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Featured Photo: Blue Ridge Community College students during Fall 2026 Welcome Week. (Photo by: Rich Keen.)
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Marketing & Communications Dept.
Every semester, thousands of students enroll in North Carolina’s community colleges. Their reasons for enrolling and choosing to stay local vary, but one thing is true for all students: They’re entering college with a goal and a path toward achieving it.
It was the first week back for students at Blue Ridge Community College, which serves three campus locations in Henderson and Transylvania counties and enrolls as many as 11,000 students each year.
This week, Blue Ridge’s marketing team caught up with students, both new and returning, to find out their “why.” Why college? Why their specific program? Why Blue Ridge?
Student Perspectives
For one cosmetology student, it took about two years after graduating from high school to discover her “why.” Hannah “June” Decker knew she liked the arts and creativity. One day, she realized she could turn those passions into a career in cosmetology.
As for why Blue Ridge, Decker said it came down to being close to home, an easy application process, and the support she received from staff as she acclimated to the new program.
Like Decker, Alexandra “Sandy” Pena Martinez chose cosmetology because she wanted to use her creativity for a career. Growing up with curly hair, she never really knew how to care for or style her natural texture. Now, she hopes to help others fall in love with their own hair texture.
Family and finances played a role in Ruben Prado’s decision to return to school.
Prado has worked as a paramedic for years, but with his family in mind, he decided to enroll at Blue Ridge with the goal of becoming a nurse through the College’s RIBN program.
For April Tierney, the decision to enroll at Blue Ridge came down to flexibility. As a working adult, she said the College’s class schedule allows her to balance college with her other responsibilities.
“I’m an adult going back to school,” Tierney said. “And Blue Ridge’s programs offer enough flexibility for me to be able to work and go back to school at the same time.”
Tierney is currently pursuing a degree in nursing.
These are just a few of the thousands of meaningful stories that fill the halls of Blue Ridge Community College. Each student arrives on campus with a different goal and a different reason for being here, but they’re all looking ahead to what’s next.
As Welcome Week comes to an end, Blue Ridge President Dr. Laura B. Leatherwood shared a few words of encouragement for students, and for those considering taking their first step toward college.
“Blue Ridge is a special place with you at the center of our mission,” she said. “As you begin this exciting new chapter or continue your studies, remember that you don’t have to navigate it alone. We want to see you succeed in your life and career goals, and we’re committed to helping you get there.”