Andrea Burleson

Embarking on the path of education is never easy, but Andrea Burleson was committed. She had been a stay-at-home mom for seven years and was ready to begin her studies in Business Administration, wanting to secure her family's financial future so her husband would not have to work two jobs to make ends meet.

As if raising a family and attending college full-time were not enough, Andrea became very involved on campus. She joined student clubs and was editor of the student literary magazine, reviving her passion for writing. She was elected as the Student Government Association President, earning a position on the College's Board of Trustees.

Realizing that she might have set her goals short, she decided to change her direction and enroll in College Transfer and pursue a four-year education degree after Blue Ridge. "I have found that I am not only important to my family, but that I am also important to me," Andrea wrote in a letter to friends of the College. "I know who I am and, more importantly, who I want to be. I have proven to myself that I can accomplish anything with hard work and perseverance."

Andrea transferred to Western Carolina University where she continues her educational journey and fulfilling her dream of being a teacher.