Graduate Spotlight: Sharron Perry
Growing up in a military family, moving was a common occurrence. Sharron Perry was born in Germany, where her father was stationed, and then moved to various bases throughout the United States. The family returned to Germany, where Sharron completed her high school education and earned a degree in psychology. When her father retired from the military, the family decided to settle in Surf City, North Carolina, a place they had previously vacationed.
Despite having earned college credits in Germany, she discovered that they did not transfer to the United States. This obstacle did not stop her from pursuing her passion for education. She found CFCC to be an affordable starting point for her higher education journey, and she plans to become a teacher.
She has already gained experience in the classroom as a substitute teacher in Onslow County, and she hopes to continue her work on military bases as part of the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA). Her unique background has given her a deep understanding of the challenges that military families face, and she is eager to give back to the community that she grew up in.
Through her determination and willingness to adapt to change, this student has made the most of her experiences and is now poised to make a difference in the lives of others. Her story serves as an inspiration to anyone facing obstacles on their path to success, demonstrating that hard work, dedication, and a positive attitude can lead to great things.
Before heading off to Fayetteville State University, Sharron sat down with us and shared her experiences at CFCC.
WHERE ARE YOU FROM ORIGINALLY?
Originally, I am from Wuerzburg, Germany, and I moved to the United States from Stuttgart, Germany, in 2021.
WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO ENROLL AT CFCC? WHY DID IT MAKE SENSE TO YOU?
Since I spent most of my young adult years in Germany, the entire college application process in the United States didn’t make sense. Fortunately, while living in Germany, a college advisor helped me choose a school that met what I sought. We stumbled upon CFCC, and I applied immediately. Everything made more sense when meeting my academic advisor over Zoom. Renee Dixon was incredibly welcoming and prepared to support me throughout my journey at CFCC.
CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCE AT CFCC?
Since school in Germany was vastly different, I enjoyed learning the new concepts and subjects CFCC had to offer and how driven the educators were to teach. Overall, my experience at CFCC has been great, and I’ve met some fantastic people during my time here.
DID YOU HAVE A FAVORITE CLASS?
I had two favorite classes and educators. My two favorite classes were American Literature I and Introduction to Sociology. The educators of these two classes were Ms. Murfee and Ms. Ferguson. Both made their classes incredibly engaging and allowed space for students to be themselves and say their unique opinions. I was comfortable being myself in their classes, and they challenged me, allowing me to grow into the person I am today.
WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS AFTER GRADUATION?
After graduation, I plan on transferring to Fayetteville State University. I intend to major in English – Literature and Creative Writing, focusing on secondary education. I want to become a High School teacher. Throughout my life, teachers have made an impactful impression on me, and I hope to do the same for my prospective students, guiding them along their journey.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE CONSIDERING STUDYING AT CFCC?
If you feel out of place in the classroom, find a place where you’re comfortable being yourself. CFCC offers a variety of clubs and centers. I felt the most safe by surrounding myself with people who looked like me. Surrounding yourself with people with similar interests or who look like you will help make your experience at CFCC more comfortable and enjoyable.
ANY FINAL COMMENTS?
Despite encountering challenges in the past due to my mixed background and skin color, I have found a welcoming community at the Nixon Leaders Center at CFCC. This safe space has allowed me to feel accepted for who I am and has created an environment where I can embrace my unique identity with pride.
By connecting with like-minded individuals and receiving support from mentors, I have been able to grow and thrive in my academic pursuits. The work that the Nixon Leaders Center does is essential for our community. Without safe places like the Nixon Leaders Center, many students at CFCC would be incredibly lost.
