Our student of the week is Beth Gibson! She will be graduating this December with her Associate of Applied Science in
Business Administration - Office Administration.
We asked Beth a few questions about herself and what inspires her:
Who is one of your role models? How has that person helped with your educational journey?
One of my biggest role models from SCC is my advisor and instructor, Jennifer Barfield. Ms. Barfield has always encouraged me to do my very best. She has always responded promptly when I had questions and offered positive feedback. Others who have inspired me are Carolyn Porter and Danell Moses. Everyone at SCC who I've met throughout my program have offered encouragement to me and have been very supportive. My other role models are my husband and daughter, who even after I retired supported my decision to return to college and get my degree.
What motivates you to excel at SCC in spite of difficult circumstances you may face?
It was always my dream to get a degree. I got a job soon after I graduated from high school with the Swain County Health Department. I continued to take classes when I could, but never followed through getting a degree. After 30 years, I retired at the age of 49 from the health department and went on to work for an accounting agency. After that, I went to work for a non-profit as a finance officer. In August 2018, I found myself unemployed, and while at the beach on vacation with my family I had this epiphany that I needed to go back to school. My husband and daughter told me to go for it and fulfill my dream while I had the opportunity. It has not been easy, but all my friends and family have encouraged me to keep going and not give up. I was determined I was going to follow through and not quit.
What advice would you give to other students who face tough challenges?
I would say to always do your best in everything that you do. To go out there and change the world. Don't let anyone tell you that you can't do this or that. Many face obstacles and doubt themselves, but I would tell them they are stronger than they think they are. Just take that first step. Sometimes it is difficult balancing or juggling everything when you have a family, attend college, have a job, run a household, etc. We get pulled in all different directions and many of us live stressful lives. I always tell people to look at the big picture. To look to the future and make it better for themselves in every way they can. That's what I did a year ago, and look at me now! I am going to graduate with a degree in December. My family is very proud of me, but not as much as I am proud of myself and my accomplishments.
Congratulations, Beth! We can't wait to see you walk across the stage next week.
