Central Carolina Community College student Erika Shelton, of Chapel Hill, has future plans to become a Registered Veterinary Technician.
SANFORD - Erika Shelton, of Chapel Hill, is a student in the Veterinary Medical Technology program at Central Carolina Community College. Her love for animals is obvious, as she also works at a foster home for dogs and also for a pet hospital.
Now, during the COVID-19 pandemic, she has had to learn how to study from home via distance learning. The virtual learning experience presents its challenges.
"I really miss my friends. I miss interacting with my fellow VMT classmates. I miss spending time with my enrichment cat Josephine at school," said Shelton. "Now that I am unable to spend time with my friends and classmates and even my teachers, I miss them more than anything and I can only look forward to when I can see them again."
She suggests that those who struggle to pay attention during online lectures should take notes to refer to later that may help in studying for a test. "I know I have a tough time sitting still and focusing because it is all just on my laptop," said Shelton. "Remind yourself that even though it is online, it is still your education and it is important to both be present and invested in your classes."
Shelton said CCCC is an amazing school. "I picked CCCC because it has one of the best VMT programs in the state. My peers are supportive. My teachers are always there for me and they want me to succeed. That is all I could ever ask for -- and I am proud to call myself a CCCC Cougar."
What would she tell someone who may be considering CCCC for their educational journey? "The campus is beautiful. There are so many resources that are available to students to aid them in their journey. The faculty are the best of the best. They have helped me get to where I am today, and I am so grateful," said Shelton. "Tours are always available. I highly recommend attending CCCC if it has a program that you are interested in, or if you are just trying to complete prerequisite courses, I did mine at CCCC, and I am glad I did."
Shelton says that "with confidence and perseverance I have made it to my final semester at CCCC with a 4.0 GPA and I am so proud of myself."
Her future plans include becoming a Registered Veterinary Technician. "I plan to stay at the veterinary practice I am currently working in for now, but who knows what the future holds after that. I would love to work at an animal sanctuary or the NC Zoo someday," said Shelton.
CCCC students who face challenges can visit the COVID-19 resources page (www.cccc.edu/homepageDetails/2020/coronavirus/student-resources) and the 4C's to student success in online learning (www.cccc.edu/distanceeducation/current-students/online-help).
To learn more about Central Carolina Community College, visit www.cccc.edu.
Central Carolina Community College student Erika Shelton, of Chapel Hill, has future plans to become a Registered Veterinary Technician.