CFCC Adult High School Grad Finds Her Passion in Counseling and Takes Next Steps at CFCC

CFCC adult high school graduate Crystal Harris discovered her passion at CFCC and is on her way to a career as a substance abuse counselor.

“I used to struggle with questions like ‘what am I supposed to do now?’ and ‘how am I supposed to support my family?’” said Crystal Harris, CFCC adult high school graduate. “If it wasn’t for Cape Fear Community College’s Adult High School program, these doubts would still be ringing in my ears,” she added.

Harris enrolled in the adult high school program with plans to become a law enforcement officer. However, after leaning into the support staff available to her at CFCC, she discovered that her skills, strengths, and passions better aligned with something else: Substance abuse counseling for teenagers and children.

“Everyone on campus is so helpful. They want to help, they want to see you succeed. Once I l took advantage of the resources available to me, I discovered a new career path that I am passionate about.”

Since her graduation from the Adult High School program in August 2021, Harris has gained momentum. With one course of the Certified Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counseling program complete, she’s on her way to earn a certificate from CFCC’s Economic and Workforce Development division and has enrolled in the Human Services Technology: Substance Abuse associate degree program.

Once Harris completes her associate degree she hopes to further her education and one day open her own counseling practice.

To anyone struggling with the same questions Harris did, she has a few words of wisdom: “There is a light at the end of the tunnel. And it’s worth getting. Just stay focused, know what you want, and go after it. It will better you and your future.”