17 For Fall 2017
Aspiring pediatricians, counselors, video game designers and firefighters make up a small sample of TCC’s newest students. Here’s what they had to say only a week after classes.
Trevor Bransfield
Campus: Virginia Beach
Bransfield, a First Colonial High School graduate, is pursuing an Associate of Science in Science with a Specialization in Computer Science and plans to transfer to Virginia Commonwealth University.
“I decided to come to TCC because it was a cheaper option than going straight to a four-year university. Compared to high school, I really like the difference of being able to pick your own schedule. A lot of people are really friendly on campus. I also really like the size of the campus – there’s so many different things to do around here.”
Natesa Burton
Campus: Portsmouth
Burton, a Churchland High School graduate, is working toward her Associate of Science in General Studies. She plans to transfer to Virginia Commonwealth University and hopes to become a pediatrician.
“I learned about TCC after going to my Access counselor at Churchland High. He told me it was the best way to go. I really like coming here. The teachers are more approachable. I didn’t think it would be that way in college. They help you, talk to you and get to know us.”
Lasia Chambers
Campus: Norfolk
“I’m here to prepare for a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Old Dominion University. My parents are in the military, so I’m new to the area, but I already love it on campus. I’m starting with community college because of the tuition savings – it’s so much more affordable!”
Josephine Daroy
Campus: Virginia Beach
Daroy, a Salem High School graduate, plans to transfer to Old Dominion University after TCC to pursue a bachelor’s in human services.
“I decided to come to TCC because I knew it would be a more affordable alternative. I really appreciate the size of the campus as it will prepare me for traveling from class to class on a larger college campus.”
Kareeim Frazier
Campus: Norfolk
“I’m completing my general studies here at TCC before I transfer to a four-year school to pursue history. So far, I love it! The campus is cool, and I’m saving money while I work toward my degree.”
Kayla Hood
Campus: Chesapeake
Hood graduated from Great Bridge High School and is now working toward an Associate of Science in General Studies. She is passionate about working with children with special needs and plans to transfer to a university to study special education.
“I came here so I could save money on college. I really like the flexible classes and enjoy going to the gym in the student center whenever I’m on campus.”
Kaleigh Hudson
Campus: Virginia Beach
Hudson, an Ocean Lakes High School graduate, plans to transfer to either Christopher Newport University or James Madison University and hopes to become a firefighter.
“I found TCC to be a really good opportunity – not only to save money, but to grow and get to know people in the community. I really like the curriculum and instructors so far. I love everything that I’m learning and really like how fast-paced it is.”
Alethea Lim
Campus: Virginia Beach
Lim, a Landstown High School graduate, plans to transfer to Old Dominion University and then to Eastern Virginia Medical School. She hopes to become a pediatrician.
“I really like the small classes at TCC and feeling comfortable to speak up and ask questions. I live really close to the campus – only about five minutes away – so it’s very convenient.”
Kiarah Mcafee
Campus: Norfolk
“This is such a good day – my first day of college classes, psychology then yoga! I can’t believe how beautiful this campus is. And TCC has been way more convenient for me than any other school; I can catch the bus just a few blocks away from my classroom!”
Brenna Neal
Campus: Chesapeake – Regional Automotive Center
Neal, a graduate of Franklin High School, plans to complete her Associate of Applied Science in Automotive Technology and would like to focus on automotive restoration.
“I’ve loved cars since I was 13! My dad got me interested in the program, as he’s a graduate. The program has tons of information and the teachers are great!”
Anna Nixon
Campus: Norfolk
“I’m studying studio arts here at TCC! My goal is to transfer to JMU’s studio arts program after two years here. I’m living at home and saving money on tuition while I work towards that dream. I’m so excited to get started – I can’t wait for my first art class!”
Joshua Nordmeyer
Campus: Portsmouth
Nordmeyer, a Nansemond River High School graduate, is working toward his Associate of Science in General Studies. He plans to transfer to George Mason University to study video game design.
“Of all the things I like about TCC, I’d have to say the campus is pretty great. I like how clean it is. I like that the professors are very active and invested in the students. You’re not sitting in a lecture room with 250 other students with a professor talking at you. The professor is talking with you.
“Of course, I like how cheap it is. And I really like that there are so many options to help students. There’s the Learning Assistance Center. Plus, there are endless options to get involved with campus life and grow.”
TJ Porter
Campus: Portsmouth
Porter, a Western Branch High School graduate, is working toward her Associate of Science in Engineering. She plans to transfer to Old Dominion University and hopes to become a marine biology mechanic.
“I wasn’t ready for university life. I like the atmosphere. It’s welcoming. The campus is easy to navigate. I like that the programs give you the option to transfer; that makes everything easier. The food is pretty good, too!”
Gab Rover
Campus: Virginia Beach
Rover, a Landstown High School graduate, is working toward her Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts. She plans to transfer to a four-year university and hopes to become a talent agent in the music industry.
“My sister really enjoyed her time here and raved about it, so I thought TCC would be a good start for me. It’s comfortable and overall a really nice environment to be in.”
Ariana Torres
Campus: Portsmouth – Visual Arts Center
Torres, a Bayside High School graduate, is working toward her Associate of Applied Arts in Studio Arts with a Specialization in Pre-Art Therapy. She would like to transfer first to either Virginia Commonwealth University or Old Dominion University and then to Eastern Virginia Medical School. She hopes to be an art therapist for a military population.
“Everything you learn here is the same as you’d learn at any four-year college. But it’s affordable, and I’m able to work and save for the rest of my college. I like the people I’ve met at the VAC. I really like how the VAC is in Old Towne Portsmouth. The entire place is beautiful. I can go out and get coffee while I’m waiting for class to start.”
Gabe Young
Campus: Chesapeake
Young graduated from Indian River High School and plans a career on the stage or in entertainment, as he is passionate about bringing art to life. Young is working on an Associate of Science in General Studies and hopes to transfer to a four-year school.
“I lacked initiative to prepare for college while in high school. I came here to start on the path of achieving my goals. During my short time here, I found my niche. I’m enjoying making new friends and meeting new people.”
Matthew Zimmerman
Campus: Chesapeake
Zimmerman graduated from Hickory High School and is working toward his Associate of Science in Business Administration. He plans to earn his Ph.D. in economics at George Mason University. He hopes to work for the Congressional Budget Office and later teach economics at the college level.
“I love the personal feel of the place and not just being thrown into a lecture hall with hundreds of students. In my first semester I have some phenomenal professors who bring real world experience to class. But the best thing is that they are so willing to help out!”