.

I never could have imagined graduating from high school early or attending college at the age of sixteen. I was home schooled throughout most of my elementary education and also throughout high school. Home schooling gave me the opportunity to work ahead.

Attending at Edgecombe Community College has been a wonderful experience for me.

College of The Albemarle gave me so much, I don’t even know where to begin. I came all the way from Russia to realize my dream of studying in the USA. I am so fortunate that I chose to go to the College of The Albemarle first before going to a four-year school.

My experience as a student attending a NC Community College has been great. I am so grateful to have had such great teachers and students to be around while attending Edgecombe Community College.

Two years ago, I made a decision that would change my life for the best.  I decided to go to Stanly Community College (SCC) to obtain my associate degree in Criminal Justice.  I am now in my last semester at SCC, and I have had a great experience thus far in my college career.  I have come a long

On 4 August 2002 I left the only home I had ever known, in a small farming community in rural Kansas, to join the United States Marine Corps. I arrived in San Diego, CA and began my journey toward earning the title of Marine.

I was looking for an educational challenge and wasn’t sure if I wanted to attend a community college. However, my opinion changed once I started attending Central Piedmont.

My name is Paula Alanis and although I was born in the USA I grew up in Mexico. I returned to the United States when I was 18 with my wonderful husband. We didn't know the culture or the language we decided to come here for better opportunities.

Michelle Goble had a revelation in 2011. For a little more than a year, she had worked at Westfield Elementary School, helping kindergarten through fifth grade students with their classroom studies and then with second and third graders who needed help with reading.

When Leanne M.

I moved to Richmond County about 3 years ago.  I had been working the NC Army National Guard full-time.  For the first year I stayed at home with my 4 year old daughter.  Once she started school, I decided to go back to school myself.  I originally went to Richmond Community College to get Substi

 I began to work at a minimum wage job straight out of high school, without any plans to continue my education, because that just wasn’t what people in my family did. The fact that I had even graduated High School was a bit of a miracle for us.

A traditional student I am not! I am a displaced worker who found myself at Wayne Community College at age 52, learning how to be a medical assistant. My college experience has turned out to be much more than academics, but also inspiration and fulfillment.

In 1980, while finishing a class in Early Childhood Development at McDowell High School, my heart’s desire and future goal was to somehow continue my education, and return the love and respect that had promoted the positive growth that I had experienced in my life.  Mt instructors offered motivat

Brittany Whitaker is an Associate in Science student planning to graduate in spring 2017. She aims to transfer to UNC-Charlotte or University of South Carolina to pursue a bachelor’s degree in biology or exercise science.

Learning is an essential part of life. According to the Digest of Education Statistics at ed.gov, approximately 7.3 million people attended a two-year college in 2014. I am one of those people. I began pursuing my Associate in Applied Science Degree in Architectural Technology in August 2013.

In my youth, I attended college for a semester or two, but quit. I found myself in an abusive relationship, working in a series of unsatisfying and poorly paid jobs. Escaping that part of my life, my priorities changed when I became a military spouse.

Throughout my journey to discover both myself and the opportunities that await after graduating from Surry Early College, I have found veracity in the words of Sidney Harris: “The whole purpose of education is to turn mirrors into windows.” Essentially, Harris emphasized that mi

I retired from the Marine Corps in 2009 and decided to further my education in pursuit of a different career.  I decided to pursue a career in Business with a concentration in Human Resource Management so I enrolled at Gaston College in the fall of 2009.

I have grown up and lived in Sanford, NC my whole life. After graduating from high school in 2011, I was not sure where I would end up in the career field.

Sampson Community College has named Joshua Bradley Mesimer to receive the 2015 Academic Excellence Award.

I have a thirst for knowledge and an innate love of learning. I am a voracious reader and have always dreamed of going to college. Due to family issues, my educational career came to an abrupt halt, and I was forced to stop attending school in the sixth grade.

In during her senior year in high school, Sarah Elizabeth Shepherd made the decision to become dually enrolled in the RIBN Program through Wilkes Community College and Lenoir-Rhyne University.  Taking several WCC classes during high school did not prepare Shepherd for how involved she could becom

When I arrived at Roanoke-Chowan Community College in 2008, I was an introvert. As I began to socialize with the staff and faculty at the College, I started to become more of a social butterfly.

My experience with Rockingham Community College has helped me to be successful. I am a firm believer that if students feel comfortable in an institution, they are more likely to succeed. In my case, I feel a sense of “belonging” because the staff cares about me.

In October 2009 I lost my job due to the company moving overseas, and they gave their employees the opportunity to go back to school.  The thought of going back to school being 40 years old was very scary, but I realized it was something that I always wanted to do.  Therefore January 2010 I enrol

I am Joao Washington Bezerra, and I am originally from Brazil. All my life, I was taught to be involved and help people. In Brazil, I served as a volunteer at a school in a poor community.

My community college experience has been life changing. Upon graduating high school in 2014, I was far from eager to leave my comfort zone and attend college. My parents encouraged me to tour Pamlico Community College. From the very beginning, I was welcomed. My assigned advisor, Mr.

Throughout my educational and professional career it has been my ultimate goal to learn something new each day, and to determine a potential success from this gained knowledge.  I not only want to retain information, but I want to practice the skills learned throughout my education.  The Professi

After several years of being away from the “school setting,” I decided to return to college and complete my degree. I owed it to myself and I was going to do the best job I possibly could.

Fearing I shall sound pretentious when others read this, I will begin by saying I am humbled with being selected out of so many, to receive this Award of Academic Excellence.

My decision to go back school and pursue a nursing degree at Piedmont Community College was rooted in my desire to help people. As a former Army combat medic, I was many years removed from direct patient care and had been in medical management in various capacities for years.

When thinking about the best thing for her future Jana Carver decided to enroll at Guilford Technical Community College.  Having never attended public or private school going to college terrified her since her prior education was taught at home.  Being homeschooled in an unstable home caused her

I started my journey at Haywood Community College when I was a sophomore at Tuscola High School.

As a native of Kenya, I learned English in elementary school and spent many other hours helping my mother on our small-scale farm. We grew maize, Napier grass, passion fruits, and kept cows, sheep, and chickens. of about 15 acres. But I had great ambitions of becoming an engineer and athlete.

Attending Beaufort County Community College has aided in achieving my life's goal of becoming a law enforcement officer. I was raised in Kearney Park housing development, which is housing designed for low income families. The community was ridden with high crime, drugs and gang activity.

From day one at Craven I was given support and guidance, yet empowered to be in control of my education and decisions at the same time. When my family relocated to North Carolina, I decided to change career paths and follow my longtime dream of becoming a teacher.

I am a senior Medical Assisting student at Edgecombe Community College. My program began fall 2014, and I graduate this May 2016. Throughout my program, I have maintained a 4.0 GPA. I have taken away so many experiences that will forever benefit my personal life and career.

Growing up, I was always fascinated with horses. This fascination led to my decision to chase my lifelong dream of working with children and horses. To be able to do what I love, and get paid for it, an education is the single most important step to take.

While in eighth grade, I chose to attend Wilkes Early College High School, a dual-enrollment program through Wilkes Community College (WCC).

In high school, I had a hard time understanding not only what the point of learning was, but what the point of life was. I felt like I was playing a game where everyone understood the rules except for me. I dropped out and fell into a deep depression.

Being healthy and physically fit is essential to performing the duties of a firefighter safely and efficiently.

My high school experience has been unorthodox. I am an early college student, and I have been enrolled at Vance-Granville Community College since fall of 2012. My experience has been thrilling; I would never change my decision to attend the early college.

I obtained my GED through Sandhills Community College in 2007. In 2010 I enrolled at Sandhills as a student in their Surveying Technology Program.

Way back in the 90’s, after I graduated from high school, I went to college the first time. I was an “okay” student. I participated in class and turned in my assignments on time, mostly. I made good grades, but I never really succeeded because I was young, naïve, and socially dumb.

A bag packed with books, pens and pencils ‐ an epitome of normalcy for an average college student.

I am one of those old generations moving forward to achieve my goals and a new career through the NC Community College System.

Not having taken classes for the past 15 years made going back to school very scary for Kimberly Sheppard.  Entering Richmond Community College at the age of thirty-three was a decision that would change Sheppard's life and also her perspective on life itself.  The reason for the delay in getting

My experience at Rockingham Community College (RCC) has been an astonishing journey. Attending RCC has not only helped me to identify myself, but it has also aided in pursuing and achieving my goals. As a Fine Arts major, I have learned so much about leadership, relationships, and uniqueness.

I moved to Cherokee County from Charlotte seven years ago. I was a single mother to three children under the age of ten: two daughters with Down’s Syndrome and a son barely leaving toddlerhood. At the time I had no friends or family to serve as my support system.