Summer 2013 Class Schedule Magazine - Danville Community ...

Mary Britton
Liberal Arts - Humanities Specialization
After losing her full-time job in the spring 2009, Mary
Britton of Danville, who had worked full-time since the age
of 16, was devastated. Receiving unemployment benefits
and constantly looking for work was frustrating.
Then, in August 2009, Britton was hired by the Danville Police
Department as a school crossing guard, but for only 10 hours a
week. Keeping the faith, her hours were eventually increased to
20 hours a week, but she still worried how she would make ends
meet. The answer to her prayers came in the mail in the form
of a letter from FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
informing her that since she was now a dislocated worker she was
eligible to receive federal financial aid and go to school. She was
so excited to finally pursue her dream.
Britton enrolled at DCC in spring 2010 and chose the Liberal
Arts – Humanities Specialization program as her major. She plans
to graduate in May 2013 and receive an Associate of Arts and
Science Degree. Her career goal is to become a teacher. Making
the transition to college was not easy
“I love the
diversity, the
wonderful
teachers and
friendly staff.”
for Britton.
“Before I came to DCC I had severe
anxiety in crowds, fear of public
speaking and low self-esteem.” she
explains. “My biggest challenge has
been balancing my time in between
school, work and home life.”
Britton gives the credit to her
caring professors and counselor for
helping her to overcome challenges
and fears.
“Mrs. Helen Meadors (Assistant Professor of English) was most
helpful, very nice and encouraging,” Britton says. “She made me
feel confident in my ability to stand and speak in front of a class
without fear.”
Britton notes that the best thing about DCC is its people.
“I love the diversity, the wonderful teachers and friendly staff,”
Britton continues. “I was worried that I would be the only one
my age at college and not fit in. There are all ages and origins.
DCC does not discriminate against any religion, race, handicap
or gender. DCC has a great mixture of creative students and
knowledgeable teachers.”
She is especially thankful for her friends, Ray Collins and Donna
Brown, for their positive encouragement.
“Ray was the first person to believe in me and supported my
decision to return to school. He told me I would speak in front of
hundreds of people one day,” Britton says. “He also bought me a
computer, printer and paid for my textbooks for summer school. I
mentioned to Mrs. Brown that I wanted to become a teacher, but I
was terrified of public speaking. She told me she knew I could do
it and continues to encourage me.
“I knew by the age of six that I wanted to be a teacher, but could
not afford to go college after high school. I am so appreciative
for the generous Financial Aid package that DCC has to offer, for
without it , none of this would have been possible. It has been
my biggest blessing!” she says.
“When I arrived at DCC, I had no idea what classes were required
for my curriculum. Without the wise counsel of Dee Drinkard
(Associate Professor of Psychology), my advisor, I would have been
lost. He has encouraged me and has been there with me from the
beginning to the end. JoLane Dunlap (Instructor and Counselor)
offered me the first advice
and encouragement.
She helped me with the
admissions process and
suggested a program of
study,” she adds.
After graduating
from DCC, Britton plans
to transfer to Averett
University to receive a
Bachelor of Science Degree
in Elementary Education
and minor in Special
Education. Her ultimate career goal is to obtain her Virginia
Licensure and teach kindergarten through third grade.
She is involved in many community activities, including
Engage, March for Babies, Week of the Young Child, Children’s
Puppet Ministry, Community Awareness Programs, After-school
Tutorial Programs and Festival in the Park. On the DCC campus,
she is also involved in the TEACH (To Educate Always Creates
Hope) Club, led by Martha Tucker, Associate Professor of Early
Childhood and Reading, who she says keeps her busy and
motivated.
Britton has had numerous DCC faculty and staff encourage her,
including Cheryl Waller (Adjunct Instructor for Developmental
Math) who was her most memorable teacher and who never left
her side through her struggles with Developmental Math. Traci
Daniel, DCC Transition Counselor, supported Britton’s upcoming
adventure to the Virginia Tech National Science Foundation
Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program.
The REU Program is a Hands-On Minds On Multidisciplinary
Internship that allows students to live and study on the VA
Tech Campus for 10 weeks. Britton will have the opportunity
to interact with other Liberal Arts, Science & Engineering
undergraduates and college professors. She will participate
in extensive research studying different approaches to
understanding and preventing Societal Violence. Britton is one
among the 10 students selected from national four-year colleges
and universities and within the Virginia Community College
System to participate in the program.
Would she encourage others to attend DCC?
“Yes. Do it now! Do not be afraid to follow your dream,” Britton
says. “If you don’t try, you will never know, if you don’t take that
first step. Don’t let fear or age or anything stop you from doing
what your heart tells you to do. If someone had told me four
years ago that I would be graduating at the age of 55 from DCC
with an Associate (of Arts and Science) Degree in Liberal Arts,
working at the Police Department, living at Virginia Tech for the
summer and attending Averett (University) in the fall, I would not
have believed it. Back then, I could not imagine me doing any
of it, but now… I can’t imagine not doing it. Attending DCC has
been a wonderful journey.”
For more information about the Liberal Arts – Humanities
Specialization or other College Transfer/University Parallel
programs, contact Cathy Pulliam, Coordinator of Admissions,
Enrollment Management and Student Outreach, at
434.797.8538; toll free at 800.560.4291, ext. 8538; or email
info@dcc.vccs.edu
14 Danville Community College • Summer 2013