During her first week in Cleveland Community College’s Radiography program, Bethany Weston faced a life-changing reality. As she began pursuing a new career, she was also navigating a separation, becoming a single mother of two young daughters, and wondering how she would pay her rent, feed her children, and keep moving forward. “I didn’t know how I was going to make rent, let alone pay for school,” she recalled.

Today, Bethany is a second-year Radiography student set to graduate in May. Looking back, she credits a combination of faith, determination, and support from those around her for helping her through one of the most difficult seasons of her life.

“I want my girls to see that you can achieve what you set your mind to,” Bethany said. “It may take hard work and sacrifice, but it’s a short-term sacrifice for a long-term goal.”

Bethany, who grew up in Lincoln County and now lives in Lincolnton, knew she wanted a career in healthcare. After attending another college and finding it wasn’t the right fit, she began exploring different healthcare options at CCC. Nursing was her original plan, but she eventually realized she wanted a different path. When Bethany visited CCC and learned about all the other healthcare programs offered, one stood out to her.

“I liked that radiography allowed me to work directly with patients and still make a difference in their care,” she said. “You’re not the sole caregiver, but you’re still helping people every day. Plus, no two days are exactly alike, which keeps it exciting.”

What ultimately set CCC apart was the support she found from faculty and staff. “If you don’t feel supported, you don’t know what to do,” she said.

Through CCC’s Boost program, Bethany found more than academic guidance. Her advisor checked in regularly, sent encouraging messages, helped students stay connected, and worked with Bethany through a challenging schedule. When Bethany found herself struggling financially, her Boost advisor helped connect her with resources, including emergency assistance that helped cover rent, and additional support for groceries while she waited for funding.

“All those things working together have kept me going,” Bethany said.

As a single mother raising daughters ages 7 and 3, Bethany quickly learned that success would require leaning on the people around her.

“I have a small but good support system,” she said. “I’m thankful for my village.”

Friends, family members, and caregivers have helped with childcare during long clinical shifts that rotate between first and second shift schedules. While asking for help didn’t come naturally, Bethany says one of her biggest lessons has been realizing that it’s okay to need people.

“It’s taught me how to adapt and be flexible,” she said.

Despite the challenges, Bethany has flourished in the program. She has gained confidence in her technical skills, strengthened her patient interactions, and enjoyed learning in a variety of clinical settings.

“When you first start, you think you’ll never remember everything,” she said. “Then eventually you realize there’s a lot packed into your brain.”

Today, she works as a CT student technologist at Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center and also holds a PRN position at an urgent care clinic. Those opportunities have allowed her to gain valuable experience while preparing for her future career.

After graduation, Bethany hopes to find a full-time position closer to home, creating more stability for herself and her daughters. Looking further ahead, she’s interested in pursuing advanced imaging specialties such as CT and continuing to grow professionally.

One goal stands above the rest.

“I’d love to buy a house one day for me and my girls,” she said.

Looking back, Bethany says faith has carried her through many of the hardest moments.

“I truly feel like I’ve seen the Lord work in my life over the last year,” she said. “There were little nudges along the way from so many people.”

Her best friend and her daughters’ grandmother have been among her biggest encouragers, offering support, prayers, Scripture verses, and a listening ear whenever she needed one.

As Bethany moves closer to graduation, she hopes her story serves as an encouragement to others who may be facing their own challenges.

“I want another single mom to know that she can do it,” she said. “I didn’t give up, even when it was hard.”