Q: What do you find interesting/inspiring/compelling about your program?

A: What excites me most about sports and recreation is its incredible versatility. It touches so many fields, welcomes everyone and can be incredibly accessible; sometimes it costs nothing at all. A simple walk outside and taking in your surroundings is recreation in its purest form. What I love most is how recreation can truly enhance people’s lives, bringing joy, improving well-being and creating opportunities for connection and personal growth. To me, it’s more than activity; it’s a way to make life better.

Q: What will you remember most fondly about your time at NTC? 

A: NTC has been a part of my life for many years. I first started here at the NTC Alternative High School, then continued with two years of college before life took me in a different direction. Ten years later, I returned to finish what I started, and NTC was still here, ready to support me every step of the way. It’s been incredible to be part of a school community that truly cares and never forgets its students. I still see one of my former high school teachers around town - our kids go to the same school - which makes this journey feel even more full circle.

Q: Please share a memory or highlight that stands out to you. 

A: One of the highlights that stands out to me from my time in college is how the courses connected to my own life experiences. I loved noticing when a show, movie or news story related to something I had just learned; it made the lessons feel real and gave me new perspectives on the world. Another memorable moment was attending a parks and recreation town meeting and being mentioned in the minutes as a guest. It was such a small gesture, but it made me feel recognized and valued. Experiences like these, along with the connections I made with community organizations, are what made my time in college truly meaningful.

Q: How do you feel about graduating?

A: As graduation approaches, the reality of this milestone feels more tangible every day, and I couldn’t be more excited. Earning my degree is one of the greatest accomplishments of my life, and I’m deeply proud to walk across the stage surrounded by the people who have supported and encouraged me along the way. This journey has taught me resilience, patience and the power of believing in myself.

Q: What are your plans for after graduation? 

A: After graduation, I’m eager to jump into the sports and recreation field and start gaining hands-on experience before eventually returning to school to continue my education. I’ve discovered that I’m truly a lifelong learner, and earning my associate degree has only fueled my excitement to keep growing, exploring new opportunities and challenging myself even further.

Q: What are your hopes/dreams/aspirations?

A: My hopes and dreams are to break the cycle and inspire others who have experienced trauma to believe that change and growth are always possible. It is never too late to improve yourself, regardless of where you come from or what you have faced in the past. I aspire to help individuals who struggle with self-discovery find healthy, creative outlets that allow them to reach their own sense of happiness and fulfillment. Ultimately, I want to contribute to making the world a more compassionate and loving place, one where people can share joy, healing and connection with those they care about most.

Q: Reflecting on the relationships you’ve built with classmates, instructors and staff, what is one thing you wish you could say to those who have supported you along the way?

A: I want to sincerely thank all of my instructors who have supported me along the way, but especially Matt Chitwood. I’ve had the privilege of taking several of his classes over the past few years, and his guidance has been truly transformative. He challenged my thinking, encouraged me to grow and offered feedback that pushed me to become a better student and a more confident person. His support and insight have been instrumental in shaping the college student I am today, and I am deeply grateful for his mentorship.

Q: If you could go back to your first day of college and give yourself one piece of advice, what would it be?

A: If I could give myself advice on the first day of college, I would say: when it all feels overwhelming, pause and spend time with your family, recharge and give yourself grace. Take life one step at a time -you will figure it out. Don’t be too hard on yourself and remember to put your own well-being first. Trust yourself, be patient and believe in your ability to overcome challenges. No matter what, take a deep breath and know that you are capable of more than you realize.

Q: Reflecting on your growth throughout college, what is one aspect of yourself that you’ve seen evolve the most? How do you feel about the person you’ve become?

A: The aspect of myself that has grown the most throughout college is my self-confidence and awareness of the impact I can have on others. Over the years, I’ve learned to trust myself, take things one step at a time and recognize how my actions can make a difference in my community. Returning to NTC after many years and being welcomed back into a supportive community helped me see my own resilience and ability to persevere. I feel proud of the person I’ve become - someone who values learning, embraces challenges and is ready to give back while continuing to grow both personally and professionally.

Q: Please share any additional thoughts that give perspective to your story.

A: I’ve faced many challenges growing up and into early adulthood, real struggles and heartbreaking moments, but through it all, school was always my constant: a safe place where I could excel. Since I was young, I have dreamed of earning a college degree. As a 33-year-old single mom with two beautiful daughters and a family I wanted to inspire, I chose to step up and face life head-on. I did it for all the people who want to chase their dreams but don’t know where to start, for those still figuring things out, for anyone who feels unseen or out of place. I did it for them, and ultimately, I did it for myself. I pursued this degree to prove that it is possible and to show that it can be done. In the end, this is for all of us.