Student Spotlight: Courtney Chaplin
Meet Courtney Chaplin, an aspiring nurse from Atlantic Beach, NC, who plans to graduate with her Associate in Science this summer. Inspired by her grandmother’s nursing legacy, Courtney has her eyes set on CFCC’s Practical Nursing program and has hopeful plans to transition to the Associate Degree in Nursing program. Reflecting on her CFCC journey, Courtney credits CFCC, notably the Advising and Counseling Centers, for providing invaluable support and preparing her for success.
WHERE ARE YOU FROM ORIGINALLY?
I’m originally from New Jersey. However, I grew up in Atlantic Beach, NC. We moved to NC in the early 2000s to follow my grandparents, who moved here. North Carolina has been my home for most of my life.
WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO ENROLL AT CFCC?
I decided to enroll at CFCC for its nursing program. I heard it is one of the best programs in the state and very competitive. My grandmother was an LPN, which has always inspired me to become a nurse. It made sense to me to start in the Practical Nursing program and then transition to the ADN program.
WHAT MADE YOU WANT TO PURSUE THAT CAREER PATH?
I have a passion for helping people. I’ve been involved with a few charities. The Live Fearlessly Foundation aims to help people suffering from cystic fibrosis. It was such a great experience working with them. We held several concerts together to raise money for the foundation. I was also part of the buildOn nonprofit organization, which aimed to break the cycle of poverty, illiteracy, and low expectations through service and education. I helped raise money for a school to be built in Guatemala through a silent auction my friend and I held. I’ve also volunteered at the Special Olympics to help teach the kids how to play volleyball. These were all great experiences and rewarding to me.
WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS AFTER GRADUATION?
Outside of college, I am a yoga teacher and personal trainer for sensitive populations and geriatrics. After I graduate, I plan to continue my career path and stay in school to become a nurse practitioner. I dream of starting a non-profit wellness center that combines Eastern and Western medicine philosophies. I wanted to excel in both areas of study and gain enough knowledge to start something like this.
HOW HAS CFCC HELPED PREPARE YOU FOR YOUR NEXT STEP?
CFCC has given me many tools to help prepare me for success. The Advising Center and the Counseling Center truly set me up for success. If I ever needed any guidance, they could provide it to me during my time at CFCC.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE CONSIDERING STUDYING AT CFCC?
At the beginning of my journey at CFCC, I didn’t know all the support that CFCC provides. Students who plan to attend CFCC or are already attending should engage with the supportive student services and the vibrant campus life. CFCC most definitely offers a great platform for academic success.
