Student Stories

February 3, 2025

When Veronica Silva Romero arrived in the United States nearly two years ago, she faced an uncertain future. She had left Ecuador, the country where she had lived for most of her life and found herself in a new place with many challenges ahead.  

The barriers were daunting—financial struggles, a new language, and an unfamiliar education system. But through determination and the right opportunities, she has transformed her life in ways she never imagined. 

"At first, I had no plans to continue my education after high school," Veronica shares. "My economic situation was difficult, and college seemed out of reach. But the Opportunity Scholarship changed everything. It allowed me to achieve my goals and pursue my education." 

Veronica's journey at Central Piedmont began in November 2023 as a dual enrollment student. At that time, she was still finishing high school and uncertain about her future. The thought of college seemed unrealistic—not only because of financial difficulties, but also because English was not her first language. However, Central Piedmont provided her with invaluable resources to improve her English skills daily. "Now I can proudly say that I am bilingual," she says with a smile. 

In the summer of 2024, she graduated from high school, and just one month later, she received the Opportunity Scholarship—a full scholarship that changed the trajectory of her life. "My heart was filled with joy, and my family was so proud of me," she recalls. "Everything started to get better from that moment." 

Adjusting to college life was challenging, especially studying in a language that was not her own. "It requires double the effort, but I face it every day with dedication and determination," she says.  

Central Piedmont has not only provided her with an education but also opened doors to experiences she never thought possible. In November 2024, she had the opportunity to attend a conference in Los Angeles—an experience that broadened her perspective and reaffirmed her dreams. 

Throughout her journey, Veronica has received guidance and support from many mentors, including Kelly Herman and Dakayla Little, Central Piedmont career counselors whose encouragement through mentoring and coaching has been invaluable. Kelly and Dakayla’s support has played a key role in helping Veronica navigate the challenges of college and adjust to life in a new country. 

"Central Piedmont has been there for me every step of the way," Veronica says. "It has given me opportunities beyond the classroom—education, resources, people, and even travel." 

Now, as she continues her journey, Veronica is filled with gratitude and excitement for the future. "I am so happy to be a student at this prestigious institution. My story is proof that with perseverance and the right opportunities, anything is possible."  

She hopes to graduate in Spring 2026 with her Associate in Arts in Communications and then transfer to UNC Charlotte.

January 20, 2025

Jasmin fell in love with photography as a high school sophomore, captivated by the art of capturing meaningful moments. She chose to pursue photography professionally at the young age of 15, building her skills and growing her portfolio.  

But as her career developed, Jasmin realized she needed more than artistic ability to succeed—she needed business knowledge to match. 

Determined to take her craft to the next level, Jasmin began exploring her college options. 

“I wanted a college that was affordable, provided a close-knit community, and help me grow as a business owner,” she said. 

That search led her to Central Piedmont. Enrolling in the Associate of Arts program with a focus in Business Entrepreneurship, Jasmin set out on a new chapter of her journey. 

For Jasmin, the faculty at Central Piedmont made all the difference. More than just instructors, her professors became mentors who truly cared about her success. They understood that students are more than grades—they are individuals with emotions and goals. 

One professor had a profound impact on Jasmin’s growth. Public speaking had always been one of her biggest challenges, but her instructor, Blessing Aghimien, created a safe and supportive space to help her face her fears.  

“She helped me gain the skills to be a more confident speaker,” Jasmin said. 

Last December, Jasmin graduated with her associate degree and a renewed sense of purpose. Her time at Central Piedmont equipped her with the business skills to grow her photography career and gave her the confidence to embrace challenges and push past obstacles. 

Jasmin’s story is a testament to the power of education and community. Central Piedmont gave her the tools, support, and inspiration she needed to thrive. As she looks ahead, Jasmin is excited to combine her passion for photography with her entrepreneurial ambitions, confident that the foundation she built at Central Piedmont will guide her success. 

January 8, 2024

Jessica Fletcher’s journey at Central Piedmont began with a campus tour that sparked a feeling of belonging, and when she discovered how affordable it would be to attend, she knew it was the perfect place to start her educational path. During her time at Central Piedmont, Jessica became active in campus life, such as working at the art galleries on campus, which gave her a sense of community and opened new doors—including an opportunity to join the Art Club on campus. 

Jessica’s experience at Central Piedmont also led to one of the most transformative moments of her life: studying abroad in South Africa. With the guidance and support of Teresa Hall, director of Global Engagement, who helped her every step of the way, Jessica was awarded two scholarships that made this experience possible.

Studying in South Africa not only broadened her academic horizons but also allowed her to display her passion for photography. Her journey was documented through her lens, capturing the vibrant culture and landscapes of South Africa—an experience that left a lasting impact on her personal and academic life. Some of her favorite photos from her travels are currently on display in the Overcash Center Art Gallery, a testament to the creativity and vision Central Piedmont helped her cultivate.

In May 2024, Jessica graduated from Central Piedmont, proudly stepping forward with an associate degree in hand and a deeper sense of purpose. She is now pursuing her bachelor’s degree in business management at UNC Charlotte, bringing the skills, experiences, and perspectives she gained at Central Piedmont into her continued studies.

Shania Johnson, a first-generation college student from Charlotte, NC, embodies resilience.  

After graduating from Garinger High School in 2020, she initially attended UNC Greensboro. Despite an impressive start, she faced significant challenges, including mental health struggles and the unexpected passing of her father.  

Much self-reflection led her to conclude that while she wanted to return to the community of friends she had developed at UNC Greensboro, that choice would not allow her to strive for excellence. Instead, she returned to her hometown of Charlotte and enrolled at Central Piedmont in Spring 2023. 

At Central Piedmont, Shania thrived. She initially intended to stay for just one semester before transferring to UNC Charlotte. However, she fell in love with the campus and developed a strong connection with the institution.  

Her role as a Peer Mentor in TRIO Student Support Services (TRIO-SSS) allowed her to build meaningful relationships and grow personally. TRIO-SSS is a college retention and degree completion program centered on academic, personal, social, and career support for under-resourced college students. It specializes in academic coaching, tutoring, and academic counseling. 

Shaina graduated with her Associate in Arts degree in psychology just a year after she started at Central Piedmont. Her passion for psychology stems from a desire to eliminate negative stigmas surrounding mental health therapy in minority communities. Shaina’s goal is to provide access to mental health resources for minorities and low-income families. 

Reflecting on her journey, Shania credits Central Piedmont with teaching her the importance of perseverance. “I struggled and kept going but still felt defeated,” she said. “Attending Central Piedmont helped me understand that everyone’s path is different, and that doesn’t lessen your personal accomplishments.” She advises future students to engage with the diverse clubs, organizations, and communities at the college.  

Shania’s story is a testament to the power of determination and the transformative impact of finding the right support system. She will begin pursuing a degree in social work at UNC Charlotte this fall. 

Bri Duncan's journey at Central Piedmont Community College is a compelling testament to resilience and dedication. Coming from Wirtz, Virginia, Bri balanced the challenges of being a single mother and an adult learner to achieve dual degrees in Nursing and Fine Arts. Her academic excellence earned her membership in the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and, crucially, scholarships such as the Cato Future Nurse Scholar award, enabling her to graduate debt-free.

Motivated by her son’s serious health challenges and the impactful care they received, Bri was inspired to pursue a career in critical care nursing. She has accepted a position at Atrium Health’s Carolina Medical Center in the Medical ICU, where she is eager to provide compassionate support to patients during critical times.

Central Piedmont was instrumental in supporting Bri through significant personal challenges, including her son's recovery from a stroke and their recovery from a home flood. The college provided crucial support, including a semester of compassionate withdrawal, allowing her to focus on her son's immediate needs without derailing her educational goals.

As the second speaker at her graduation, Bri shared her inspiring story with fellow graduates, underscoring the power of persistence and community support in overcoming life's hurdles. Her message to current and prospective students is clear: leverage every available resource, embrace every challenge as a learning opportunity, and remain steadfast in the pursuit of your dreams.

Bri's story is not just about personal success; it's about how a supportive educational environment and community can help transform challenges into opportunities for growth and achievement.