Spotlights
Bryan Hayes knows the value of perseverance. After leaving high school in the ninth grade, he faced many of the challenges common to adult learners—work responsibilities, family commitments, and life circumstances that made returning to school difficult. But despite the obstacles, Bryan never gave up on his goal of completing his…
Student Spotlight
Returning to school as an adult wasn’t easy, but it changed everything. After more than a decade away from school, Miranda Parks made the life-changing decision to earn her GED. What pushed her forward wasn’t just the dream of a better future; it was her son. She wanted to show him, by example, that it’s…
Student Spotlight
Overcoming Life’s Challenges to Finish High School Makenzie’s high school journey was interrupted in 10th grade, right as the COVID-19 pandemic hit. At 16 years old, she worked 60-hour weeks while caring for her sick grandmother. With overwhelming responsibilities, school had to be put on hold. After her grandmother passed away, Makenzie—then just 17—found herself…
Student Spotlight
Evie Lewis Finds Her Path to Helping Others At just 19 years old, Evie Lewis has already lived a story full of courage, perseverance, and hope. Now, as she prepares to transfer to Western Carolina University and begin a new chapter, she reflects on the journey that brought her here—and the people who helped along…
Spotlights
Everyone who comes to CCC’s College and Career Readiness (CCR) offices has a story. Each story is different, but they all share one thing—they have experienced barriers that kept them from achieving a goal. Kenneth Humphries walked into CCC’s College and Career Readiness offices after years of struggling in school. “When I was younger, I…