From Uncertainty to Leadership: How TCC Helped Chase To Grow With Confidence 

When Chase Cornatzer graduated from Deep Creek High School in 2023, he wasn’t sure what his next step would be. Like many recent grads, he felt the pressure to have it all figured out, but admits that he wasn’t entirely sure what came next. Just two years later, Chase is graduating from Tidewater Community College with an associate degree in Business  Administration and transferring to James Madison University to pursue a bachelor’s in Marketing.

“I decided to come to TCC to give myself a chance to figure things out,” said Chase. “Looking back, I wouldn’t change a thing. TCC was exactly what I needed.” 

One of the most meaningful parts of Chase’s journey at TCC was getting involved in Gear Up to Lead, a college-wide leadership and personal development program that connects students with faculty and peers across all campuses. Gear Up To Lead became the heart of Chase’s college experience: he found a strong sense of purpose, built lasting relationships, and discovered his potential as a leader.

“I didn’t really know anyone when I started at TCC,” said Chase. “But through Gear Up to Lead, I found my people. We’ve done retreats and community service projects, like donating items to the Samaritan House in Virginia Beach and Parent’s Need near City Hall, and so many other cool things. It gave me a sense of purpose and belonging.”

Initially joining the program just to meet people, Chase quickly became an active participant and eventually a second-year leader, mentoring others and co-leading a group of students. Through Gear Up To Lead, he gained confidence, developed leadership skills, and discovered a passion for helping others. 

            “I used to not think of myself as a leader,” said Chase. “But discovering the program and being a part of something bigger really helped me grow as a person and confidently know that I could lead too.”

            Alongside Chase’s experiences in Gear Up To Lead, he found himself additionally gaining confidence in the classroom. Chase explains that the small class sizes and supportive professors at TCC made it easy for him to stay motivated and connected on campus. 

            “The fact that my professors actually know my name, that’s huge. It makes it easier to ask questions, to stay engaged, and to feel supported,” said Chase. “I had a professor who congratulated me personally when I got into JMU. That kind of thing makes you feel seen and valued.”

Chase believes that his time at TCC allowed him to explore and discover his passion for marketing. Originally wanting to just complete his general education courses, he slowly realized how much he enjoyed the business and communication side of things. His advisors helped him shift to a Business Administration track and plan a smooth transfer to JMU.

“I didn’t waste time or money,” said Chase. “Coming here allowed me to work, to stay close to home, and to weigh my options. It was the smartest decision I could’ve made.

As graduation and his transition to JMU approach, Chase feels a combination of excitement and nervousness, as well as a sense of gratitude for the space that TCC gave him to grow.

“I’m definitely going to miss my people here but I feel more ready now than I ever would have been coming straight out of high school,” said Chase. “TCC gave me the time I needed to figure out who I was and what I wanted to do. If I had gone to a big university, I think I would have been overwhelmed and missed out on this personal growth.” 

Chase encourages anybody who is struggling to find a path, or is not feeling confident in themselves to slow down and ignore the outside pressure. 

“Don’t rush. Don’t feel like you have to have it all figured out,” said Chase. “TCC gives you options, support, and opportunities to grow into who you’re meant to be.”