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A Vision for the Future

Kellie Sturnam
2017 Future Alumni Essay Contest 


Making my decision to enroll at Trident Technical College was an easy one. As a mother of three children, who did not yet have any pre-requisites, I would be starting from square one. Trident has a reputation for catering to the adult student in that respect. What most people do not know is that TTC caters to all students in that respect. TTC has made higher education possible by establishing a framework around the everyday lives of everyday people. From recent graduates who are uncertain about their next steps, to recent grads who want the prestige of a 4-year school (without the 4-year price-tag). From stay-at-home-moms, to returning vets. You name it! There is not a single area that TTC has not covered. And if you think you can't pay for it, think again. If you think you're too old…also not true. I have sat in class between a high schooler and an 84-year old woman. Yes, I said 84. The best part about the departments that have been established here, is that I have yet to find a staff member that is not as dedicated to my success as I am! I will quote one of my previous instructors, "I can only measure my success as a teacher by the success of my students." But a person would not have to take my word for it, they could simply tour the school. I have found that after talking with staff, a good majority were actually TTC graduates! 

With that respect, everywhere I turn, I see Trident Technical College giving back to the community. Just a few weeks ago I had the great privilege to watch my own child receive his first Academic Letter Award. The TTC Foundation was a sponsor of that very prestigious award, as well as funding a scholarship to a very deserving high school senior that night. TTC is also involved in the community during numerous career fairs, and many internships are offered to students through Bosch and Boeing. Just this year the new Early College High School was started on the Palmer Campus to help students in the Charleston County School District begin working on their Associates degree while still staying in high school. 

It is these and the many other programs Trident is a part of that inspire future generations. I remember as a young girl attending my first Quest Competition, there was an excitement buzzing in the room, and so many young, bright, brilliant minds were under one roof.  I stopped to look around, and breathe it in for one moment before I went into my competition. I was chosen to represent Stratford High School in the first-year Health Occupations became a recognized program. Me. It was huge. I let myself be proud. My father had passed away a few years ago, and my mother did not attend my events. So, it was just me. And in that moment, I was proud of myself.  I remember the slide show at the awards. I remember the feeling of pride and accomplishment. I remember to this day feeling like I could do anything after I walked off that stage with my 1st Place medal in extemporaneous writing. I was off to change the world. I was going to the State Competition. I was a Junior in high school and the words that just flew off of my pencil about medicine were important enough that people in that college heard me. 

I used to wonder if those judges knew the impact they made on me that day. I had given up on myself, but not for long. It was that day, that medal, and their belief in what I could do that brought me back here to Trident Technical College to do what I know I was born for. I enrolled in the Nursing Program at the age of 34, and I did not hesitate to do so. People asked if I was scared, or why I was not scared. People told me how brave it was of me, and I could not understand why. I felt, and still feel like I have an army at my back! I feel like everyone here is cheering me on!  It is my intention to pass that passion on. I recently applied to become the BTN (Bridge to Nursing) Director for the Student Nurses Association. If elected, my position will allow me to outreach to prospective nursing students and walk them through what can be a very intimidating and sometimes overwhelming process. I will also have the opportunity to elect for new outreach programs for the SNA in the community. Trident has done so much for me in my short time here, and my short time left is flying by! I am to make it as fruitful as possible for as many students as I can while I am here, and look forward to returning the favor after I am gone. 

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