Tag Archives: student success story

Student Success Story: Sonia Martinez Penaranda

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Sonia Martinez

Sonia Martinez Penaranda is living proof that it’s never too late to say “never.” 💪

The 40-year-old is a wife and mother of four, who is determined to show her children that there is always time to improve yourself.

“I missed a lot of study time in my youth,” explains the Venezuela native. “Thankfully, places like Central Piedmont give individuals like me – a non-traditional student – an opportunity to improve and learn a new career.”

Sonia enrolled in the college’s phlebotomy program, a step she decided to take after seeing a need in the healthcare field for more diversity. 

“Going to the doctor and giving blood is stressful in general,” explains Sonia. “Now imagine walking into a lab and not understanding the language or what is going on around you. You can understand how a person’s stress level can begin to increase. I want my patients to be comfortable in a healthcare setting, to feel safe and confident. If I’m able to create a positive experience, the greater the likelihood they’ll return for a follow-up appointment and take better care of themselves and their families.”

Thankfully, Sonia won’t have to wait long to achieve her goal of being a professional phlebotomist. She’s learning the skill through the college’s Accelerated Career Training (ACT) program, an initiative that seeks to help individuals attain meaningful employment through fast job training in high-growth career paths. The phlebotomist learning track can be completed in as little as seven to 16 weeks.👏

“Central Piedmont has helped me keep my dream alive,” says Sonia. “It’s given me a second chance at fulfilling my goals of being a working professional, learning a new skill, and helping my community, and I’m not going to let it go to waste. Not this time around.”😊

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!”