Brevard High School, Davidson River School, and Rosman High School students and staff are getting to know their new NC Career Coach, Bailey Varley. Varley, who is employed by Blue Ridge Community College, began in March and will be serving Transylvania County students by helping them explore career paths and apply to colleges and universities.
Varley, a native of Cabarrus County, attended Brevard College, playing varsity soccer as a striker, and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. She taught high school for two years at Hickory Ridge High School in Harrisburg, North Carolina. Later, Varley returned to her alma mater, serving as Assistant Director of Admissions for Brevard College.
By bringing both high school teaching experience and college admissions experience to the NC Career Coach position, Varley understands where students are coming from as well as their transition to college or career after high school. She is also very enthusiastic about working with students.
“I really enjoy working with this specific age group because I feel like high school students are excited about what’s next for them. It is really fun to help them in any way that I can. I’m a mentor for students so that they can create their own paths, and I’m excited to open up a door or two to lead them to where they hope to be,” Varley explains.
The first big activity planned for high school students is CCP Day at the Blue Ridge Community College Transylvania County Campus on March 13.
Many high school students take advantage of the Career & College Promise (CCP) program, which allows eligible high school juniors and seniors to dual enroll in college courses tuition-free. CCP is comprised of two different pathways, including College Transfer and Career & Technical Education, each encompassing a number of different programs. At CCP Day students will learn about courses and programs such as American Sign Language, Sociology, Automotive, Computer Integrated Machining, and Nursing and have time to talk to advisors.
Varley will have an office at each high school to meet with students. They may also contact her through email or social media outlets.
“I want to be a resource and an ally for students,” she added. “I want to find a way to communicate that students feel comfortable using.”
High school students benefit from a team approach to career planning and college applications. Support from parents, teachers and guidance counselors is essential during this transition time. Transylvania County students are lucky to have Varley join their team as NC Career Coach.