Wesley Arnold

Though Wesley Arnold was not the traditional community college student, he had a clear idea of his career goal: teaching young children to overcome disadvantaged backgrounds to succeed in life. Arnold earned a 3.93 GPA at Blue Ridge Community College, in his spare time tutoring in reading and music at the Henderson County Boys and Girls Club. But it was while living in Namibia for several months, where he gave instruction in basic computer skills at Polytechnic of Namibia, that he became convinced he wanted to work with underserved populations.

Wesley's hard work was affirmed when he received the prestigious Jack Kent Cooke scholarship in 2006. This scholarship not only allowed him to pursue their academic dreams without financial barriers, it also made a statement about the great students who attend Blue Ridge Community College. Wesley is a graduate of Brevard College.

"I will be doing what I am compelled to do, teach. I may not be rich but I will be doing something meaningful and fulfilling in life."
-Wesley Arnold