When I graduated from high school in 1989, going to college was not an option because I was pregnant with my son. I had to put my educational dreams on hold and go to work so that I could take care of him. The majority of the jobs I have had were factory jobs. Those jobs taught me how to use my hands very well.

In September 2012, I was laid off from my job of eight years at a hosiery mill. At that moment, I decided that I would apply for school at CVCC. My job did not offer to pay for you to go to school in their severance package, so I was not sure on how I was going to do it. I also did not know what I would go to school to do. Thanks to the career center at CVCC, I was able to take an assessment test to determine what areas would be good for me. That is how I chose the Healthcare Management Program. I was also granted financial aid and Workforce Investment Act (WIA) in order to pay for my education.

I started school in January 2013, which was 23 years after graduating high school. I have to say that this was the best decision I ever made in my life, other than having my son. I have completed two years of school, and I have maintained a 4.0 GPA the entire time. I never imagined performing on this level after being out of school for so long. I am scheduled to graduate in May 2015, with honors, thanks to CVCC.