Madison McClellan’s Story
Madison McClellan did not move to Wilmington with a detailed plan. Originally from Maryland, she relocated in 2019 on a whim. After stepping away from a four-year university, she needed time to regroup and figure out what came next.
As she considered her next steps, community college felt like the right place to begin again. Madison had taken community college classes while still in high school and understood the value of starting there.
“I knew community college was a smart choice financially,” she said. “I’m really grateful I listened to that advice early on because I avoided years of debt.”
After researching options in the area, Madison enrolled at Cape Fear Community College in the fall of 2019. While working full-time, she completed two years of coursework entirely online, taking nine credit hours each semester.
“My experience didn’t look like the traditional community college path,” she said.
Learning to Advocate for Herself
Madison is a first-generation college student who spent her teenage years in foster care. Without the benefit of consistent financial support or family guidance, she learned early how to navigate life on her own and advocate for herself.
“When you’re in the system, it’s easy to feel discouraged and stuck. You often have to be your own motivator and figure things out on your own.”
Madison approached CFCC with the intention of earning her general education credits and keeping her options open. She knew she wanted to continue her education afterwards.
“I loved my professors. I loved the material,” she said. “I’m so grateful I was able to go to Cape Fear.”
Taking the Next Step
After graduating from CFCC, Madison took a gap year before transferring to the University of North Carolina Wilmington. There, she earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Human Resource Management.
During her final semester at UNCW, Madison accepted a full-time position as an HR Generalist at Pinnacle Trailers.
“I wear many hats,” she said. “I’m a team of one supporting over 80 employees. No two days look the same, and I’m constantly problem-solving as we continue to grow.”
Pinnacle Trailers, a multi-state company, was Madison’s first experience working in a blue-collar industry.
“Everybody here has the biggest heart,” she said. “Even though we’ve grown, it still has that mom-and-pop feel.”
Keeping Talent Local
Madison’s connection to CFCC did not end after graduation. When Pinnacle began discussing the need to hire more employees, she immediately thought of the College.
“I suggested Cape Fear immediately,” she said. “I know what it has to offer.”
Because of Madison’s advocacy, Pinnacle Trailers officially became an apprenticeship partner with CFCC. Madison hopes the new partnership will strengthen the connection between local employers and local talent.
“So many students move away after graduating,” she said. “Keeping talent local matters. It makes a real impact.”
Through the apprenticeship partnership, Pinnacle is also exploring opportunities for students interested in business-related pathways, including accounting and finance.
Giving Back to the Place That Gave Her a Start
For Madison, the partnership is personal.
“Cape Fear gave me so much,” she said. “It gave me a degree and a huge step forward in my life. I want to give back and contribute however I can.”
Madison hopes her story shows what is possible even when the path is not easy.
“I hope anyone who sees this and can relate knows there is light at the end of the tunnel,” she said.
“I still remind myself to take it one day at a time. I can’t change yesterday, and I can’t control tomorrow. All I can do is focus on right now.”
CFCC offers several ways to make college more affordable, including scholarships specifically for those who are currently in foster care or were formerly in the system. Learn more about these opportunities by visiting the CFCC Foundation.
