Student Spotlight: Madison Nordmiller
University Transfer student Madison Nordmiller stands out as a passionate advocate for psychology, student involvement, and mental health awareness. She is a driven individual making the most of her time at CFCC. As an active participant in student government and clubs on campus, Madison strives to connect with her fellow students.
One of Madison’s goals is to — in her interactions with students — encourage mental health and well-being and help her peers take the necessary steps to care for themselves.
Madison seeks to challenge societal stigmas surrounding mental health — a challenge that has led her to champion the re-establishment of the National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI) student club.
NAMI is an international grassroots foundation with the mission of reducing the stigma surrounding mental health and mental illness.
Madison took a break from her busy schedule to share her CFCC experience.
WHERE ARE YOU FROM ORIGINALLY?
I’m originally from Northern California, and my sister lives here. Right after I graduated from high school, I came here on vacation to visit her. I was planning to go directly to a state university in California, but instead, I decided to move in with my sister.
WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO ENROLL AT CAPE FEAR?
I missed the deadline to enroll at a university, but I didn’t want to take time off from college. So, I enrolled at Cape Fear Community College to earn my Associate in Arts degree and get my general education classes out of the way. I plan to transfer to a 4-year university to study clinical psychology.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCE AT CFCC.
I’m really enjoying my psychology classes at CFCC, especially abnormal psychology and developmental psychology, this semester. The social problems course in sociology is fascinating. It’s amazing that community college offers such specific courses, not just the usual subjects like English and math. The smaller class sizes in specialized classes like abnormal psychology and social problems are great for in-depth discussions and forming strong connections with peers. These discussions provide a variety of perspectives, which is especially valuable in social sciences.
I’m also a senator in the Student Government Association, serving as the chief of staff. I connect with senators to understand their concerns and convey them to the student body president, Cara Allen. I’m also on the board for the Food Pantry, Ray’s Trays, and my interest in food pantries grew due to my instructor’s research in this area.
Additionally, I work in CFCC’s Human Resources department on Fridays as part of a work-study program.
WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS AFTER GRADUATION?
I plan to transfer after graduation. I’m looking at Notre Dame. They have a great sense of community on campus. Since they don’t have Greek life, their dorms turn into hubs for social activities, resembling sororities and fraternities.
I’ve also thought about High Point University here in North Carolina. I hear they have really good food on campus. I’ve also heard they have an ice cream truck that drives around campus and gives away free ice cream, and in the winter, they give away free hot chocolate.
UNCW is my safety school.
WHAT MADE YOU WANT TO PURSUE THE CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY?
Originally, I wanted to pursue sociology. I like thinking about how everything’s connected within society and how one thing affects everything else; nothing operates individually. But I like psychology. I find it interesting to learn how the world, the environment, and biological factors affect cognitive processes and behaviors. I like the clinical aspect of it. In my abnormal psychology class, I am learning about how and why things can go wrong with a focus on assisting others.
I’ve had opportunities to help my mental health through therapy and medications. I’ve also been a part of NAMI for a while, so I’ve had time to reflect on all that. I want to give everybody else those opportunities.
HOW HAS CAPE FEAR PREPARED YOU FOR YOUR NEXT STEP?
Cape Fear has helped me with the resources that are available here. I have talked to Rodney about the transfer path to UNCW. I’ve talked to my advisor about the best route for my education. My advisors and instructors have all worked with me to get to my final goal.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE WHO’S CONSIDERING STUDYING AT CAPE FEAR?
I suggest that you think about your schedule. Don’t take a morning class if you’re not a morning person.
Take all the classes that you can while you’re here. Beginner classes and electives are better to take here because you’ll get more contact with your teachers and more socialization with your peers.
I have no regrets about coming here. I love learning about all the programs at CFCC. I’ll go up to North Campus because the salon is there.
School is my happy place. I think most people don’t feel like that, but that’s OK.
If you would like to join CFCC’s NAMI club, please contact faculty advisor Kelly Stanley at kstanley@cfcc.edu or 910-362-7125 for more information.
