Daily Archives: July 5, 2019

Keep your Head Held High

On June 13, 2019, a dream finally came true for many adults who had not completed their high school education. Friends and families gathered in Wait Chapel on the campus of Wake Forest University to honor graduates in the Adult High School and High School Equivalency from the College and Career Readiness program at Forsyth Tech.

Dr. Sydney Richardson, dean of the College and Career Readiness, welcomed the audience and congratulated the graduates on arriving at this moment. Shannon Taylor-Stanley, instructional coordinator of Adult High School/High School Equivalency, sang, “The Climb,” by Miley Cyrus. Lyrics include ‘my faith is shaking, but I gotta keep trying, gotta keep my head held high…it’s not what’s on the other side of the mountain, it’s the climb.’

Dr. Janet Spriggs, president of Forsyth Tech, was the keynote speaker who shared her own climb from a community college graduate to community college President. She encouraged the graduates to “Work hard. Stay humble. Be kind. And make a difference.” Her story inspired graduates to pursue their own dreams and never think it cannot be done.

Two Graduates Who Successfully Made the Climb

Two of the graduates, Christy Cobbler and Robert Ward, knew they could do it. They pursued their goal to earn their high school diploma after being out of school for several years.

Cobbler dropped out of high school, raised two daughters (one who is now in the nursing program at Forsyth Tech) and started her own cleaning business. She completed her high school equivalency at the Stokes Center in less than a year (which is not the norm for a student who has been out of school over 15 years). She dedicated herself to completing the HSE in time to register for Nurse Aide I classes with Forsyth Tech for Fall 2019.

“In some ways, school was a stress reliever to me because when I was in class I could only concentrate on the work in front of me and not what was going on around me,” Cobbler said. “I really appreciated Ms. Mary Jo Whitley who helped me so much. I want to continue encouraging my daughters to continue their education.”

Christy was a member of Forsyth Tech’s inaugural class of National Adult Education Honor Society students. Her ultimate goal is to move into a curriculum degree program in order to ultimately apply for the Associate Degree in Nursing.

Another graduate, Robert Ward, experienced his own winding journey. Originally from Fayetteville, N.C., Ward moved to Winston-Salem last year, describing he was in a hopeless state. He moved into the Winston-Salem Rescue Mission, seeking new opportunities to make changes in his life.

“I had an amazing support group and they helped me believe I could do this,” Ward said. “I had a better outlook on life and applied myself. If I can give someone hope that they can do this, I would tell them to go check it out, it’s never too late.”

Dropping out of high school two months before graduation in 2006, Ward is now 32 years old. He said the feeling of graduating is indescribable. He said he was willing to take eleven months to complete his diploma because he knew it was worth it.

As a fitness consultant, Ward wants to continue his education in Business Management or Accounting. He looks forward to giving back to the community, perhaps working with other support groups, to share his experience and help others.

Recognizing His Digital Skills Beyond the Classroom

Asa Gordon

Winning a national award at SkillsUSA last year in video game design gave Asa Gordon the confidence to compete again this year in digital animation and 3D modeling. As he and his teammate, Alondra Chavez, won first place in the state competition in April, they are on track again this year to compete in the national competition in June, in Louisville, Kentucky. In fact, SkillsUSA was more than a competition as Gordon learned from another team about a game engine which he will soon share with architecture students.
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Make the Best of Your Opportunities

Avionna Burns

Setting goals can be a challenge at any age, particularly when you are a high school student. With many demands and distractions, it’s not the easiest challenge to complete classwork while thinking about a college and a career. Yet, many students who realize setting goals is the road map to achieve your aspirations take on the challenge early.
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Taking the Oath to Protect and Serve

Fifteen cadets graduated from the Robert F. Joyce School of Justice Basic Law Enforcement Program (BLET) at Forsyth Tech, on Friday, May 24, 2019. Several members of law enforcement were present at the ceremony, including representatives from the Davie County Sheriff’s Office, the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office, the Kernersville Police Department, the King Police Department and the Lexington Police Department.
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Forsyth Technical Community College Announces Faculty, Staff and Student Award Winners 2018 – 2019

Staff of the Year Award – Sharon Anderson, dean, Community & Economic Development

For more than 20 years, Anderson’s service to Forsyth Tech exemplifies her support of the local community college and the North Carolina Community College System, simultaneously. Her commitment to workforce training for un- and underemployed in Winston-Salem is unwavering. She has built on the Economic and Workforce Development Division steadily each year through strong community partnerships, grant funding and new opportunities for students. One of Anderson’s most successful programs is the Electrical Lineman program offered five times annually. Throughout the program’s ten-year existence, the program has graduated close to 700 graduates. Anderson began at Forsyth Tech as a part-time GED instructor at the Forsyth County Detention Center. She became a full-time employee in 2002, serving as the director of Evening and Weekend Programs. In 2005, she was named the dean of Community & Economic Development, the position she currently holds. Continue reading →

Courage to Overcome Roadblocks

Julia Grace Collins

As a child, Julia Grace Collins wasn’t sure if she wanted to work in the medical field.  Born with spina bifida, a birth defect that occurs when the spine and spinal cord do not form properly, she spent a lot of time going to doctors, having procedures and undergoing therapy.  After graduating from West Forsyth in 2013, she began studying psychology at UNC-Greensboro.  But Collins realized she was a good advocate for patients.  In 2014, she transferred from UNCG to Forsyth Tech to pursue a degree in Medical Office Administration.  Taking courses both on campus and on-line, Collins said, “my instructors were great. They were accommodating and met my needs.”

Collins uses a wheelchair and admits it can be difficult to realize your limitations.  She explains, “when you hit a roadblock, try to find another path or another way to do things, and many more opportunities come about.”  Some of her most loved experiences include therapeutic horseback riding, wheel chair basketball and adaptive downhill skiing.  Through her own determination and the support of close friends and family, Collins graduated Forsyth Tech with an Associate in Applied Science degree Spring 2019.

Collins plans to stay in the Clemmons area working in a hospital or clinic.  Her courage and strength of character will be an asset to her career.  “I have the perspective of being a patient.  I have been told I am an empathetic person and if someone is nervous I understand and can help.”

Laura Rumfelt

Laura Rumfelt

Early College/SGA/Award Winner

When Laura Rumfelt was in middle school she wanted to be a psychiatrist.  Realizing this career choice required many years of college and financial cost, she looked for alternative options.  Coupled with the fact Rumfelt did not have the best middle school experience and did not have much expectation about a high school experience, she enrolled in Early College of Forsyth.  Rumfelt explained, “I entered Early College with a mindset of mediocrity.  All I wanted was an average GPA and an average experience.”  But all that changed, however, when she became involved with the Alpha Mu Beta Honor Society.  She was pushed to aim for excellence.  Not only her grades, but also her college experience, improved as Rumfelt connected with people who supported her during this period of her life.   Rumfelt credits her growth to, “all the opportunities and the supporting faculty and staff at both the Early College and Forsyth Tech as a whole.”
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