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Trident Technical College: More than Meets the Eye

Brittany Person
Future Alumni Essay Contest
2018 Winner


In the year 2018, one is told he/she can achieve anything. Inspirational conferences with high-profile guest speakers pose the questions, “Do you want to change your situation?” “Do you desire to change your career?” “Do you want to better your life?” They follow up with a resounding, “You have the ability to change it!” “The sky is the limit!” “The only one stopping you, is you!”

Going back to school can be daunting. While the above optimistic outlook may ring true for those with unlimited time and resources, some are in need of additional support. For individuals like me, the vision is there but the details are often blurry due to one circumstance or another. My particular challenge is balancing school with a full-time job with unconventional 14-hour work days.

However, after attending Trident Technical College, I have learned first-hand what it means to be a part of an academic community that is determined to help you succeed. Whether you are the stay-at-home parent or the parent that runs his/her own business from home; whether you are a current high school student seeking college credit, or the non-traditional student going back to school for an additional degree, Trident Technical College is more than meets the eye, helping dreams become a reality one opportunity at a time.

As a former Special Education Teacher, I met the academic and social needs of kindergarten through sixth grade students at underserved schools in Charleston County. Being exposed to the unexpected medical needs of my students motivated me to join Charleston County Emergency Medical Services as an EMT. As an EMT, I provide pre-hospital medical care for the very community in which I live. Emergencies include anything from car accidents to severe allergic reactions. While intense traumas get my adrenaline pumping, my passion is for respiratory emergencies. As for the next leg of my educational journey, I am going to further my education in the field of Respiratory Therapy. In this area of medicine, I will meet the ever-growing need of respiratory related health issues that affect my community, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic bronchitis and so much more. Though challenging, I know with the help of Trident Technical College, I will earn a second degree and live out my passion.

Trident Technical College does more than just educate students, it affects change in the community by producing leaders and skilled workers. Through their Emergency Medical Technician Program, for example, Trident Technical College provides the hands-on training and the life-saving techniques necessary to truly make a difference. These procedures include cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), administering intravenous fluids and treating life-threatening injuries, just to name a few. As a First Responder, I have the unique privilege to do life with the very people I serve. Every day I anticipate meeting the medical needs of the citizens of Charleston County. What’s more, Trident Technical College allows me to go to school while I work thanks to the flexible programs. It means so much that I do not have to sacrifice the job that I love in order to further my career. When I am finished with my program, Trident Technical College will have helped me earn another degree that further extends my reach into the medical community and will ultimately save lives.

Trident Technical College is able to provide the push a student needs to change the trajectory of their future. The College offers a variety of diplomas, associate degree programs, program certificates and continuing education opportunities. Students exit confidently with the credentials to secure jobs that are in high-demand within our community. Trident Technical College is competitive, yet has relationships with larger universities which allow academic credits to transfer with ease. For convenience, classes are offered at multiple campuses ranging from Berkeley County, St. George, North Charleston, Downtown Charleston, Mount Pleasant, West Ashley and St Paul’s Parish. Instruction comes in a variety of forms including in the classroom, distance learning and hybrid formats. Professors make themselves available to students via email, telephone, as well as during office hours. Career counseling, instructional tutoring, testing centers and disability support services are all available free of charge. Financial assistance is available to students through loans with flexible payment plans, as well as scholarships and work-study programs. I never would have thought going back to school could be affordable and convenient. I have personally taken advantage of many of these opportunities including the hybrid classes, multiple campus locations, one-on-one time with instructors, and the use of testing centers.

In short, for those who need more than just the notion that the unimaginable is achievable, Trident Technical College offers the community resources and the support system needed to achieve one’s wildest dreams.

It is the year 2018 and you can dream big, knowing that you can achieve anything. With the help of Trident Technical College, you can watch all your dreams come to fruition.

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