Christina Fletcher

My path to higher education is very different from what I planned. Partway through my senior year of high school, I had to face the reality that I could not afford to go to a four-year university. I had already been attending Craven Community College as a dual enrollment student and decided to make the best out of the situation.

I got involved in student leadership through the Student Government Association, where I learned how to be an efficient and professional voice for my peers. I was accepted into the Scholars of Engineering and Science program, where I gained knowledge about STEM fields outside of what any class could teach. I discovered C-STEP, which allows me admission to UNC-Chapel Hill upon graduation from Craven CC. I also accepted the invitation to join Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. I have been given opportunities to take on research outside of the classroom and earn additional credit with the Honors Program, which gives students experience inside and outside of the classroom lab.

 Deciding to make the best of things turned into the most rewarding two years of my life. Never underestimate the mentorship, scholarship, and knowledge that you will find at a community college. It will take you by surprise and change your life indefinitely like it did mine.