SANFORD - Eja Hagwood grew up in a military environment, noting that the process of moving was constant for he and his family.

"We have always been an active family and were expected to make something great of ourselves, so I have always sought to help others, which brought me to the health fitness path as a career," said Hagwood, who is now studying Health & Fitness Science at Central Carolina Community College.

Hagwood, of Sanford, has learned to succeed in a virtual learning experience during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"The new virtual learning experiences has been pretty great because my teachers email me every day, so that allows me to be prompt with my assignments. Also, I still am able to receive that one-on-one experience with my teachers," said Hagwood. "They have made this unexpected pandemic less stressful for myself and others."

Hagwood said that CCCC Health & Fitness Science Program Director Dr. Carl Bryan's daily updates with his words of wisdom set the day for success. "His video updates allow me to stay organized with my assignments and encourages me to do the mission no matter the condition," said Hagwood.

Hagwood notes that one of the things he enjoys most about the virtual learning experience is that it allows him to set his own schedule and have the initiative to wake up early enough to do daily fitness.

What has Hagwood enjoyed most about his educational journey at CCCC?

"At Central Carolina Community College, I have enjoyed the activities that are in my course of study, such as daily work-out competitions and experiencing different job fields that could pertain to my area of study, like water aerobics, cycling, and salsa dancing," said Hagwood. "It is also inspiring to meet and talk with guest speakers who have succeeded in our area of study."

Upon his graduation from CCCC, Hagwood plans to attend a four-year university to pursue Occupational Therapy and later work for a professional sports team.

To learn more about Central Carolina Community College, visit www.cccc.edu.