Tag Archives: student success

Veteran to Visionary: Edwin Quarles’ Honorable Journey Through Education and Service at Central Piedmont

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Edwin Quarles💡 Edwin Quarles, a distinguished Air Force veteran and Town Commissioner for Huntersville embarked on an extraordinary academic journey at Central Piedmont Community College. As a December 2023 graduate🎓 , Edwin’s decision to enroll at Central Piedmont was driven by the institution’s outstanding reputation as one of the nation’s premier community colleges. He reflects on his choice, stating, “I chose Central Piedmont Community College because it was said to be the best community college in the nation. I also heard from several graduates that the professors had the students’ best interest at heart.”

Pursuing an Associate in Arts degree, he strived to leverage his education to assist fellow veterans in accessing the benefits they rightfully deserve. Edwin’s dedication to veterans is a testament to his unwavering sense of duty and service, a value deeply rooted in his military experience.👏

One of the hallmarks of his time at Central Piedmont was the exceptional faculty who not only imparted knowledge but also kept him engaged and inspired. “I enjoyed my professors. Each kept me engaged, which made learning at such an older age easy and fun,” Edwin shares.🤩

Edwin’s aspirations extend to a career in the social service field, where he envisions himself playing a pivotal role in supporting veterans and contributing to the betterment of his community. His advice to future Central Piedmont students resonates with his own journey: “Set a goal; stay focused; apply yourself; and seek understanding and clarity from your professors. I used that formula after being away from a classroom setting for 30 years and was able to graduate from my program with honors.” ⭐

Central Piedmont Community College, for Edwin, is more than an institution; it’s a source of belief and inspiration. “Central Piedmont helped me Conquer Possibility by giving me the belief that I can achieve and be successful,” he reflects. The familial atmosphere and the genuine care exhibited by professors transformed his educational experience.

✈️ “I am an Air Force Veteran. I retired as an entrepreneur twelve years ago. I decided to take the challenge of getting a degree. I accomplished that challenge,” he proudly declares. His path also led him to engage in local politics, becoming a Commissioner for the Town of Huntersville during his time at Central Piedmont.

Edwin’s story, intertwined with service, learning, and leadership, is a true embodiment of the diverse experiences and opportunities that Central Piedmont Community College offers to its students and the communities it serves.

Student Story: Meet Sakinah Harris-James

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Meet Sakinah Harris-James, a proud Vance High School and Central Piedmont Community College alum. Reflecting on her journey, Sakinah shares, “I chose Central Piedmont’s teacher licensure program for its excellent reputation and strong curriculum. The program’s practical approach to teacher training has further prepared me on this teaching journey.”

Driven by a passion for education, Sakinah aspires to make a positive impact. “Teaching allows me to share my knowledge, inspire young minds, and contribute to shaping the future generations,” she says. She highlights Central Piedmont’s supportive community: “The opportunity to interact with diverse faculty and students has enriched my educational experience. The college promotes inclusion and encourages collaboration, creating meaningful relationships and important networking skills.”

Looking ahead, Sakinah envisions a career filled with diverse experiences. “My goal is to become a highly effective and compassionate teacher who can adapt to students’ individual needs,” she explains. Beyond teaching, she dreams of opening a tutoring center in Charlotte. “I want to establish an inclusive and supportive learning environment, where everyone, regardless of their educational challenges, would feel welcome and empowered to excel.”

As she prepares to graduate, Sakinah advises future Central Piedmont students: “Actively engage in the college community, participate in clubs, and utilize resources for a fulfilling experience.” For her, Central Piedmont has been more than an institution; it’s been a supportive environment where obstacles were conquered and goals were achieved.

Sakinah’s journey took a unique turn from dreaming of pediatric nursing to pursuing teaching, inspired by the transformative experience of motherhood. “Becoming a parent opened my eyes to the importance of education and its impact on shaping a child’s future,” she shares. Now, with a clear vision of a tutoring center, Sakinah is determined to make a lasting difference, addressing academic but also social and emotional needs to empower students to succeed.

Student Story: Yamileth Navarrete

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Yamileth NavarreteMeet Yamileth Navarrete, an outstanding Central Piedmont Community College student, eagerly counting the hours until her graduation ceremony tomorrow. As the anticipated December 2023 Commencement Speaker, Yamileth reflects on her remarkable journey as she prepares to mark the monumental transition from student to graduate.

As Yamileth’s educational journey unfolded, she encountered many obstacles. Initially aspiring to study nursing, she eventually found her true passion in the construction industry while working at a waterproofing company. “My work experience opened my eyes to the world of construction. I learned to read blueprints and estimate projects, which fascinated me,” she explains.

Central Piedmont became her gateway to a new direction. Despite initial uncertainties, Yamileth’s decision to shift her major has been life-changing. “Changing my major from nursing to construction was daunting but incredibly rewarding. I found my calling and realized my goal—to be a business owner in construction,” she shares.

Reflecting on her Central Piedmont experience, Yamileth appreciates the welcoming atmosphere and support offered by the staff, particularly for first-generation students like herself. “The staff’s assistance, especially for us first-generation students, has been invaluable. They’ve helped me with FAFSA, scholarships, and more,” she notes.

Her advice for future Central Piedmont students echoes her journey’s resilience: “Takeyour time. Life unfolds differently for everyone. Don’t rush; focus on your goals and strive for them. Never give up on what you can achieve.”

Student Story: Evangelos Beall and the Path to Dual Success

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Evangelos BeallAt Central Piedmont Community College, Evangelos Beall stands out through his involvement in the Levine Middle College program, a dual-enrollment opportunity enabling him to concurrently earn his high school diploma and an associate degree. This program offers a glimpse into college life and accelerates his educational journey.

Beall’s passion for anatomy sparked in high school, continues to drive his goal of becoming an orthopedic surgeon. Central Piedmont’s flexible curriculum has been pivotal, allowing him to balance his studies with personal fitness and social engagements—components he believes are crucial for a well-rounded college experience.

“Anatomy fascinated me and led me to pursue orthopedic surgery,” Beall says, emphasizing the importance of balance in college life.

From a reserved student to a vibrant community participant, Beall founded the Native Regrowth and Beautification Club at Central Piedmont, merging his interest in gardening with his knack for leadership and community building.

Beall’s journey at Central Piedmont reflects the college’s commitment to nurturing students’ academic pursuits and personal growth, preparing them for future careers and life beyond the classroom.

Demi Snow Receives the Community Impact Award

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Demi SnowCentral Piedmont Community College student Demi Snow was recently honored with the 2023 Community Impact Student Award by NC Campus Engagement for her outstanding commitment and contribution to civic and community engagement.

Snow was selected as the award winner by Central Piedmont after carefully considering students who have made a lasting impact while at the college. She was honored for her efforts and achievements at the recent NC Campus Engagement biennial CSNAP Student Conference.

Since 2006, the Community Impact Student Award (CISA) recognizes an outstanding, full-time undergraduate student service leader from each NC Campus Engagement member college. Award winners are selected by campus leaders and honored during the biennial CSNAP Student Conference. This year, CSNAP was held at NC State University with the theme, “Rising Together: Students Depolarizing North Carolina.”

Snow was selected as the Central Piedmont CISA winner for her exceptional commitment to civic engagement and equity advocacy both on and off campus. Her journey began as she matriculated through an intensive summer service program, an adaptation of the Citizen Redefined curriculum, which equipped cohorts of students with essential civic skills through interactive workshops. Following the program, Snow was inspired to partner with local non-profits, engaging in various volunteer services to address pressing community needs.

Snow’s impact is most notable in her work as a multi-campus dialogue facilitator within the Student Engagement department, where she has been instrumental in engaging students in meaningful and crucial dialogues regarding equity issues, specifically focusing on gender and sexuality. Her efforts have fostered inclusive discussions and empowered students to participate actively in conversations vital to a diverse campus environment.

Beyond her roles within the Student Engagement department, Snow’s involvement in various campus clubs and organizations dedicated to intersectional equity and community service has been exemplary. Collaborating with members of her summer cohort, local non-profits, and her peers, she has demonstrated a profound commitment to addressing and amplifying community issues, effectively bringing attention to pertinent matters among the student body.

Snow graciously accepted the Community Impact Student Award as the Central Piedmont Community College Winner on Nov. 4, alongside 14 other students representing colleges and universities across North Carolina.

Student Success Story: Bonifacio Sanchez Garnica

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Bonifacio Sanchez-Garnica

To Bonifacio Sanchez Garnica, Central Piedmont represents a new beginning.⭐️

The first-generation college student dropped out of college at a four-year institution more than five years ago due to financial reasons. Hurdling that life obstacle was difficult for Bonifacio, but he recovered. Unfortunately, just as he was beginning to find his footing and discover a path forward, the pandemic hit.

At the time, Bonifacio owned and operated a small residential framing company, a business that was significantly impacted by COVID-19, and lost a lot of work as a result of the pandemic. He soon found himself with a lot of time on his hands – time that he used to reflect on his life and what he wanted to do next. 🤔

“I knew I needed a change,” said Bonifacio. “So, after discussing the options with my wife, we decided to move out of our hometown of Wilmington, North Carolina, and make a fresh start in Charlotte.”

The Sanchezs are currently both attending school – she’s enrolled at UNC Charlotte, studying psychology – and Bonifacio’s at Central Piedmont, earning an associate degree in business. The couple hope to one day go into business together, with Bonifacio serving as the financial manager and data analyst for that future company.🤝 

“Being in school has pushed me to try new things, such as clubs or extracurricular activities that I wouldn’t have otherwise tried if I had been on my own,” explains Bonifacio. “At Central Piedmont, I’ve really stepped outside my comfort zone and made it a point to be open to new experiences. The time I spend participating in the college’s Campus Activity Board and Rotoract is some of the most rewarding to me; it’s what I’ve enjoyed most about attending here.”😁

Student Success Story: Fatimata Sylla

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Fatimata SyllaFatimata Sylla is driven by a passion for helping others, not only in her career goals, but also in her daily efforts volunteering in the community. She is studying to graduate with her Associate in Science degree from Central Piedmont in 2023 in order to pursue her goal of being a nurse, and one day a doctor.

“One of my favorite parts of being at Central Piedmont is getting involved in the community,” Fatimata says. “I cannot stress enough how much volunteering has shaped my personality and developed my leadership skills.”

Born in Mali, Fatimata speaks four languages (French, Portuguese, Bambara, and English) and is highly motivated, not only in her schoolwork, but also in making connections throughout Charlotte.

Thankfully, her personal drive has helped her weather the pandemic, which has been riddled with challenges. 

“At first, it was challenging to make the switch to online learning.. As an international student, I had never heard of such a thing,” Fatimata says. “However, Central Piedmont was there to help me every step of the way and provided advice about how to take online classes and be self-disciplined.”

Her advice to prospective Central Piedmont students? 

“You will not go wrong in choosing Central Piedmont to accomplish your educational goals,” she says. “It is an affordable college that has a lot to offer at the individual and professional level. You’ll be able to connect with many students from different backgrounds, volunteer in the community, and at the same time pursue your goals like I am!”

Adjusting to the new semester? Counseling Services can help!

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masked female student looking at laptopThe start of any semester brings a host of emotions, ranging from excitement and optimism to insecurity and fear. All these regular experiences may feel more intense as we begin fall 2021. If worry, sadness, anger, or confusion have you feeling distracted or concerned, a Central Piedmont Counselor is available to help you sort it out and find new ways to cope. Services are free and confidential to enrolled students. To learn more, visit the Counseling Services website. 

Finish Faster with 8-Week Courses this Spring Semester

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Central Piedmont has remained dedicated to discovering innovative ways to help you persist and complete your studies. The college has been hard at work, reviewing best practices for how students across the state and country are achieving success (and completing!) within accelerated, remote learning environments during COVID-19.


Our Findings

What we’ve learned is students have higher success rates in compressed, short-session courses, compared to full-semester length (16-week) courses. This is especially true among part-time students. Students in short-session courses have demonstrated improved time management skills, better focus and motivation, and improved knowledge retention.

With this in mind, Central Piedmont will offer more eight-week learning sessions in spring 2021. 

Pilot programs
The college is currently identifying which programs and courses will be included in the spring short-session pilot program. To date, the following programs and courses have been recommended for the pilot (others may be added):

  • Associate in Arts (Students in the 2020-2021 49erNext cohort as well as other AA courses)
  • Automotive Systems Technology
  • Business Administration
  • Collision Repair & Refinishing
  • Criminal Justice Technology
  • Diesel & Heavy Equipment Technology
  • Early Childhood Education
  • Interior Design
  • Medical Office Administration
  • Office Administration
  • Simulation & Game Development
  • Welding Technology.

How it will work

Beginning Jan. 11, students would still return to campus for face-to-face courses, online courses, or a combination of both in-person and online courses; however, students enrolled in the above programs would have the option of enrolling in: traditional 16-week courses AND/OR multiple short-session (eight-week) courses scheduled during the first eight-week session of the semester (Jan. 11 – March 5) or during the second eight-week session of the semester (March 15 – May 11). By enrolling in short-session courses, these students would be able to earn the same amount of credits in less time. 

Student benefits

The short-session learning schedule has a number of proven benefits. If you’re enrolled in one of the above programs this spring, and decide to enroll in multiple eight-week courses during the first and second half of the semester, you will be able to:

  • identify more classes that better fit your schedule (both 16-week and eight-week sessions will be available)
  • experience a break between March 6 and 14, allowing you more time to adjust your schedules ahead of the next eight-week session
  • experience constant pacing from term to term
  • focus on fewer classes during each eight-week period
  • earn stackable credentials to demonstrate your academic/career pathway to future employers
  • have access to a quality education at the same great price
  • complete your educational goals on time

 We hope offering more eight-week, short-session classes contributes to your success, providing you with more learning options that meet your busy schedule as you strive to achieve your academic goals and conquer possibility at Central Piedmont!

Registration for the spring 2021 semester is now open. A complete listing of spring 2021 classes, including details such as section, prerequisites, course descriptions, etc., are now available through Student Planning. Log into MyCollege to plan your class schedule. In addition, Corporate and Continuing Education course registration is ongoing.

Defining Student Success

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During the strategic planning process, the importance of defining student success emerged continually.  Strategic Goal 1 revolves around creating a unified and focused vision for student success.

How do you define student success?  By Friday, January 25, please complete the linked Defining Student Success survey to share your definition of student success with the Student Success Leadership Team and the Strategic Planning Committee.

If you have questions, please contact Tracie Clark.