Community college opportunity overcomes barriers
Hello, my name is Melissa Haley Reid.
I attend Paul D. Camp Community College, and I plan to get my associate’s degree in education, then transfer to a four year college to get my bachelor’s degree in counseling/education.
Out of my family, I was the first child to go to college.
When I graduated from high school in 1987, I did not have the opportunity to go to college, because I had a child soon after I graduated.
Later, when my daughter got older, I decided to go back to school — I started at Paul D. Camp in 1993 with the hope of getting my early childhood certification. But I had to leave because of financial problems; my daughter had gotten sick and needed me to care of her at home.
Paul D. Camp Community College is so close to my home that I was able to come back in 2010, and start where I left off from previously. Now, I am an education major. Without help and financial assistance from Paul D. Camp Community College, I do not think I would have been able to go to college.
Traveling to Richmond, I met with Sen. Harry B. Blevins. I also met Del. Chris Jones and Del. Lionell Spruill. These people helped me gain an understanding about the legislative process and helped influence my understanding about what they do – and hopefully we helped them understand our situations as well.
Paul D. Camp Community College
Del. Lionel Spruill visits with PDCCC group.
Del. Chris Jones poses with PDCCC students.
Sen. Harry Blevins greets PDCCC students.
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This is a wonderful blog. Mrs. Reid is truely an inspiration to us all. Keep up the great work and be the best “YOU” that “YOU” can be.
I enjoyed reading Melissa’s motivating story. Her hard work, determination, and persistence are admirable! PDCCC is giving the great people of Franklin and the surrounding areas an opportunity to receive a solid education at an affordable price.
A recent Tidewater News article showed that 33% of children are living in poverty in Franklin. The hard working people at PDCCC are helping to change these statistics.
Mellisa is an outstanding role model for PDCCC students, both present and future. She is a goal setter, and she never lost sight of her goals as life seemed to place detours in her path. What a wonderful teacher she will make in the future!
Hello Everyone,
Thank you for your encouragement. I have a goal to make in life, that I will adchieve.
Melissa’s story is truly inspirational. It has been a pleasure getting to know this brave, dedicated, and hard working young woman. Melissa makes everyone around her BELIEVE – she makes you BELIEVE that no matter the obstacles, you can achieve. Her smile says it all!
Great inspirational story, Melissa! It is an example that “hard work” and “persistence” do pay off.
Melissa,
Keep up the good work. Thanks for all that you do at PDCCC–You make us proud!
Melissa,
You are such a great student to be helping with everything you do. You help to make PDCCC a success for everything. Keep up the GREAT work.