TCC alumna earns summer internship at the National Institutes of Health

Tidewater Community College alumna Shannon O’Hara Wiora is getting an insider’s look at working for the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

As a summer intern, O’Hara was selected for the 2021 Health Disparities in Tribal Communities summer internship program through the NIH branch that deals with neurological disorders and strokes.

“I’ll be learning about the nervous system, neurological processes, neurodegenerative diseases, movement disorders, brain cancer and stroke,” O’Hara said.

O’Hara is most excited about the research opportunities that will focus on computational methods for cell membranes.

“I love science and my TCC degree has definitely prepared me for the work ahead,” she said.

O’Hara has Asperger syndrome, a developmental disorder characterized by difficulties in social interaction and nonverbal communication.

Yet she started taking classes at TCC at 16. Today, the 20-year-old is set to graduate in December 2021 with a computer science associate degree to go with a business degree.

O’Hara is engaging and forthcoming about how she learned to overcome both a disability and difficult circumstances that might have defeated others.

“Autistic people know how to get through challenges more than most people because we face them every day,” she said.

O’Hara’s world opened on the Virginia Beach Campus. The word she uses again and again to describe TCC is “opportunity.”

Accepted into the STEM Promise Scholarship Program in 2018, she was part of a cohort that receives paid tuition and fees for two years while completing a degree in a STEM field.

O’Hara would like to use her computer science background in an innovative way. “You can build your own creation in computer science,” she said. “I’d like to see what I can do to help people like me succeed.”

She recently became a board advisor for the nonprofit Family Voices. That allows her to promote acceptance of young adults and children with disabilities and weigh in on decisions with policymakers. She hopes to enhance acceptance of people with disabilities while encouraging others to succeed and accomplish their goals.

O’Hara uses words including strong, stubborn and willful when talking about herself. Her TCC experiences allow her to offer one more – “confident.”

G3 Scholarships give students an opportunity to get ahead in a career/technical field

On the heels of Governor Northam’s 21-22 budget signing, G3 Scholarships at Tidewater Community College are now open and available to eligible students seeking certifications and degrees that will lead to an in-demand job. G3 Scholarships cover tuition and fees for individuals who qualify for state financial aid, allowing students to gain the skills they need for a good career in their community without worrying about costs.

G3 Scholarships are available for select programs in five of Virginia’s most in-demand industries, including Early Childhood Education, Healthcare, Information Technology, Public Safety and Skilled Trades.

“G3 is a game-changer for our students as it provides scholarships for education and career training for today’s in-demand career fields,” said TCC President Marcia Conston. “If students want to come to TCC to get a certificate or degree that leads to a career, we will help find the money to make it happen.”

Applicants for G3 Scholarships must meet certain financial qualifications. For example, a student’s household income (for a family of four) must be less than $106,000 or a single adult making less than $51,000. Income thresholds vary as the household number increases. Once a student qualifies, G3 Scholarships require a level of academic performance to stay eligible. For full-time students who also receive the maximum Pell Grant, additional scholarship benefits are designed to help offset the cost of living so they can continue to take care of their family while going through a program.

Typically, the cost of attendance for a full-time student taking 30 credits at Tidewater Community College is $5,560 per year. The G3 Scholarship is a last-dollar scholarship that, with other financial aid, could bring that cost down to $0.

Students who are interested in learning more about the G3 Scholarship at TCC and what programs of study they can pursue can find more information here.

Students who need help applying to TCC and enrolling in classes can receive support from the college’s Virtual Student Support Team by emailing info@tcc.edu or calling 757-822-1122.

TCC designated as Center of Excellence for Domestic Maritime Workforce Training and Education

Tidewater Community College was named a Center of Excellence for Domestic Maritime Workforce Training and Education by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD).

The designation was announced in a press release from the agency on May 19, 2021.

The Center of Excellence designation recognizes community colleges and training institutions that prepare students for careers in our nation’s maritime industry. TCC is one of 27 academic institutions in sixteen states and one U.S. territory to receive the designation.

“TCC is committed to continuing the legacy of offering high-quality education and career training for the next generation of maritime professionals,” said TCC President Marcia Conston. “By working together, we’re building a pipeline of skilled technicians for careers at our ports and at sea.”

MARAD may now start working with designated institutions to enter into cooperative agreements to help advance recruitment of students and faculty, enhance facilities, award student credit for military service and potentially receive assistance in the form of surplus equipment or temporary use of MARAD vessels.

“This designation gives us a seal of approval for the work we’re doing in providing quality training for those entering the maritime industry,” added Tamara Williams, TCC’s vice president of Workforce Solutions.

Authorized under the National Defense Authorization Act of 2018, the Center of Excellence program is designed to assist the maritime industry in gaining and sustaining a well-trained labor force while enhancing diversity and inclusion in the industry.

“The Center of Excellence designation recognizes the high standard of maritime education and training provided by the designated community and technical colleges and maritime training centers. These institutions play vital roles in our nation’s maritime industry by providing the training and skills students need to begin and advance careers afloat and ashore,” said Acting Maritime Administrator Lucinda Lessley.

TCC is one of two designated centers in Virginia.

For information about TCC’s workforce and educational programs, contact the Virtual Student Support Team at info@tcc.edu or call 757-822-1111.

Information regarding the Center of Excellence program and the application process was disseminated through Federal Register notices. Successful applicants include accredited community colleges, technical colleges and maritime training centers under State supervision. A searchable, interactive map is available to provide information on each Center of Excellence designee. For additional information, please visit Centers of Excellence on the MARAD website.

Veteran TCC staffer back on campus to help students thrive

Meet Mel Scott.

You’ll find her weekdays helping students at TCC’s new Student Resource and Empowerment Center (SREC).

“I’m passionate about helping students build a better life for themselves and their families,” she said. “We’re here to help students thrive while breaking down any barriers that could impede their education.”

Scott said she’s often surprised that students just don’t know what services and financial resources are available to them. “We make it easy to find those resources so they can save money for other things like books and childcare,” she said.

The Student Resource and Empowerment Center includes a Single Stop site that connects students with a variety of free and comprehensive social services and financial resources to help them stay focused on their academic goals. The college-wide initiative includes case managers on every TCC campus.

The SREC also has a Career Collection on every campus, where students can pick out a free, professional outfit for that important interview, internship or leadership opportunity.

Scott is a TCC alumna who is working on her Ph.D. in human services at Liberty University. She has 25 years of experience helping people do well in every area of their lives. She recently returned to TCC to become the lead case manager for the SREC.

Interested in learning more? Want to meet with Scott in person or via Zoom? Reach out to her by emailing mlscott@tcc.edu or by calling 757-822-1175. Or fill out the Single Stop benefit screener, and Scott will get back to you.

Student Resource and Empowerment Center at Portsmouth Campus. — Student Resource and Empowerment Center on Portsmouth Campus.

Join TCC for Open House on all campuses, May 15

Recent high school grad? Transitioning military? Looking for a promotion? Discover all that community college offers.

Tidewater Community College is opening its doors on all campuses for Open House on May 15 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Prospective students and their families are invited to visit TCC’s campuses in Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth and Virginia Beach.

Advisors will be on hand to help students choose a pathway, apply for admission, get financial aid help and tour the campuses.

Whether you plan to take a full load or just one class, TCC offers a range of options to prepare you for the next step.

Students who are attending college for the first time or recent high school graduates are eligible to receive a free laptop when they enroll and pay for classes.

Tidewater Community College offers 150-plus programs ranging from engineering to the visual and culinary arts to cybersecurity to a plethora of options in computer science.

TCC is a great option for students looking to transfer to the four-year school of their dreams and want to get those general education requirements out of the way without accruing loads of student debt. Transitioning military and career changers can also learn more about program options.

Open house will be at the following locations:

Chesapeake Campus: 1428 Cedar Road
Norfolk Campus: 300 Granby St.
Portsmouth Campus: 120 Campus Drive
Virginia Beach Campus: Advanced Technology Center, 1800 College Crescent

Walk-ins are welcome, but you can also register for the event. For questions, email info@tcc.edu or call 757-822-1111.

TCC grad has cyber security career within her reach

Dasha Chaney is well on her way to a career in cyber security.

And this May, she is achieving a major milestone by graduating with an Associate of Applied Science in Cyber Security.

Chaney will be a student speaker during Tidewater Community College’s Virtual Commencement to be held on May 10, celebrating her graduation and the achievement of completing her degree in just one year.

“I’ve gone from nothing to something in three semesters,” Chaney said. “I actually have the mindset for college now. I’m ready to push and meet my goals.”

Growing up, Chaney opted for Game Boy Advance instead of Barbie dolls.

“I always liked video games that were hands-on and visual. That’s what attracted me to cyber security. It’s a field that’s always advancing,” Chaney said.

The daughter of a Naval officer, Chaney said her father, Lt. Cmdr. Shelley Pulliam, has been a great influence in her life with everything technical and is an inspiration for her cyber career.

“My parents encouraged TCC early on, but I didn’t listen. I had to find my way back after a time at Old Dominion University (ODU) and a very brief enlistment in the Navy,” Chaney said.

Now Chaney’s career path is gaining clarity. She works as an Information Technology Support Services Specialist at Dollar Tree and hopes to transition to the company’s cyber team once she completes needed certifications that include Network+ and Security+.

Chaney plans to continue her education by pursuing a bachelor’s degree at ODU. Chaney credits TCC campus advisor Kita Graham with helping make the transfer process easy.

An online learner, Chaney sends a shout-out to Joel Kirch, her favorite professor. “The community at TCC is what makes learning possible. All of my professors have been supportive and engaging,” she said.

Chaney is a member of Phi Theta Kappa and holds a 3.9 GPA. She participates in the Virginia Beach Campus Cyber Security Club. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the group has been meeting virtually for games and competitions. Chaney also volunteers for TCC’s Computers for Student Success, helping to refurbish computers and provide them to students in need.

She encourages students coming after her to “trust in the process and push yourself.”

Chaney added, “Never think you can’t do it, because you always can! And if it doesn’t work out the first time, get back up and try again!”

TCC grad hopes to one day explore space

Emmanuel Abuah emigrated from Nigeria to the United States to join his parents about a year before the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

He set his sights on studying engineering at Virginia Tech, but quickly realized that he needed to stay closer to home and start at a more affordable school.

He applied and was accepted into Tidewater Community College’s STEM Promise program, which covers the full cost of tuition for up to four semesters.

This May, he is one of the student speakers during the virtual commencement and will talk about his journey to earning an Associate of Science in Engineering.

Emmanuel Abuah at Virginia Beach Campus.

“My growth at TCC has not just been educational. Being from a different culture, I struggled with my accent and my lack of social integration,” Abuah said. “TCC provided the cushion I needed to help me settle in and keep me on the path to my degree.”

Abuah was recently named one of 18 honorees of the inaugural Academic Excellence and Service Award, a new recognition for exemplary TCC students.

“As one of our top performing scholars, I’m impressed with Emmanuel’s drive and work ethic. Having maintained a perfect GPA every semester, he takes his course work very seriously and has a plan to tackle his academic goals,” said Jaedda Hall, the STEM Promise program advisor.

While at TCC, Abuah worked in the Engineering lab on the Virginia Beach Campus, a job that opened doors for other work in the area. He also obtained a Virginia driver’s license, an accomplishment that gave him even more options for jobs.

He made lifelong friends through the Virginia Beach Campus Engineering Club and the STEM Promise program.

“The community of TCC has been so beneficial for me. From the friends I’ve made for keeps, to the instructors and advisors who supported, encouraged and challenged me,” he said.

For other students his message is simple. “Have a plan and seek advice. Make friends and get connected,” Abuah said. “Do more than just attend class. Get involved in all TCC has to offer.”

Abuah now plans a career in aeronautics/astronautics. He would like to be an astronaut and one day explore space.

He intends to attend Virginia Tech or Stanford University to pursue a bachelor’s in aerospace engineering.

“TCC has laid the perfect runway for my ascent to the stars,” Abuah said. “As we leave TCC with our goals in view, we are proving that it’s true – from here you really can go anywhere.”

From home care worker to federal lobbyist and now college grad

Athena Jones will share a message of hope and encouragement as a student speaker during Tidewater Community College’s Virtual Commencement to be held on May 10.

“You don’t have to be defined by who you were before TCC. It’s really that simple,” Jones said.

Jones had to leave a four-year college to care for a family member and was discouraged and unsure of her future.

“Leaving school left me with a load of student debt and I felt uncertain of my future. I didn’t know what God had in store for me,” Jones said.

Jones immersed herself in her new role as a home healthcare worker and became a social justice advocate. She quickly joined an advocacy group for home healthcare workers. It wasn’t long before Jones became a federal lobbyist advocating for other home healthcare workers as well as people with disabilities, immigration reform, the Affordable Care Act, women’s rights and more.

“I never imagined that I’d be on Capitol Hill fighting for the rights of home healthcare workers and working people across the U.S. It was surreal,” she said.

Fast forward several years. Jones continues to work as a home healthcare worker and advocate, but she is now also a graduate of TCC, earning an Associate of Science in Social Sciences with a 4.0 GPA.

“In the midst of my advocacy work, I knew I needed to go back to school,” Jones said. “TCC was a perfect fit. I received needed support and my professors were deeply invested in my success.”

Jones joined Open Door Project while at TCC. This federally funded program gives students guidance, tutors and support for their educational journey.

Jones credits her friend Sam Foor with getting her involved in campus life by joining the Anime Club. As her campus life grew, she joined the Garden Club; Student Government Association; Mu Alpha Theta, the math honor society; the Inter-Club Council and Phi Theta Kappa, the honor society for two-year schools.

“TCC was a place where I found a community of amazing people and lifetime of friends.” Jones said.

Jones will continue her studies at Old Dominion University where she will pursue a bachelor’s in political science with a minor in psychology. She is also considering law school.

“Before TCC, I was a ‘C’ student and had college debt. Now, I have no college debt and I’m graduating from TCC with a perfect GPA,” Jones added.

“I want people to see you don’t have to be defined by your past; you can really make a difference and you absolutely need to be your own superhero.“

TCC grad achieves lifetime goal of a college education

Debbi Gilbert always thought about going to college and knew that one day she would. It was just a matter of time.

Gilbert has worked as a bookkeeper for 25 years and she came to Tidewater Community College to prepare for a new career.

This Monday, May 10, Gilbert will graduate from TCC with an Associate of Applied Science in Business Management. Next year she will begin work on a bachelor’s degree in human resources at the State University of New York (SUNY), thanks to a matriculation agreement between TCC and SUNY.

“I always wanted to go to college and get a degree,” Gilbert says, “But I was a B and C student in high school. However, I’ve had straight A’s at TCC—only one B!”

Gilbert credits her son Tyler’s experience at TCC as the push she needed to get started. Tyler completed an associate degree in engineering at TCC in 2016 and then transferred to Virginia Tech, earning a bachelor’s in aerospace engineering in 2019.

Convenient scheduling, easy access to four campuses for classes, and top-flight professors and advisors have made Gilberts’ experience at TCC all she could have hoped for. A personal shout-out from Gilbert goes to Angela Slaughter, professor in the Business, Computer Science and IT Pathway, who put together informal meetings for her students, giving them a forum for ideas and business-related interests.

And Gilbert knows a thing or two about business, with over two decades in the workforce and most recently as an intern in the human resources office of United States Coast Guard Community Services Command.

Besides her studies at TCC, Gilbert is a member of Phi Theta Kappa, the honor society for two-year schools. She also shares her time with the Community Feed at TCC. To date, she has collected over a thousand pounds of food and a few hundred dollars in donations.

The Gilberts near their home in Norfolk.

As TCC’s commencement ceremony will stream live on YouTube on May 10 at 6 pm, Gilbert and her family will gather to witness her achievement.