Believe In The Possibilities
“I am a single mom of 4, three of which still live at home. JSCC made it possible for me to afford college,” 
Lisa, the proud mother of 3 girls and a boy, spent two decades as a wife and mother raising her family. As her children grew older, she began to consider what the future might hold and what she wanted in life after the children were grown and gone. She had always had an interest in nursing and now she could imagine the possibilities. Since 2005, Lisa has completed her Associate Degrees in Medical Assisting and General Education, and her diploma in Practical Nursing. She has a job in the medical field and looks forward to a future that she and JSCC have made possible.
“I Wanted To Be A Good Role Model For My Children”
“As a father, I wanted to be productive. I wanted to be a good role model for my children,” said Adam Marble, 
With double health issues of diabetes and epilepsy since childhood, Adam has had a lifetime of challenges. As a result of a seizure, Adam fell and suffered a severe head trauma that left him paralyzed from the chest down for 5 years. He was told he would never walk again. He was relocated to an assisted living facility, and after a year, physical therapy was terminated. “I finally got tired of being in a wheelchair and others giving up on me. So I gradually pushed myself to stand, then to step, then to walk. The first time I stood was just for a few seconds.” It was the first step of a journey to personal and academic achievement. Not only has Adam beat the odds of survival, he has succeeded in the face of tremendous adversity. He has been on the Deans List every semester, is a member of Phi Theta Kappa, and an Ambassador for JSCC in the community.
“Thanks to JSCC, I’m able to move on instead of giving up. I can make a career for myself and take the right 
Amber knows that an education is the foundation for building a stable life; for being an independent, self-sufficient, and productive member of society. JSCC offered the opportunity for that education and the financial means to get it. Her motivation and perseverance have become a steady compass in what could have been an uncertain pathway.
“Everybody is somebody,” says Georgia Graham. “What you go through and learn in life, you teach to others.” Georgia has overcome many life challenges and now works to break the repetitive generational cycle of lack of education leading to lack of options. Her message includes giving recognition to God, determining your goal and staying focused on achieving that goal.
Georgia loved school but didn’t have motivation at home to go to college. Her dad had only an 8th grade education, but he taught her that you have to work hard for what you get. With marriage, any thoughts of college ended. She worked in a shirt factory for years until “finally I just decided there’s got to be a better way.” Encouraged by her pastor to get an education, Georgia began exploring her options. “I kept seeing advertisements for James Sprunt Community College, so one day I pulled into the parking lot and found my way to Student Support Services. That’s where I discovered a support system that could help me get through school.
Georgia entered JSCC as a single mother with a full-time job. In fact, she and her children often compared report cards. She proved to be a good role model for her 4 children, with one son graduating with a Masters Degree, and one daughter graduating with a teaching degree this year. At first, she needed to take remedial classes to get up to speed, but she continued to overcome, and in 1997 she received her Associates Degree in General Education. Georgia continues to work toward her 4-year degree.
Since then she has passed on her life lessons to others to offer hope and encouragement, and to break the cycle of young people repeating the same mistakes as their parents. “We need to break the cycle. We need to make ourselves available to others which makes a difference in people’s lives. Everybody is somebody.”
“I’m Growing Up Out Here”
Cathy Lanier has started on a pathway to a new life. After years of struggling with bipolar disorder, she finally
“I thought I was nobody, but after coming back, I'm a new person."
“It gave me a start to get my life back. After my separation, I was lost, and when I returned to school it felt like the most wonderful time of my life,” exclaimed Sylvia Leibas.
Because Sylvia’s parents were migrant workers, they moved often and it was impossible to put down roots. When she was about 13 years old, her parents opened an antique store and because they needed her bi-lingual ability to work with customers, she had to quit school. That was the end of her formal education for almost 3 decades.
Sylvia married at a young age, and after many years became a single parent. With 4 children to provide for, her finances were tight. One day Sylvia went for a job interview on gas money from a borrowed $20.00 dollar bill. She was turned down. Her oldest children, who were with her, shared in her rejection. But that low point became a turning point. “I was tired of no job because of no GED.” On her way home from the job interview, Sylvia stopped at James Sprunt Community College for information. As it happened, orientation was the very next day. With encouragement from instructors, Sylvia returned for orientation and has been in school at JSCC ever since, getting her GED in August of 2008. “When I got my GED, I was jumping up and down with my children! I hope to continue and get my LPN.”
“I’ve never seen anything so pretty as my Practical Nursing certificate!”
“It was a real struggle, but I had favor. God brought us through in the right timing.” Gwen Allen wanted to become a veterinarian but life got in the way. After a lifetime of factory jobs, and with 3 children to support, a job layoff proved to be a blessing in disguise. In 2002 Gwen Allen enrolled in James Sprunt Community College with a desire to enter the medical field. She graduated from high school in 1986 and “needed to get up to speed for the nursing entrance exam.” That took time and perseverance. After 2 unsuccessful attempts at the exam, Gwen came back the third time “ready and prepared.” In 2007 she received her Practical Nursing Certificate, is currently working as an LPN, and is now in the Transition Program preparing to enter the Associate Degree Nursing program in May 2009. “I have really enjoyed getting my education here. I would even say I love JSCC. It has been a great asset in my life.”
“Return Your Blessings To Others”!
“When you’re doing good, turn your blessings to others,” says Benjamin Gonzales. Getting ahead in life had 
After two decades of unproductive choices, Benjamin married and began a new life and new family. With 2 boys and a wife, he needed to find a way to make a better life for his family. Moving from their native state of California when his mom passed away, Benjamin and his family came to Duplin County where his in-laws live. With tremendous support and encouragement from his immediate family and his in-laws, Benjamin returned to school with GED classes at James Sprunt Community College. Getting his GED started as a need, but then became a personal, driving ambition. Math and writing essays became hurdles to overcome through perseverance and support from faculty. But Benjamin knew it was now or never, that he had to succeed in getting his GED. And he did. Benjamin received his GED in December 2008.
“I have been blessed with a family, a new job and a home. Once you’re doing good, turn your blessings to others.”
“JSCC re-inspired my teenage dream.”
Soft spoken Mandy Edwards has a gentle way about her, and it’s easy to imagine her in the job she envisions, taking care of the medical needs of newborns. Don’t let that easy way fool you into thinking she lacks determination. It’s taken courage, determination and several years to re-ignite that teenage dream.
Mandy graduated from East Duplin High School in 1985. Growing up, she never even talked about going to college, because she knew her family didn’t have the money. “I always wanted to go to school in the medical field, but didn’t think I could. I didn’t know that there were grants and other means of financial aide available.” As time went by and with children to provide for, those dreams just faded over the years.
“Now I Can Be A Bridge To Success For Others”
“James Sprunt Community College made it possible for me to attend college as a mother and wife. Without JSCC, my career options would have been significantly limited. It has allowed me to gradually achieve my career goals.” After 10 years out of high school, Susan Long returned to school at JSCC in 1990. In December 2008, she will complete her Masters Degree in nursing education through the online courses at Duke University.
After returning to school, money was tight for her family. Susan’s determination, along with JSCC’s financial aid opportunities, kept her going until her graduation in 1992 with an Associate Degree in nursing. Eight years later she returned to begin taking classes towards her Bachelor Of Science Degree in nursing. These classes easily transferred to UNC Wilmington, where she completed her BSN.
In 2002, Susan once again returned to JSCC, not as a student, but as a nursing instructor. While teaching, she began pursuing her Masters Degree in nursing education through online courses at Duke University. “Now I can be a part of the bridge to success for those who are just beginning their nursing careers.”
"Keep Your Eyes On The Prize!"
“My degree from James Sprunt was the first time I graduated,” said Michael Ray. “Being a member of the art program at JSCC was like a family. I made some of my most incredible friends there, and I really began to realize who I was.”
Pictured with one of his creations, Michael went from GED to accomplished artist and art instructor at Clinton High School. He received his Associate in Graphic Design degree from James Sprunt Community College in 1994 and his Bachelor Of Fine Art in Art Education, with a concentration in painting and sculpture, from East Carolina University. Finding one’s own passion in life is a unique accomplishment, and the ability to help others find that passion is truly a gift. Michael brings a vibrant enthusiasm for art, a dedication to teaching, and a personal example of achievement to his students.
Born in Edenton, NC, Michael moved often while growing up, and now lives with his wife and daughter in Sampson County.
"JSCC Gave Me The Foundation Skills To Succeed"
David Madden may be out of school and away from exams, but much of his work schedule still involves testing. In his vital role as Environmental Health Coordinator with the Green County Health Department, Davin has the responsibility of monitoring several areas of public health, including soil testing, public pool water testing, private well testing, and restaurant inspections.
"JSCC prepared me to move into a four-year college and gave me the necessary skills to maintain my academics and focus on my goals," said Davin. His community college experience, where he was "Who's Who" among American junior colleges, prepared a firm foundation upon which he built academic accomplishments and a successful career. He received his Associate In Science Degree from JSCC in 1995, his Bachelor of Arts Degree in chemistry from UNC Wilmington, and his Masters Degree in Health Services Administration from Strayer University. Davin has also returned to JSCC, teaching Developmental Math parttime.
Davin also built a personal foundation when he married his JSCC girlfriend. They now have two children and continue to live in Duplin County.
