North Carolina's community colleges are creating success for students across the state.
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.
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.
After falling short of receiving my diploma from East Gaston High School, my grandmother offered me new home and a fresh start a few counties away to restart my academic career.
Phillip Brooks, of Eden has been selected as the 2014 Academic Excellence Award recipient for Rockingham Community College. Brooks, whose academic average is currently a 4.0, is on track to earn an Associate in Science in computer information technology this summer.
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.
I came to Roanoke-Chowan Community College in 2011, and my time here has been amazing; I've learned much and have met some amazing people. However, my road to success hasn't been easy.
My path to Richmond Community College has been interesting and the timing could not have been better.
As a college student, I have strived to set a good example of what a good student should be. I would like to think that my efforts have not gone unnoticed because all of my children are well on their way to a good college education.
When I graduated from Ayden-Grifton High School, I was excited to be college bound but apprehensive about the transition. After a very rewarding senior year as President of the Senior Class, Governor at Tar Heel Boy's State, and more, I had no idea what to expect at college.
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.
"Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off your goal."
I am a first generation Hispanic college student working to obtain an Associate in Science degree at Nash Community College (NCC). My greatest career goal is to obtain a Ph.D. in Biology with a concentration in a medical or animal conservation field.
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.
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.
When I made the decision to return to school I was filled with excitement and trepidation.
Timothy Wyatt has been selected as Mayland Community College's Academic Excellence Award recipient for 2014.
Martin Community College has given me a great opportunity to further my education. I am a freshman and this is my second semester at Martin Community College. I feel that since the first semester I have learned tremendously from all my classes.
After I graduated from high school, I began a career as an automotive technician. At first, I was satisfied with my career choice, and the fact that I never went to college. Over time, I realized that I did not want to repair and maintain vehicles for the rest of my life.
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.
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.