1. What program or major did you pursue at NCTC, and what inspired that choice?

I received an Associate of Art in General Studies from NCTC in 2020. I was inspired to get my associate's degree because I knew I wanted to transfer to a local 4-year university and that general studies would give me a solid foundation on which to transfer with.

2. What drew you to NCTC originally?

As a homeschooled high school junior, I was originally drawn to NCTC to get a jumpstart on my education through dual credit classes. I knew from other NCTC alum that NCTC's dual credit program is very flexible and would help me ease into college.

3. Can you describe a class, project, or professor at NCTC that had a lasting impact on you?

I had many wonderful experiences at NCTC but one person that stands out was my Honors program coordinator Jill Swarner. Professor Swarner introduced me to the Honors program through which I developed research and presentation skills that help me today as a doctoral student. I also went on an Honor's study abroad to Costa Rica in 2020 which was a life changing experience!

4. Where has your career path taken you since graduating from NCTC?

After graduating from NCTC, I transferred to the University of North Texas (UNT) from which I received a BS in Audiology & Speech-Language Pathology in 2022. Currently, I am a 3rd year Doctor of Audiology student at UNT. I will be starting my externship (residency) in 2026 at the Dallas Ear Institute. After graduation, I hope to practice Audiology in a medical setting specializing in implantable hearing devices.

5. How did your time at NCTC prepare you for your current role or next steps in education?

My time at NCTC greatly prepared me for a doctoral program, specifically my experiences in the Honors program and Phi Theta Kappa. The Honors program helped me develop research and presentation skills necessary for advanced coursework, while my role as Vice President of Phi Theta Kappa (2019-20) taught me leadership and planning skills.

6. What’s one professional accomplishment you're especially proud of?

In 2019 I completed my Honors research project in MATH 1314. As someone who's never considered themselves a math person this was a big leap outside my comfort zone. I ended up being awarded Best Research Project that year and submitted my paper to Phi Theta Kappa's student journal. My paper was chosen to be published and also won a scholarship. Being able to have a publication behind my name this early in my career was so exciting to me!

7. Were you involved in any student organizations, clubs, or activities while at NCTC? How did that shape your experience?

I was heavily involved in the Honors program and Phi Theta Kappa. It was an incredible experience through which I met some of my closest friends, got to travel, won scholarships, presented at conferences, etc. In 2019, our Phi Theta Kappa chapter started NCTC's student food pantry and student parent pantry. To my knowledge, this pantry is still running today providing food, diapers, clothes, etc. to NCTC students and student parents. To be able to positively help my school shaped my educational experience by teaching me there is nothing I can't accomplish!

9. What advice would you give to current or incoming NCTC students?

Take advantage of the resources NCTC offers and apply for the Honors society and Phi Theta Kappa!

10. What does being an NCTC alum mean to you?

I am very proud of being a community college graduate. As a doctoral student in the health profession now, I find my nontraditional background helps me better relate to my community and be able to think on my feet when things don't always go to plan. I'm very grateful to those professors who helped me way back as a dual credit student, because without them I wouldn't be where I am today.