Pictured left to right, front row: Jade Pierce, Eve Reid, Jackie Morrison, Emily McCall; back row school liaisons Susan Edmonds and Diane Adler-Wailes.
Four of the twelve 2018 recipients of Connestee Falls scholarships who are studying at Blue Ridge Community College recently sat down to discuss their current studies and their aspirations for the future.
Jade Pierce is a freshman studying office administration. After she finishes her associate’s degree, she plans to work as a receptionist while she continues to take classes. She hopes to starther own business one day, perhaps in the field of real estate. Originally from Alamance County near Greensboro, she, her mother, and her twin sister moved to Balsam Grove in 2005.
Eve Reid is a first year student working towards her associate’s degree in science. Her interests lie in criminal justice, specifically forensics, and she is considering a career in the FBI. As a student at Brevard High School she took some on-line courses in forensics and found it very interesting. She plans to go on to a four year institution when she completes her studies at Blue Ridge.
Jackie Morrison is a first year nursing student who has worked for years as a Certified Nursing Assistsant at a memory care facility in Brevard. She has two children, a 14 year old and a two year old. When her children’s father left the family, Jackie decided she needed to go back to school as she could not support her family working as a CNA. With the help and encouragement of Glenda McCarson, the Associate Vice President of the Transylvania campus of BRCC, she completed the work she needed to be admitted to the nursing program. She plans to go on to complete her Bachelor of Science in Nursing and is hoping to work in hospice and palliative care.
Emily McCall, a sophomore who is working towards her Associate’s degree in Arts, has completed her required courses in math, English, and science and is now taking computer science and art appreciation. She likes to sketch and work in water colors, creating pictures of nature and animals. Upon completion of her degree at Blue Ridge, she plans to go on to Appalachian State University and pursue a degree in social work. She envisions working in a hospital with children.