Carla Found Her Voice and Her Future in Digital Media

Access to Achievement helped Carla find direction at South Piedmont Community College, complete a Digital Content Creator certificate, and build the confidence to take on new opportunities across campus.

A Path She Could Build

When Carla returned to South Piedmont, she knew the campus but wasn’t sure where she was headed. She had taken classes there before, returning whenever something matched what she wanted to learn. This time, she wanted a path she could continue building.

Carla found an entry point through Compass Education, a non-credit transition class that helps students strengthen practical skills and connect with college life. Program director Nikki Myers recognized Carla’s curiosity and potential and referred her to Access to Achievement.

Coordinator Courtney Knox began meeting with Carla each week. They worked through assignments, campus logistics, and unfamiliar experiences that tested Carla’s confidence. Before Carla tried something new, they talked through what to expect. Courtney sometimes went with her the first time, then encouraged her to return on her own. With practice, Carla learned to navigate more of college independently.

She carried that confidence into the Digital Content Creator certificate program. The field felt like a natural fit because Carla already helped a friend manage social media. When the technology challenged her, she asked instructors for help, stayed with the coursework, and earned her credential.

“I knew I could do it, but now I know that I’m smart.” – Carla

Ready to Use Her Voice

As Carla grew more comfortable on campus, she began looking for places to contribute. She earned an internship with South Piedmont’s marketing team, joined the Student Government Association, and participated in campus events. She also entered a public speaking competition through SkillsUSA.

During the competition, Carla learned that another speaker had covered the same topic she had prepared. She reorganized her main points, changed direction, and delivered a new speech in front of the judges. She placed second.

The moment drew on the confidence and independence Carla had been building across every new experience. She has since continued into an associate degree program, carrying with her a stronger belief that she belongs in college and that her ideas deserve to be heard.

Access to Achievement paired Carla’s curiosity with individualized support designed around her goals, including:

• Weekly coaching through assignments and campus logistics
• Preparation for navigating unfamiliar experiences
• Support while completing her digital media credential
• Encouragement to pursue internships and campus involvement