Student Overcomes Obstacles to Succeed in Pathway to College Career

October 21, 2022

(AHOSKIE) The pathway to college success can take many turns and sometimes obstacles arise.  But for Elizabeth Davis, a student at Roanoke-Chowan Community College (R-CCC) in the ‘career pathways’ program, her path has been a journey of faith.
“I was born in Queens, New York and raised by my mother, father and aunt, but at the age of 12, I was diagnosed with depression and at age 14, I was placed into the foster care system,” says Davis.  “I resided at multiple residential homes and group homes and experienced different trials and tribulations.”
Davis says her ‘faith was tested time and time again’ and as she overcame the obstacles that she encountered she began to realize she had a purpose.
“I kept hearing the same phrase, ‘you’re here for a reason because God has a plan for you’,” explains the student.
After moving to North Carolina and enrolling at R-CCC, she began the career pathways program in the Department of College and Career Readiness at the college to pursue a high school equivalency diploma. 
The Multiple Pathways to High School Equivalency Program (MPHSE) is a new way to help non-high school graduates earn their diplomas with flexible hours and rewards students for past work they may have completed.
Davis, who is the mother of a one-year-old daughter, has plans to complete her last high school equivalency test, and enroll in the college’s associate degree nursing program.
“From the day I stepped onto the R-CCC campus, the teachers and staff have been nothing but supportive of me and my goals and they have helped me to overcome the obstacles I’ve been facing to reach this point in my life,” says Davis.  “My future is bright because I will not allow my past to stop me.  I will not let my depression hold me down any longer.”  
 
The college and career readiness programs at R-CCC assist students to prepare to earn a degree, diploma, or certificate in various curricula.  In addition to high school equivalency (GED), they offer free basic skills and computer literacy classes.
“Elizabeth's drive to be successful was very evident from our first encounter,” states Tishadda Walton, Director of the College and Career Readiness Department at the college.  “She is committed to her career pathways and excited about enrolling into the nursing program.   I encourage those with or without a high school equivalency (GED) to explore pursuing a post-secondary education.”  
Davis is now working on her high school equivalency diploma and taking advantage of the support services available at R-CCC.
“My purpose has always been clear to care for people who may not feel the best about themselves,” says Davis.  “I’ve gained a better and more understanding relationship with my mother and made new friends who guide me on the most positive path.  I now have a support system that’s unbreakable and much appreciated.”
“I want to give the love that I’ve always desired. Through my pain, I’ve also received blessings. I'm doing this for my sweet baby and me and am very grateful for the staff and instructors at the college who offer their help and knowledge every day,” concluded Davis.
To learn more about the career readiness pathways at R-CCC, contact Shirley Gay at 252-862-1307 or call the College and Career Readiness Office at 252-862-1309/252-862-1258 for more information.  Scholarships and other funding are available. 
For more information about R-CCC visit www.roanokechowan.edu . R-CCC Where Community and Careers Connect #DiscoverRCCC