Margie Williams, JSRCC

My purpose for attending the 2011 General Assembly earlier this month was to meet our legislative leaders and listen to their goals for the support of Virginia’s Community Colleges.

I was humbled by the enormous welcome that my fellow students and I received from the legislators. We arrived as a team representing J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College.  The delegates, senators and their assistants were genuinely interested in our current experiences and educational goals for the future. We were asked important questions about our future plans. Most planned to obtain a two year degree and then transfer from J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College to a four year college in Virginia. Our stories described why Virginia’s Community Colleges are so vital to our getting jobs, supporting families and making our dreams come true.

Everyone throughout the halls and open door offices greeted each of us as unique individuals. As a taxpayer, I was proud to see so many hard working people don their day jobs and serve our communities as legislators, delegates, civil servants, and assistants. The atmosphere was professional and friendly, everyone acknowledged us.

Delegate Jennifer McClellan, from the 71^st District, listened attentively to our stories and shared her personal story about growing up in Virginia. Delegate Delores L. McQuinn, 70^th District, was in meetings when we arrived, however, her assistant, Ms. Beverly Crawford was equally enthusiastic about our visit and listened to our stories. Later we greeted Delegate McQuinn as she hurried on to another Assembly session.

Delegate Bill Janis of the 56^th District and his assistant Mike Hazelwood greeted our team, shared objectives for the next year and listened attentively as we spoke. Each leader made us feel as if we were the only priority during the five to seven minute visit.

Delegate John A. Cox, of the 55^th District, was charismatic, warm, and comfortable to talk with. He greeted our team with a great big smile and seemed to know our stories. We shared our future goals and he told us about his day job.

Delegate Joe Morrissey, 74^th District, was to conclude our day at the General Assembly. Mr. Morrissey was like a fireball of energy, he spoke with great knowledge of the commonwealth and Richmond. He listened attentively as we spoke and with genuine interest he asked good questions about our future.

We thanked each person who took the time from such a busy day to listen and share their plans for our future. I felt genuine commitment from them to keep Virginia’s Community College Education a priority. These men and women are community servants, and have given me a new perspective on our Virginia government.

J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College has truly changed two lives in my family. 

My daughter Marcy is a juvenile diabetic, she was coping with many difficult decisions at a time when the economy turned. At the same time, my employment with Circuit City Stores ended after 23 years. I found myself in a fast growing population of “experienced” unemployed senior leaders. 

After recognizing my need to continue working and providing medical insurance for my daughter, I scaled back our living conditions, moved into a smaller home and cut our expenses. That was not enough to afford a college education for my daughter and basic expenses. I began looking into affordable education alternatives, when a friend suggested J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College.

Our prayers were answered in the form of financial aid support from J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College.  Dr. Thomas Hollins, vice president of student affairs, and the administrative staff at J. Sargent Reynolds demonstrated care and professional support for my daughter and myself. Today, my daughter is a graduate of  J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College and has gone on to VCU, thanks primarily to  financial aid assistance and the Two-Year Transfer Grant program.

I returned to college after seeing my daughter’s wonderful transformation from high school to a career in community service as a psychologist.  She was happy in the diverse classroom environment at JSRCC.  It’s hard to explain, but my daughter was empowered at an early age to manage her Juvenile Diabetes. Everyone exceeded my expectations of what a community college is like today. Now it’s my turn to give back to the school age students in our community.

Margie Williams
J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College