Alumni Spotlight: Marquita Martin
Originally from Wilmington, NC, Marquita Martin has always had a strong connection to her community. Her journey into nursing was fueled by a desire to challenge racial barriers and make a significant impact in the lives of those around her. Now, as she prepares to graduate from Cape Fear Community College, Marquita reflects on her experiences, challenges, and future aspirations.
Q: Why did you decide to enroll at CFCC?
Marquita: I decided to enroll at Cape Fear because I knew it was the top Nursing School program in North Carolina. I also knew of the battles that many people of my race faced attempting to be accepted into the program, and wanted to challenge that theory.
Q: What are your hopes and expectations for your future in the nursing profession?
Marquita: I hope to constantly evolve as a human being and as a nurse and to continuously make a difference in anyone’s day, whether it’s patients or strangers.
Q: What were some of the biggest challenges you faced during your studies, and how did you overcome them?
Marquita: Obtaining a nursing license was, by far, the most challenging goal I’ve ever tried to reach. As a single mom of three children, working full time and going to school full time, there were many days that I struggled mentally, emotionally, physically, and financially. However, I was awarded a grant that allowed me to stop working completely during my last semester of nursing school. I prayed, I believed, and I never gave up because I had three little people cheering me on every step of the way. I conquered!
Q: How has CFCC helped prepare you for your next step?
Marquita: My experience at Cape Fear has been the absolute best. My instructors guided and coached my classmates and me to not only be ready to take the NCLEX Exam but also to be the best nurses. The knowledge and wisdom obtained in this program will stick with me forever.
I’ve been blessed to have Julie, the Academic Success Navigator in my life. We met weekly for months, and she was so much more than her role at the college. She counseled me, spoke life into me, and helped me, and I’m forever grateful for her and many of the staff at Cape Fear. Everyone has been so amazing!
Q: What advice would you give to someone considering studying at CFCC?
Marquita: To any student considering studying at Cape Fear, I’d say, “If you want to feel loved, valued, and supported, this is the school for you! Always believe in your dreams and yourself. With positive thinking, dedication, hard work, and faith, you can create the life you desire.”
Q: What are your aspirations for contributing to the community once you start your career as a nurse?
Marquita: I aspire to become a Doula, assisting with births, educational classes, and resources for young women. As a young mother, I want to educate young women about health, life’s challenges, and self-care.
