Alumni Spotlight Archives - 91�첥

Kari Lee Turns Second Chance Into Full Ride

Paula Vess — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 02:06:13 +0000

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Kari Lee Turns Second Chance Into Full Ride

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July 8, 2026

Paula Vess

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When Kari Lee finished high school at Crest, she thought her basketball career had come to an end.

After missing her senior season, she didn’t think that she would play again. Then, 91�첥 Women’s Basketball Coach Ford “Scooter” Lawrence reached out.

“He contacted me and asked if I wanted to come play,” she said. “I was going to stop playing, but I got the opportunity and I took it.”

That decision changed her path.

Kari found a new basketball family and became a standout player and an integral part of the 91�첥 women’s basketball program. She also earned the opportunity to continue her education and athletic career at Fayetteville State University on a full scholarship.

For Kari, choosing 91�첥 meant more than staying close to home. It gave her the chance to keep playing the sport she loved while growing as a student, athlete and person.

She admits that when in high school, she thought she wanted to go away to school. Looking back, she’s grateful she stayed.

“I’m glad I decided to stay,” Kari said. “I have a lot of friends who went away, but a lot of them have come back.”

At 91�첥, Kari found the close-knit environment she needed. As a student-athlete, she said the support from teammates, coaches, faculty and staff made a lasting difference.

“It felt like a family,” she said. “My teammates would joke that they wished this was a four-year school so they could stay all four years.”

That family feeling stretched beyond the basketball court. Kari said teammates from her first year at 91�첥 are still her friends, and the whole college became a place where she felt supported. “The staff and faculty were always there for us.”

As she prepares for the next level, Kari says 91�첥 helped prepare her both in the classroom and on the court. As a student, she learned how to manage her time and take responsibility for her work. As an athlete, she learned the importance of showing up every day and continuing to improve.

“We had this thing we said all season,” Kari said. “Come into the gym and be 1% better every day.”

That mindset will go with her to Fayetteville State University, where she is excited to join a larger campus community and become part of the HBCU experience. Kari had several offers, but Fayetteville State felt right.

“The vibe at FSU was similar to 91�첥,” she said. “It had that family vibe, and the coach reminded me of Scooter.”

At FSU, Kari hopes to help her team win while continuing to learn the game from a new perspective. One of her goals is to find an opportunity to work as a coaching assistant while she’s a student.

Long term, Kari sees herself staying connected to basketball. She also plans to become a real estate agent in the Raleigh area. No matter where her career takes her, giving back remains part of her vision.

Kari currently works at a Boys & Girls Club, and one day she would like to own one.

“I want to give back to kids from here,” she said. “I want to give back to the city that helped shape who I am.”

From nearly walking away from basketball to earning a full scholarship, Kari’s journey shows what can happen when opportunity, hard work and the right support system come together. At 91�첥, she found all three.

“91�첥 got me exactly where I want to be,” Kari said. “I really appreciate Scooter and 91�첥 for that.”

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Taylor Tongel Explores Welding and What Comes Next

Paula Vess — Wed, 10 Jun 2026 17:37:32 +0000

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Taylor Tongel Explores Welding and What Comes Next

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June 10, 2026

Paula Vess

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When Taylor Tongel signed up for welding classes at 91�첥, she was following her curiosity. “My school doesn’t offer any shop classes.”

She wasn’t exactly sure how welding would fit into her future. She simply thought it sounded interesting.

“My friends didn’t know what to think when they found out I was taking welding classes,” she said. “It wasn’t something they saw me doing, but I thought it would be really cool to be able to say that’s something I can do.”

At the time of her interview, Taylor was a senior at Pinnacle Classical Academy and was enrolled at 91�첥 through the Career and College Promise (CCP) program. The program gives eligible high school students the opportunity to explore college classes, earn credits, and discover their interests before graduating.

For Taylor, that opportunity led to both an Associate in Arts and a Welding Technology Certificate from 91�첥.

While there are still few girls who take welding classes, Taylor said the experience was a positive one and encourages other girls to try it.

“Honestly, it’s a power move,” she said. “It’s really fun.”

Since her interview, Taylor has graduated from both high school and 91�첥. This fall, she will attend Belmont Abbey College, where she plans to major in business.

Earning her associate degree through 91�첥 means Taylor will enter Belmont Abbey with a strong head start and can complete her bachelor’s degree faster.

“It is making my whole journey a little easier,” Taylor said. “I can go straight into my core classes.”

Taylor is not sure yet what role welding will play in her future, but she knows it will have a spot. She may use it in a future business, or she may keep it as a hobby.

She would like to open her own business one day, following in her mother’s footsteps. Her mother owns and runs her own business and has been a major inspiration in Taylor’s life.

“I’d like to be that strong, independent woman like she is,” Taylor said.

Looking back, Taylor is grateful she took advantage of the Career and College Promise program and chose to take classes at 91�첥.

She is also glad she tried welding, even though it was not the most common choice. Whether she uses it in a future business or keeps it as a personal skill, Taylor knows it is something she will carry with her.

For now, she is focused on the next step: studying business, building on the foundation she started at 91�첥, and keeping her options open.

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Showdown Finalist Turns Personal Journey into Business Concept

Paula Vess — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 11:48:50 +0000

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Showdown Finalist Turns Personal Journey into Business Concept

Spotlights

June 9, 2026

Paula Vess

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Stacie Humphries, a Boiling Springs native, is one of only 17 entrepreneurs from across North Carolina selected to participate in the inaugural SBCN Startup Showdown, powered by Wells Fargo Foundation. It is a statewide entrepreneurship initiative launched through the North Carolina Community College System’s 58 community colleges’ Small Business Centers.

Humphries, 91�첥’s Small Business Center finalist, is developing a business concept rooted in her own life experience: a welcoming fitness studio designed to support parents, caregivers and community members through group exercise, connection and accessible wellness opportunities.

Her passion for Pilates grew out of a deeply personal journey. After the birth of her first child, while her husband was serving in the Army and they were living in Texas, far from their family support system, Humphries experienced postpartum depression. Unknown to her, she was also suffering from diastasis recti, a separation of the abdominal muscles that can occur during pregnancy and often requires specific rehabilitation.

As someone who had been active for much of her life, she tried to rebuild her strength through traditional workouts, but nothing seemed to address the core issues she was experiencing. Years later, during her third pregnancy, the diastasis recti was finally diagnosed. From her research, Humphries discovered Pilates as a safe, intentional way to heal and reconnect with her body.

“Through Pilates I was able to heal my core and connect with my body in an entirely new way,” she said. “I felt called to share that testimony with others, mothers specifically.”

Humphries earned yoga and Pilates certifications through the International Sports Sciences Association and began teaching “mommy and me” classes at The Play Place in Shelby. As she grew more confident in her teaching style, she expanded to the Ruby C. Hunt YMCA. What began as one class a week quickly grew into multiple classes and an additional location at the Dover YMCA as demand increased.

Today, Humphries continues teaching yoga and Pilates regularly at the YMCAs and in the Boiling Springs town park. Her goal is to create spaces where people feel comfortable moving their bodies, regardless of where they are in their fitness journey.

“I’m beyond thankful that people trust me to guide them through a workout,” she said. “I truly feel like I’m walking in God’s purpose when I’m able to provide a fun, safe place for people to move their bodies and exist freely.”

Her path to the Startup Showdown began through a community connection. After being invited to teach Pilates at the Boiling Springs town park, Humphries learned about free business startup support available through 91�첥’s Small Business Center. She scheduled an appointment with Stephen Lancaster, the Small Business Center director, who has a satellite office at the Boiling Springs Town Hall.

At the time, opening her own studio was not something Humphries had seriously considered. As a mother of three who had spent much of the last seven years at home with her children, she said the idea felt exciting but far away. Still, she decided one hour of business guidance could not hurt.

Soon after, Lancaster encouraged her to apply for the SBCN Startup Showdown, a statewide competition for new business ideas. Applicants were required to submit a short pitch video, letters of recommendation and meet eligibility requirements for new ventures.

Although she was initially hesitant, Humphries decided to apply.

“I knew I would be going up against people who already own multiple businesses,” she said. “But I try my best to listen to God, and the way everything was lining up felt like a calling.”

After being selected as a finalist, she is now participating in the competition’s business training process, which includes online seminars, business planning support, mentorship and connections with other entrepreneurs from across the state.

Her business concept brings together several needs she understands personally: fitness, encouragement, community and childcare. Humphries envisions a studio offering Pilates, yoga and a variety of group exercise classes, with childcare available for parents and caregivers who want to focus on their health without worrying about who will watch their children.

She also hopes to create a space where children can learn the importance of movement from an early age, while parents gain peace of mind and support.

“My most important goal is providing a space where people can come together and sweat it out without wondering who will watch their children or worrying they don’t know what to do to get a workout in,” she said.

For Humphries, the opportunity also brings her story full circle with 91�첥. As a high school student, she took classes through 91�첥 and graduated in 2014 with an early childhood education certificate, which she later used while working in childcare settings.

Now, 91�첥’s Small Business Center is helping her take the next step as an entrepreneur.

“I would like my community to know how deeply I care,” Humphries said. “I care about your injured shoulder and your postpartum baby blues. I care if you don’t feel comfortable in your own skin. I care if you feel alone.”

Through the SBCN Startup Showdown, finalists will continue developing their business plans and pitches. Those who advance will present their concepts in a “Shark Tank”-style pitch event, with winners receiving startup funding to help bring their ideas to life.

Regardless of the final outcome, Humphries said she is grateful for the experience, the education and the support she has received.

“The town hall and my business mentor Stephen have been so supportive of this journey and have helped me every step of the way so far,” she said. “It feels so nice to have people rooting for you, and I’m so grateful.”

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The Power of Starting Over

Paula Vess — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 11:00:00 +0000

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The Power of Starting Over

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June 3, 2026

Paula Vess

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Turning Life’s Detours into Opportunities

When Dandria Bradley enrolled at 91�첥 in the fall of 2006, she wasn’t just choosing a college; she was choosing a new beginning.

At 26, Dandria was a single mother navigating job loss and uncertainty, determined to create a better future for herself and her young daughter. Living roughly the same distance from Gaston College and 91�첥, she made a deliberate choice.

“I didn’t know anyone here,” she said. “I didn’t want those distractions. I wanted to focus.”

That decision would change everything.

Finding Confidence and a Community

From her very first semester, Dandria discovered something she hadn’t expected: a strong sense of belonging. Faculty members like English instructor Laura Cherry and algebra instructor Michael Sisk helped her feel comfortable and capable, even as a nontraditional student returning to the classroom.

“They made me feel at home,” she said, “and I embraced student life.”

Initially, Dandria planned to earn an Associate in Applied Science in Community Spanish Interpreter and enter the workforce. But encouragement from faculty expanded her vision beyond a single degree.

She threw herself into campus life, joining the Student Government Association, attending events and excelling academically. Her hard work earned her induction into the honor society and, more importantly, a new sense of confidence.

“I started thinking like a student,” she said. “I remember telling one of my instructors that I wished I had learned from someone like her in high school. She made everything so easy to understand.”

Academic Growth Beyond the Classroom

A defining moment came during her second semester, when instructor B.J. Zamora encouraged Dandria to submit a research paper to an academic conference, something she had never imagined doing.

Her paper, which examined the evolution of the vampire from Bram Stoker’s Dracula to modern pop culture, was accepted. With 91�첥’s support, she attended the conference and presented her work.

“I was surrounded by people with advanced degrees,” she said. “It was intimidating, but empowering. I was the first 91�첥 student to do something like that, and the college supported me completely.”

Experiences like this helped Dandria sharpen her skills in writing, critical thinking and time management, tools that would prove essential in her next chapter.

From Cleveland to Chapel Hill and Beyond

In 2008, Dandria was selected as the student speaker for 91�첥’s commencement, capping off a transformative college experience. She transferred to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she earned a degree in journalism.

With support from her mother, who cared for her daughter during the week, Dandria lived on campus and returned home on weekends. Years later, her daughter would follow in her footsteps, graduating from UNC in 2022.

After college, Dandria began her career in television news but soon realized that the demanding schedule wasn’t aligned with her priorities. Mother and daughter needed more time together, so Dandria pivoted to the corporate sector, working in customer service for nearly seven years. During that time, she returned to school, this time pursuing a master’s degree in communications with a concentration in corporate and government communications.

“Trying to be a full-time employee, full-time mom and a student was hard,” she said. “Every semester, I was quitting.”

But she didn’t quit. Dandria earned her master’s degree in 2014.

Leading Through Connection and Service

Seeking a more community-focused role, Dandria transitioned to the Gastonia Public Library as a program coordinator. There, she expanded her civic involvement and joined the Friends of the Gaston County Public Library board.

She was hosting literary-related events at the library but wanted to do something on a larger scale. She approached the city’s events planner with an idea for a multicultural festival. Together, they launched an event that has grown into a thriving annual celebration in Gastonia.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Dandria’s leadership and communication skills led to a transition into city communications. In December 2020, she became deputy communications director.

Four years later, she was promoted to director of communications and marketing for the city of Gastonia, where she continues to build connections and serve her community.

“It All Started Here”

Nearly two decades after first stepping onto campus, Dandria still credits 91�첥 as the foundation of her success. Her recent return to campus brought back a wave of memories. “I walked back in the door, and the memories came flooding back,” she said. “It all started here.”

While talking about those memories, it became clear that the people impacted her most. The education she received was important, but it was the faculty, staff and friends she made who sustained her and pushed her forward.

Dandria’s story is a powerful reminder of what’s possible with determination, support and the courage to start over. From the classroom to city leadership, her path reflects the lasting impact of one decision and the ripple effect it can have for years to come.

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Seeing Double: Twins Find Their Path In Phlebotomy Program

Paula Vess — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 15:56:42 +0000

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Seeing Double: Twins Find Their Path In Phlebotomy Program

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March 13, 2026

Paula Vess

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When Jordan and Jessie Dilling walk into a room, people often do a double take. The identical twins share the same smile, the same mannerisms, and now, the same 91�첥 phlebotomy diploma. Although they completed the program a semester apart, both sisters discovered that phlebotomy was the right fit for their healthcare goals.

Jessie completed the program in spring 2025, with Jordan finishing one semester later in fall 2025. While their paths looked a little different, both credit 91�첥’s phlebotomy program and instructor Angie Stiles for helping them gain confidence and skills, and find clarity about their futures.

Jessie knew early on that she wanted to work in the medical field. Her mom is a phlebotomist, so she grew up familiar with the profession and saw it as a strong stepping stone. After enrolling in nursing school, Jessie realized it wasn’t quite what she expected.

“I knew pretty quickly that nursing wasn’t for me,” she said. “Phlebotomy made more sense.”

She enrolled at 91�첥 after hearing that 91�첥 was “the place to come” for phlebotomy. From the very first day, she felt at home.

“We started learning right away,” Jessie said. “The environment was great, and the class was a lot of fun.”

Jordan’s journey went a different direction before landing in the phlebotomy lab. She originally enrolled in the Radiography program but struggled with the physics portion. Rather than risk failing, she decided to withdraw and reassess.

That’s when Jessie stepped in.

“She told me how much she loved phlebotomy,” Jordan said. “So, I decided to try it, and I loved it too.”

Once Jordan enrolled, everything clicked. Like her sister, she thrived in the hands-on environment and quickly picked up the skills. Both sisters were among the first students in their respective classes to successfully complete all required blood draws, or “sticks.”

Their instructor, Angie Stiles, noticed the similarities right away before realizing they were twins.

“I didn’t know they were sisters at first,” Stiles said. “But their mannerisms were the same, their skill levels were the same, and they both caught on very quickly. It was like seeing double.”

The similarities didn’t stop there. Stiles noticed that the sisters chose the same chair in the classroom, semester after semester. During clinicals, Jessie even served as Jordan’s preceptor, guiding her through hands-on experience in a real medical setting.

“They were very strong students,” Stiles added. “You could tell they were confident and capable.”

Today, Jessie works in a doctor’s office, where she enjoys interacting with the patients. She appreciates that phlebotomy allows for meaningful, although brief, patient interaction.

“I like that I can connect with people without being overwhelmed,” she said.

Jordan plans to revisit Radiography in the future, now with a stronger foundation and more confidence. For Jordan and Jessie Dilling, phlebotomy was the right step at this point in their lives. In the future, they may choose different paths, but they will always have the strong foundation they built in the phlebotomy program at 91�첥.

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Change is Part of the Journey

Paula Vess — Tue, 17 Feb 2026 20:54:02 +0000

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Change is Part of the Journey

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February 17, 2026

Paula Vess

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Spotlight: Christian Perez-Dorta

Christian Perez-Dorta’s path to a career wasn’t a straight line, but it was built with purpose, persistence, and a lot of growth along the way.

Growing up in Ohio, Christian graduated from high school and jumped straight into college. It didn’t take long for him to realize he wasn’t quite ready. “My discipline wasn’t what it needed to be,” he said. College didn’t stick, but his long-standing interest in the military did. He decided to join the United States Marine Corps, knowing it would give him the structure and discipline he was missing.

After being discharged from the Marines in 2020, Christian moved to Shelby to join his parents, who had moved there five years earlier. Then he began thinking seriously about what he wanted to do next. That’s when 91�첥 entered the picture.

Christian enrolled at 91�첥 in 2022 as an Associate in Arts student. At the time, he thought he might want to teach history. However, it didn’t take him long to decide that teaching probably wasn’t the right fit, so he switched to Business Administration. “It’s a good program,” Christian said. “A business degree gives you options.”

In May 2025, he graduated with an Associate in Applied Science in Business Administration, and along the way, he found more than just a major that worked for him. He found a community.

One of the biggest influences on his 91�첥 experience was Jaime Henderson. She was his advisor during his first year and later transitioned to the Work-Based Learning Coordinator role. Christian participated in the Work-Based Learning program, which allowed him to work in both the Spirit Shop and the Business Office on campus.

“That program was a huge success for me,” he said. “It gave me experience in areas I was thinking about working in after graduation, and it helped me get closer to faculty and staff by working with them.”

Those connections mattered. Christian credits the Business Office and Spirit Shop staff with helping shape his work ethic and professional mindset. He also spoke highly of his instructors, including Mr. Chadwick and Mr. Wallace, as well as Financial Aid staff member Debbie Young and others who supported his journey.

In July 2025, Christian started a position with Revolution Financial Management, a financial services company that provides free financial literacy education to the communities it serves. His role focuses on educating families about how money works. “Everyone deserves the knowledge so they can have a chance at a better life,” he said. The job allows him to work from home and set his own hours, giving him flexibility as he plans his next steps.

Even though his time as a 91�첥 employee has ended, Christian isn’t quite done being a student. He registered for several spring classes, not because he needs them, but because the topics genuinely interest him.

For fellow veterans who may be searching for their next direction, Christian has simple but powerful advice: “The resources are out there. Go look for them. You are not alone. Your community is there to help.”

Christian’s story is a reminder that there is no single blueprint for success. Fortunately, success doesn’t require a perfect start, and we are not limited to just one chance. Instead, success may follow a path full of twists and turns, shaped by opportunities to learn, grow, and change. For some, success isn’t found only at the end of the path, but in the journey itself.

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Cait’Lynn Crotts: A Journey of Growth, Adaptability, and Success

Kendra Haneline — Wed, 05 Feb 2025 13:00:00 +0000

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Cait’Lynn Crotts: A Journey of Growth, Adaptability, and Success

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February 5, 2025

Kendra Haneline

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Twenty-two-year-old Cait’Lynn Crotts is a smart, ambitious young woman who welcomes challenges. Her career journey so far has been one of exploration, growth, and change.

While still a junior in high school, Cait’Lynn enrolled at 91�첥 to study Cosmetology. By the time she graduated from high school, she had also earned her diploma in Cosmetology. “I’m an overachiever,” she admits with a smile.

After graduation, she continued her education at 91�첥 by enrolling in the Associate in Applied Science in Office Administration program. Her initial plan was to open her own salon, and she realized that additional skills would be essential for a successful business. However, she noted, “That’s not the plan anymore.”

In 2023, Cait’Lynn began working as the office manager for Bloom Esthetics Day Spa, a new venture founded by 91�첥 alumna Abee Newton Jones. This opportunity shifted Cait’Lynn’s career path. “Working at Bloom has taught me a whole lot, and I’m happy to be where I am right now,” she shared.

As an office manager, Cait’Lynn’s responsibilities go beyond a traditional desk job. She handles various tasks, including reception duties, scheduling appointments, managing payroll and inventory, troubleshooting client issues, and even stepping in as the handyman when necessary. “I love my job. I have an amazing boss and a great team,” she remarked.

Her background in Cosmetology is also beneficial in her day-to-day work. “I use what I learned in Cosmetology every day. That knowledge helps me educate clients on the services we offer,” she explained. “I really do utilize all my degrees here.”

Looking ahead, Cait’Lynn plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in management and marketing from Western Carolina University. Though she is uncertain of what the future holds, she is currently enjoying her journey, embracing the challenges of her job, and continuing to grow both personally and professionally.

With her dedication, adaptability, and passion for problem-solving, Cait’Lynn Crotts is undoubtedly on the path to success, whatever that may look like.

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Creating a Spark, for Herself and Others

Paula Vess — Wed, 17 Jul 2024 12:00:00 +0000

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Creating a Spark, for Herself and Others

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July 17, 2024

Paula Vess

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Ashanti McGuire’s story is one of perseverance and determination. As a troubled teenager, she attended an alternative school for most of her middle and high school years, eventually dropping out.

In 2014, with encouragement from her daughter, she finally earned her high school diploma through the College and Career Readiness program at 91�첥. With that accomplishment under her belt, she went on to earn an associate degree in criminal justice. She went to work for a while, then got married. When she decided it was time for a career change, her husband, who worked in the electrical field, suggested she try that.

In Spring 2022, Ashanti enrolled in the Associate in Applied Science in Electrical Systems at 91�첥 and started taking classes. Within a month she was hired by Jamerson Technology and entered their apprenticeship program. She has proven herself to be one of the company’s most reliable workers and has earned the respect of her male colleagues.

Ashanti won’t tell you this path is easy, but she will tell you it’s worth it. “There will be days when you’ll think about stopping,” she says. “Remember why you started, what you’re going for.” For her, one of those times was during a particularly challenging course. She says it was the most complicated class she had ever taken. At the same time, she and her family were facing some challenges, but she didn’t let it stop her. She put in extra hours beyond class time to understand the concepts and brought a failing grade up to an A by the end of the semester. Her advice to others is to remember that “everyone has stuff going on in their lives. Don’t be hard on yourself.” Her determination and focus paid off, and in May 2024 she graduated with her AAS in Electrical Systems.

Ashanti’s goal now is to teach others about the electrical trade, especially young people, and to set an example for her twin boys to follow. That’s why, even before she graduated, she started helping her employer fulfill his dream of setting up the Jamerson Technologies Electrical Training Center. The nonprofit’s goal is to expose middle school and high school students to the electrical trades and other opportunities. They plan to host one-hour workshops on topics such as apprenticeships, renewable energy and green jobs, mental health, and life skills.

Her involvement with the nonprofit is fueled by her belief that “there’s always a child looking up to you, and you inspire others in ways you don’t know.”

Ashanti wants to say a special thank you to Lisa Laborn Sasser and Joanne Bailey “because, without their support for me and my children I couldn’t have done this!”

The Jamerson Technologies Electrical Training Center is located at 341 Hudson Street in Shelby, and they currently have workshops planned for the following dates:

September 20, 2024
October 24, 2024
January 24, 2025
February 28, 2025
March 27, 2025
April 24, 2025

For more information about the Jamerson Technologies Electrical Training Center and its workshops call 704-323-1291 or email jelectricaltrainingcenter@gmail.com.

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The Power of Community College Education

Paula Vess — Thu, 02 Nov 2023 12:42:51 +0000

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The Power of Community College Education

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November 2, 2023

Paula Vess

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From Classroom Assistant to Community Champion

Meet Mike Wall, whose journey from a college graduate to a successful entrepreneur and community leader is more than just a story—it’s an example of determination, community spirit, and the transformative power of education.

Wall’s story begins at 91�첥. Graduating in 2004 and 2007 with three degrees—AAS in Internet Technologies, Computer Programming, and Information Systems—Wall laid the foundation for his future success. “My time as a student at 91�첥 helped prepare me immensely for the work world by giving me the confidence and skills to pursue my passion for website design.”

Upon graduation, Wall’s connection with 91�첥 didn’t end; it evolved. He became a Classroom Assistant, guiding students through Introduction to Computers. His interest in computers and helping people led him to a job at 91�첥’s Rose Library Help Desk, where he further honed his skills until 2011.

In 2008, Wall expanded his horizons, transferring to Limestone College where he earned two bachelor’s degrees in Internet Management and Information Technology. Armed with knowledge and determination, he embarked on his entrepreneurial journey. In 2018, Designs By Mikey was born—a digital marketing agency that later evolved into Epitome Digital Marketing. “91�첥 helped prepare me to become a business owner who strives to give back to my community.”

Wall is deeply involved with organizations like the Boys and Girls Clubs of Cleveland County and the Rotary Club of Shelby. Moreover, 91�첥 remains close to his heart. He actively contributed to the College’s revamped website, giving back to the institution that played a pivotal role in shaping his future.

The Power of Education to Transform Lives

But Wall’s vision doesn’t end here. He plans to offer internships to 91�첥 students, allowing them to learn, grow, and prepare for the professional world. His dedication to nurturing young talent mirrors his belief in the power of education to transform lives.

Reflecting on his journey, Wall emphasizes the importance of community college education. His original plan was to go directly to a university after high school until a high school counselor and family friend suggested he start at 91�첥. “Looking back, I have to say that attending community college first, before transferring to a university was one of my greatest life decisions. The education, the job experience, the life lessons, and the friends I made would likely not have happened had I stuck to my original plan.”

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Community College, the Smart Choice

Paula Vess — Mon, 28 Aug 2023 15:00:10 +0000

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Community College, the Smart Choice

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August 28, 2023

Paula Vess

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When Emmanuel Wallace came to 91�첥 after high school, he wasn’t excited about it. His friends were going to big universities like Duke, NC State and UNC-Chapel Hill. He felt like he was stuck in Cleveland County.

Even though he wasn’t happy about enrolling in a community college, he still wanted to do well. He decided to make new friends and get to know the faculty and staff at 91�첥. “I had a goal, to not feel inadequate by the time I graduated, but rather, to feel accomplished,” Emmanuel said. “I quickly realized 91�첥 was a place where I could accomplish this.”

Emmanuel made that statement at his graduation ceremony in 2016. It was part of his speech as president of the Student Government Association. During his two years at 91�첥, he realized that attending community college was a smart choice.

Students who transfer to a university and earn a more advanced degree, as Emmanuel did, spend less money because they’ve already completed the general education courses at a much lower cost. High school juniors and seniors can even take classes for free.

Now, eight years later, Emmanuel still believes in what community colleges have to offer. He knows that when you’re a young person just out of high school, it can feel like you’re missing out by not attending a big university. But, as Emmanuel learned, that’s not the case. 91�첥 offers opportunities to get involved in clubs, organizations and sports. Plus, you have instructors who get to know you and want to see you succeed.

After graduating from 91�첥, Emmanuel transferred to UNC-Charlotte. He graduated summa cum laude in 2021 with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, Power and Energy Systems Concentration. He also started two businesses. He works as a cinematographer, editor and marketer at the company he co-founded, . In addition, he owns where he creates timeless wedding films.

Emmanuel used all that he learned at 91�첥 to succeed at UNC-Charlotte and in his businesses. “91�첥 helped me gain the confidence to set high goals for myself during my time there and after graduation. I was exposed to some amazing people, companies, and places while I was at 91�첥. I was able to cultivate my leadership skills through the Student Government Association.”

Emmanuel urges students who are just starting their college journey to consider all the options. “As a high school student, it’s hard to recognize the value of community college,” he says. “Starting your higher education at a community college allows you more time to figure out your life, what career you want to enter, all while saving you from potentially crippling debt many of my peers and friends have accumulated. . .The people at 91�첥 want to help you succeed and take steps to make it a reality.”

At 91�첥, staff and faculty don’t just help students develop skills for a career; they help students create a better life.

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