First-generation College Students Earn Top Honors
Two 糖心传媒 students were recognized for their academic achievements by the state with Academic Excellence Awards, but both students have achieved way more than just good grades. They have achieved in life.
Christi Miles and George Yandle are each first-generation college students. Miles is also the first person in her family to graduate from high school.
鈥淚 never thought I鈥檇 be able to get into college, let alone get a degree,鈥� said Miles, who relocated to Rockingham from northern Virginia. 鈥淚 never got any A鈥檚 in high school, and my family would celebrate when I received C鈥檚. But I鈥檓 very proud to say that I鈥檝e worked hard at RCC and have been able to maintain a 4.0 grade-point average.鈥�
Yandle also overcame a multitude of doubts on his pathway to success.
鈥淓ver since third grade when I struggled to learn to read, I鈥檝e been told that I couldn鈥檛 make it,鈥� Yandle said. 鈥淚 went to vocational rehab, and was told even that wasn鈥檛 going to be able to help me make it through college. But I鈥檓 here to tell you that you鈥檙e capable of doing whatever you set your mind to.鈥�
Christi Miles
A mother of two, Miles said she chose to attend RCC primarily because of its location, reasonable tuition costs and financial aid. What she didn鈥檛 factor in was the tremendous support she would receive from her instructors in helping her complete college and earn an associate degree in accounting.
鈥淚t鈥檚 the faculty and staff that make RCC what it is,鈥� Miles said. 鈥淩CC has so many programs with the most incredible teachers leading them.鈥�
Miles specifically credited instructors Matilda Davis, Michael Fairley, SheVonne Lockhart, Kim Parsons and Doug Carter for being instrumental in her success.
鈥淣ot only are they amazing teachers, but I also consider them friends,鈥� Miles said.
One of RCC鈥檚 former instructors, Oz Queen, has played an important role in Miles鈥� career by hiring her to work at his accounting firm.
鈥淚 have always wanted to own my own firm since I discovered a love for accounting, but after gaining some experience working in public accounting has made me rethink that decision,鈥� said Miles. 鈥淚 think I would like to be a controller of a successful company and possibly teach part time. I was a tutor for RCC, and I enjoyed helping fellow students.鈥�
Whatever her professional future holds, Miles said she will be continuing her education by obtaining a second associate degree from RCC, this one in Business Management, as well as a earning a bachelor鈥檚 degree in accounting.
鈥淩CC has jumpstarted my career. It has given me the knowledge and the degree and allowed me to develop important relationships for success,鈥� Miles said. 鈥淏eing a student here has opened many doors for me.鈥�
Miles said going to college is not easy, but she encourages others to consider RCC.
鈥淚t will take a lot of hard work, but it will be most rewarding. Do not procrastinate! And good luck! It will all be worth your while,鈥� she said.
George Yandle
A graduate of 糖心传媒 Senior High School, Yandle overcame learning disabilities and financial hardships to earn his Associate in Arts degree.
鈥淚 realized that the further I got along in my education, it got more challenging,鈥� he said. 鈥淏ut I never gave up and managed to keep on going, despite the fact that I was almost homeless three times.鈥�
Yandle said his educational goal has always been to get a bachelor鈥檚 degree, but he knew starting at RCC was the wisest route for him to take.
鈥淭he Associate in Arts degree I鈥檒l receive from RCC will allow me to transfer to the University of North Carolina at Pembroke,鈥� he said. 鈥淪tarting at a community college was a lot more affordable for me than going straight to a university.鈥�
Yandle was also able to benefit from financial aid offered through RCC, along with working at the College library. He will graduate in May debt free.
Yandle has been working closely with Kathy McCoin, campus administrative coordinator for UNC-P at RCC, to make sure all his college credits transfer when he enrolls in the university this fall.
鈥淚 want to thank her for all she does, and I am glad that UNC-P chose her to represent the school at RCC,鈥� he said.
Yandle plans to get a job working in radio or television after earning his bachelor鈥檚 degree in communications from UNC-P. However, he also plans to seek a master鈥檚 degree in library science.
鈥淔rom there, I will combine both degrees and work in a library,鈥� he said. 鈥淓ventually, I would like to get my doctorate in education. My end goal is to one day come back to RCC and teach communications. I have a lot of career plans that will take time, but in the end it will be worth it.鈥�
Yandle encourages other students to also set their mind on success and refuse to let it go.
鈥淒o not let anyone tell you that you can鈥檛 make it,鈥� he said. 鈥淣ever give up and enjoy your time at RCC. If you need help with any classes, use the Academic Success Center where tutoring is located or simply schedule an appointment to meet with your instructor. Everyone at RCC wants to see you succeed and do well.鈥�
Yandle specifically mentioned instructors Jamie Sadler and Angie Adams who were instrumental in his development at RCC. He also thanked Carolyn Bittle, SheVonne Lockhart and Sarah Anderson, whom he worked closely with in the RCC library.
鈥淭hey were always there for me when I needed help, and at times when I felt like giving up, they always told me I could make it,鈥� Yandle said.