I had never planned on being an academic individual. When I first came to Catawba Valley Community College I was only looking to earn a certificate, graduate, and find a better job. There was no master plan, and far less, the dream of graduating with an Associates of Science degree. But CVCC has taught me to become a life-long learner, and I believe it’s because of this attitude that I now have an academic success story.

Upon arriving at CVCC, I was not certain of what I wanted to do for the rest of my life, and today, I’m still not certain how to answer that question. However, I listed Radiography as my major. I had some experience in the medical field already, and to work as an X-ray tech sounded nice. But, three semesters into my studies, I crossed paths with a teacher that inspired me to become whoever I wanted to be – and not just someone looking for a job. From that fall semester forward, I became a life-long learner. That is the greatest lesson that I have learned at Catawba Valley Community College, and I will carry it for a lifetime.