What inspired you to attend PVCC?
I was inspired by the peacefulness of the campus and friendly environment.
What was your major or focus of study at PVCC?
Pre-nursing/AA
What were one or two of the most memorable aspects of your student experience at PVCC?
I really appreciated my anatomy 202 teacher Dr. Putzke and my biology teacher Mr. Treolar. They were very knowledgeable and kind to me. I also appreciated all the elective classes I took, from Rock History to Guitar to Police Function. These classes made me a very well-rounded student who could speak to multiple dimensions outside of the hard sciences.
How would you describe PVCC to others? Would you recommend PVCC and why? What advice would you give those considering PVCC as their educational provider?
PVCC is a great place to start a career, with very kind, knowledgeable staff and reasonable tuition fees. The campus is peaceful, walkable, and non-intimidating for new college students. I would highly recommend PVCC for new students, as it has everything you need to get your career started. In order to make your career a reality it is important to be open minded, connect to resources and campus life, and to study hard. Take advantage of the library and math lab tutoring services offered at PVCC. Push yourself in the sports and clubs available. Learn to be a leader in the student council. Take advantage of every program you can, as they can and will lead you to success in the long run.
Is there anything you would have done differently on your educational journey?
I think I probably would have pushed straight through for my master's degree after nursing school, as it would have given me the opportunities I am enjoying now at an earlier age. However, I wouldn't take it back, because the 12 years it took me to get my Master's was a huge period of growth for me. I am grateful for the 12-year journey, knowing that some do not make it that far.
Tell us about your journey after leaving PVCC…
I left PVCC in 2007 after graduating with my Associate of Arts degree, then went to Glendale CC and ASU West in 2008. In 2010 I became a licensed practical nurse then went to the Army fulltime in 2011 after 3 years in the Army reserves. In 2013 I left the Army and finished my Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies at Winston Salem State University in May 2015 and my Master of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling at Winston Salem State University in August 2017. Currently I have worked in either the nursing or counseling field since 2017.
How would you advise students on how to choose their educational or career path?
Give yourself some space to explore in your first two years. Connect with colleagues, your employer and your family on your career choices. Join as many clubs as you can and participate in as many helpful, career focused activities as you can such as job fairs, workshops, clinics, etc. Try for an internship your first or second year of school. Use as few student loans as possible.
In your career journey, what has been one of your greatest successes and one of your greatest challenges?
I think finishing grad school has been one of my greatest successes, because it allowed me to achieve a level of autonomy that I would not have imagined otherwise. My greatest challenge has been working to fill the role of a counselor and being comfortable with this role.
How did your experiences at PVCC either directly or indirectly impact the work that you do?
It taught me to be patient, resilient and studious. It taught me to never give up and to try my best. I am grateful to PVCC for the time I spent there learning, growing, working, and training in cross country/track.