My name is Catherine Shepherd and I’m a respiratory care student at Mountain Empire Community College. I have three grown children and  five grandchildren. I expect to graduate with an associate of applied science degree in respiratory therapy in December 2010. When I graduate, I will be 60 years old. 

I am proof that it is never too late to go back to college. When I enrolled at MECC, I was apprehensive that I would not be accepted by the younger students and I was concerned about returning to the classroom after 40 years of not studying. My fears were unfounded.

I came to love the diversity of students found in a community college classroom. I was fortunate to be nominated for the PTK Honor Society and I have been very successful at the college. 

I moved to Big Stone Gap over three years ago. My family suggested that I enroll at Mountain Empire Community College to obtain some skills for a good job with benefits. It was a wonderful suggestion.

I work part-time when I am not taking classes or completing clinicals. I am a DJ at the public radio station in Whitesburg, Kentucky WMMT 88.7 and at WNVA 106.3 in Wise, Virginia. My radio name is the “Biscuit Burner.” I have been fortunate to receive scholarships to assist me with the cost of my education. When I graduate, I look forward to working in a local hospital to give back to the community that has given so much to me.

MECC students with Sen. William Wampler

I was honored to be invited to visit the Virginia General Assembly on Feb. 17 with three other students from Mountain Empire Community College, including Andrianah Kilgore, Darby Yonce, and my math tutor, Patrick McCracken. We all had different reasons for attending Mountain Empire Community College and all of us aspire to completing at least a bachelor’s degree.

I was extremely impressed at the openness and frankness of MECC’s legislative delegation in discussing the state budget for higher education. We met with Senators William Wampler, Jr. and Phillip Puckett, as well as Delegates Terry Kilgore and Bud Phillips. All of these legislators were supportive of the Virginia Community College System. They took time to talk with us even though they were extremely busy with committee meetings. Delegate Kilgore introduced us in the House Gallery.

For several of us, this was our first visit to Richmond and the Capitol. We appreciated having the opportunity to see how our legislature operates firsthand. We were amazed at the beauty of the Capitol building and we enjoyed seeing other historic buildings which are significant in our state and nation’s history, including the John Marshall House and St. John’s Church. I enjoyed the trip to Richmond and hope to return at some future date.