Student Spotlight: Sydney Gillespie
Sydney Gillespie, a hardworking student at CFCC, is originally from Oak Island but has proudly called Wilmington her home since 2004. This past May, Sydney achieved a significant milestone by graduating with an Associate in General Education. She is set to accomplish another goal this summer by earning an Associate in Arts. Sydney has always dreamed of becoming a nurse, and she is diligently working to make that happen at CFCC.
WHERE ARE YOU FROM ORIGINALLY?
I’m originally from Oak Island, North Carolina, but I have lived in Wilmington since 2004, so I consider Wilmington as my home.
WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO ENROLL AT CFCC?
I enrolled at CFCC when I was 32. After being out of school for so long, I needed to be re-educated. When I started back at CFCC in 2019, I didn’t even know what Google Drive was. I took each semester slowly, taking a couple of courses each semester until I became acclimated to the changes in technology. I had never taken an online course until the pandemic in 2020. Since then, I have taken many online courses.
WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS AFTER GRADUATION?
After I graduate in August, I plan to begin the Practical Nursing program at CFCC in the fall. Once I complete that program and gain my state licensure, I will work as a licensed practical nurse and then apply to the LPN to RN transition program at CFCC. That has been my initial goal since I began at CFCC.
HOW HAS CFCC HELPED PREPARE YOU FOR YOUR NEXT STEP?
I seek advice, always communicate, and ask questions over the semesters to people I know are trustworthy and credible sources. Rachel Cavenaugh, Nikki Glaspie, Mark Mason, and Kristina Bartlet are just a few. The list can go on.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE CONSIDERING STUDYING AT CFCC?
If you’re considering it, then what are you waiting for? Gaining an education at CFCC has opened so many doors in my mind that I once never knew existed! Education is fundamental and powerful. I compare myself annually to the previous year. Each year, I notice so much growth in my mindset. I have so much respect and love for myself due to the strength I’ve gained from my education at CFCC.
