Grad Spotlight: Madaline Cromartie
When Madaline Cromartie first considered college, a community college wasn’t part of the plan.
“I had a stigma against community colleges,” she admitted. “I believed it was only for people who had low ambitions and didn’t want to do much with their life. I was completely humbled.”
Madaline originally planned to attend Howard University straight out of high school. But life had other plans, and enrolling at Cape Fear Community College was a life-changing decision.
“Starting here honestly saved my life financially and mentally,” she said. “Cape Fear created moments where I had to question where I was headed, what I needed to improve on, and what I needed to let go of.”
Naturally introverted, Madaline often kept to herself, but CFCC challenged her to open up and connect.
“When you open up, you help someone else open up, too,” she said. “This mindset of helping yourself while helping others is why I am here today.”
Through personal setbacks and losses, Madaline leaned into self-reflection. “I shifted my mindset from ‘Why is this happening to me?’ to ‘What is this trying to teach me?’ The simplest words affected my mindset.”
A significant turning point came when she found community at the Nixon Leaders Center, a space that became her home on campus.
“Every day, that would be my spot from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. I’d see everyone come in and out and encourage them to keep the center active and engaged. It’s truly the best place on campus. I wish this would never end. The center will always be a special place in my heart.”
Thanks to the Nixon Leaders Center, Madaline flew on a plane for the first time to attend a Black and Latinx conference in Las Vegas.
In addition to her involvement with the Nixon Leaders Center, Madaline actively participated in several campus clubs and organizations, including the Student Government Association, Student Ambassadors, Philosophy Club, and more.
“These clubs represent a part that God has given me that has seen beyond I could think or imagine,” she said.
She also credits CFCC faculty and staff for being instrumental in her success, especially Donterio Perkins, Nixon Center Coordinator; John Metzger, English Instructor; John Hrebik, Chair of the English and University Transfer Success Department; and Benjamin Sorensen, History Instructor.
“I have been blessed with many gifts throughout my academics and extracurriculars,” Madaline shared.
“I’ve grown in so many aspects of my life, critically, intellectually, emotionally. I started to care more about who I was as a person for myself, rather than for other people.”
Madaline also attributes her growth to her spiritual journey.
“This challenge has most importantly drawn me closer to God and my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I am forever grateful to be alive here and today, without Him, none of this would have been possible.”
This fall, Madaline will be attending Howard University as a junior majoring in Psychology. She plans to transfer to Georgetown University for her Ph.D. and eventually open a private practice for multicultural clinical psychology.