What major are you studying at Blue Ridge CTC?

Board of Governors Degree AAS

Why did you select your program?

It was suggested by my academic advisor because of my military experience.

Explain one thing you enjoyed about your time at Blue Ridge CTC.

I enjoy the awareness, the fact that I have encouraging instructors, and my academic advisor is concerned about me graduating and is willing to speak for me on my behalf. I enjoy the fact that the doubts of success have been abandoned and I’m close to my degree from collective advancement of understanding.

What are your current goals after you graduate, and how has Blue Ridge assisted you toward those goals?

My current goal is to keep striving to better myself. I would like to go after a Bachelor’s degree next and form a nonprofit business to keep me occupied. I tend to do best when I’m encouraged and interested, and it’s been exactly that in the courses I’m taking, which includes an Art class with Professor Metzbower where I view how to examine all different things with a better sense of study.

My other goals are to complete and pursue my films more in more depth. I’ve created two so far and am now working on my third PTSD film. I hope that universities will study it and incorporate it into the VA system as another form of therapy, bringing about my vision of Vetflix, where military members can share their stories.

What advice would you offer to current and future students? 

My advice would be to stay consistent. Ask questions; don’t sit back and say nothing if you truly don’t understand. I see that the instructors here go up and above to see you succeed. Make time for your assignments and take notes. I think you will do great once you set up a system that works best for you.

Is there anything else you want us to know?

Yes, I’m grateful for all the help and consideration shown to me. I feel that my plans are better thought out, and my confidence and what I do has risen.

I enjoy expressing myself in various forms through plays, music, and film. I came to Blue Ridge because I had a great experience 10 years ago, and accomplished 2 plays with Professor Ralston at the Apollo. I was also working on my first short film on PTSD entitled It’s Your Time. I truly believe that this course in English with Professor Wolfe has built the confidence needed to continue this journey of mental awareness films on all veterans. I intend to research not only government officials I know but also senators to help incorporate Vetflix, my dream of another form of therapy other than medicine through films.