The Power of Starting Over

Turning Life’s Detours into Opportunities

When Dandria Bradley enrolled at Cleveland Community College 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 CCC, 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 CCC’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 CCC 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 CCC’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 Cleveland Community College 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.