SANFORD - Hunter Riggins has been chosen as Central Carolina Community College's selection for "The Great Within the 58" academic excellence award sponsored by the North Carolina Community College System.

Riggins, of Sanford, is working toward an Associate Degree in Nursing. The daughter of Chris and Missy Riggins, she is a member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.

Here is Riggins' story, in her own words:

"Since I was little, I have wanted to be a nurse. The time I realized it the most was when my great-grandma became sick. I, along with many other family members, helped care for her around the clock. I then realized that helping and caring for people, whether it was in their last moments or at the beginning of their lives, was what I wanted to do. I applied for the nursing program at CCCC and was nervous for months awaiting an acceptance letter. On March 25, 2015, I received my letter that stated that I was accepted! I could not have been more excited!

"I bought a shirt a while ago and the saying on the back of it has become a quote that I live by. It says, 'No one said it would be easy, but they promised it would be worth it.' I believe this to be true not only for nursing school, but for being a nurse in general. Some days are going to be hard, but the good days are the ones that keep us going."

Barbara Campbell, CCCC Nursing Department Chair, nominated Riggins. She points out Riggins' previous participation in the No Scare Fair for Children, as well as fund-raising events for Cystic Fibrosis and the Alzheimer's Association. Campbell noted that Riggins also has served her community by helping to build handicap ramps and participates in other events as a member of her church.

"Ms. Riggins demonstrates leadership within her nursing class. She often volunteers to help fellow students that are struggling with the required concepts," said Campbell. "In the Fall of 2015, the students were put into groups to research, prepare, and present teaching projects on nutrition. Ms. Riggins led her group, picking up the missing pieces for other group members, never complaining but striving forward to present an outstanding presentation for her peers.

"Ms. Riggins is the light in room. She always presents with a positive attitude that has an infectious outcome on her classmates as well as the faculty. She never presents herself in a negative way," said Campbell.

Riggins says that she has enjoyed being able to work in different nursing environments while at CCCC. "I also have loved my teachers. They all care about me and reaching my goal of becoming a nurse," she said.

Riggins' future plans include obtaining a nursing job and continuing her nursing education, adding that she hopes to work in a neonatal intensive care unit or in labor and delivery.

"CCCC, for me, has been a place where I have been able to get myself started to achieve my dream job of being a nurse," said Riggins. "It's also a place where I have made lifelong friends."

For more information on Central Carolina Community College, visit www.cccc.edu.