We've Got The Power

President Obama recently announced a landmark initiative to provide support for community colleges. From simplifying the dreaded FAFSA to funding for new programs, facilities and renovation, the proposal certainly is as historic as the original GI bill.

And while there is a long road ahead as the proposals move to Congress, the message is clear—someone in Washington gets it. Community colleges have the power to change lives.

I see this every day at PVCC, where I’ve had the immense fortune to work for more than 20 years and where more than 100,000 people have come for a class, a challenge, a degree, a step up.

I walk among amazing people. Like the 13-year-old, bright as a new penny, who is setting a very high standard in her history class, and her mother, a nursing graduate, who is working to raise nursing scholarship funds. Like the young woman from Peru, face shining as she delivered the news that she had been accepted to the McIntire School of Commerce. Like the veteran posing proudly beside the donor who made possible the scholarship he had received. Like the grandfather, singlehandedly raising his grandchildren, who has returned to school as much for their benefit as his.

And I love when I hear from alumni. Or when faculty members pass along success stories. These are powerful stories. Well worth sharing. I invite you to share yours.

Marijean Jaggers, who is helping me dip my toe into the waters of new media, used the venue of the PVCC alumni Facebook page to ask for these stories. Here’s one of them:

I had a wonderful, enlightening and enriching experience at PVCC. I thoroughly enjoyed working with all of my professors and instructors at PVCC and several of them I consider personal mentors to this day. PVCC was instrumental in achieving my ultimate goal of becoming a physician.

I thoroughly encorouge anyone interested in a higher level of education to strongly consider attending PVCC. Never cease to follow your dreams. PVCC can be a faithful companion on that journey.

Samuel Andrew Taylor, Jr., MD
Chief Neurology Resident
University of Virginia Health System

Thank you, Dr. Taylor.

Here's a photo from Sam's student days. It's the PVCC chemistry lab, of course.