Jeanna Brazel’s Full-Circle Story at CFCC

Jeanna Brazel has experienced Cape Fear Community College as a student, as a staff member in the IT department, and now as an instructor teaching in the program where she once started.

As an adult learner who entered the IT field with little experience and worked through her own learning challenges, she brings a classroom perspective shaped by lived experience.

CFCC as a student

Her path to CFCC began in 2011, when she was starting over. Looking for stability, she enrolled in the Information Technology program, knowing it was a field with opportunity.

There was just one problem.

“I didn’t really know how to use a computer. Other than getting on Facebook, that was about it.”

Still, she committed to the program. Over time, she built the skills and confidence she needed, graduating in May 2013.

CFCC as a staff member

Just a month later, she was back on campus installing computers at Union Station as a temporary employee. That work quickly led to a help desk position and, eventually, in 2017, to a full-time role as an IT technician.

“I never, ever thought I would want to do that,” she said.

But even then, she was already teaching in a sense.

“When you work in IT, and someone calls for help, you’re teaching them, whether you realize it or not.”

CFCC as an instructor

By spring 2023, she stepped into the classroom for the first time as an instructor.

“I taught one class, and that just totally changed things for me,” she said. “I knew this was my calling.”

At the time, Jeanna was working toward a master’s degree in instructional design technology and planning to move away from IT. Teaching shifted that path.

“It’s really full circle,” she said. “This is a classroom that I learned in, and now I teach in it.”

Jeanna remembers walking into college at 35, unsure of what to expect and surrounded by students with very different levels of experience. She also brings the perspective of someone with a diagnosed learning disability.

“I have all these things to pull from to give to my students,” she said. “To help the ones who struggle, to see it from a different point of view if that’s what they need.”

Because of that, she builds flexibility into every part of her classroom.

“I don’t teach for just one type of learner,” she said. “I try to cover the whole spectrum.”

Teaching style

Jeanna’s classes are hands-on and interactive.

“When we have labs, everybody has to do their own work, but they can help each other,” she said. “I tell them this is a community room, as long as they’re comfortable with it. And if they want to be by themselves, I respect that too.”

That approach resonates with students.

“I’ve had students tell me that just hearing my story of starting in this program with no experience gave them the confidence to keep going,” she said.

While the IT field continues to evolve with advancements like artificial intelligence becoming part of everyday conversation, Jeanna emphasizes that the need for skilled professionals isn’t going anywhere.

“Even with AI, you still need people to support it,” she said.

From student to staff to instructor, Brazel has seen firsthand the support system at CFCC.

“I had a lot of support when I was a student,” she said. “And I still see that now. We’re all on the same page about our students and their success.”

For someone who once walked into that same classroom unsure of what came next, Jeanna has found exactly where she belongs.

“I love watching my students learn and get excited. It’s so rewarding to see. I would love for this to be the job I continue with until I retire.”

Learn more about CFCC’s Information Technology program.