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Featured Photo: Blue Ridge Community College Student Ambassador Cooper Weaver helps a dual-enrolled welding student set up his college email account during the first day of late-start classes at the Transylvania County Campus.
Rob Rhodes, Student Services Coordinator
Marketing & Communications Dept.
Blue Ridge Community College’s Transylvania County Campus welcomed 121 dual enrollment students from Transylvania County Schools as they began in-person classes aligned with the school system’s academic calendar.
Although Blue Ridge’s fall semester began Aug. 17, the late-start courses began after Transylvania County Schools opened Aug. 24. The courses allow high school students to participate in Career & College Promise (CCP), North Carolina’s dual enrollment program through which eligible students can take college-level courses tuition-free.
Many CCP courses are fully transferable to colleges in the University of North Carolina System and most private colleges and universities in North Carolina. Students can also enroll in career and technical courses that provide hands-on training.
This semester’s offerings include Nurse Aide I, which prepares students to become certified nursing assistants. Engine Performance I introduces operation and diagnostic procedures used to restore performance in vehicles with complex engine-control systems. Basic Transportation Electricity covers electrical theory, wiring diagrams, test equipment and the diagnosis, repair and replacement of batteries, starters, and alternators.
Introducing new SGA officers and student ambassadors
Helping welcome the students were the campus’s new Student Government Association (SGA) officers and student ambassadors. Christian Adair serves as SGA vice president, and Lila Fox serves as SGA secretary. Cooper Weaver and Judson Weaver serve as student ambassadors.
The student leaders helped high school students locate their classrooms and set up their college email accounts. They completed training and orientation sessions during the summer to prepare for their responsibilities and received custom apparel, name badges, and leadership guides.
“Being a student and student ambassador at Blue Ridge has helped me grow into a more confident, responsible and determined person,” Judson Weaver said. “This experience has strengthened my leadership, communication and teamwork skills while preparing me for my future.”
Fox, a dual-enrolled homeschool student who began taking college courses as a ninth grader, said the program has provided her with an important head start.
“Taking free classes at Blue Ridge has provided me with an incredible opportunity,” Fox said. “I will graduate high school at 18 with an associate degree, which will transfer to a four-year university. Serving as secretary for SGA has also allowed me to become more involved at Blue Ridge.”
Cooper Weaver said serving as a student ambassador has allowed him to grow as a leader and build connections with other students.
“Being able to represent Blue Ridge, connect with students and help others feel welcome and supported has been very meaningful to me,” he said. “I am truly grateful for the experiences, connections and memories I have gained through being a student and student ambassador.”
Throughout the year, the student leaders will help organize campus activities and assist with graduation, new student orientations, and other college events. They will also attend meetings of the Blue Ridge Community College Board of Trustees. Those who successfully fulfill the responsibilities of their positions will receive a service scholarship at the end of each semester.
Next week, late-start CCP students will be invited to a campus pizza party and a Sweet Start event featuring doughnuts and other breakfast treats.
To learn more about Blue Ridge programs and student leadership opportunities, visit www.blueridge.edu or call 828-694-1900 to speak with an admissions counselor.