Brittany Watson

Brittany Watson initially resented her financial constraints, which prohibited her from enrolling at a four-year higher education institution. Aware of the negative stereotypes often associated with community colleges, she dreaded attending LFCC.

“I wanted to go to a four-year university and experience the real world,” Brittany said. “All of my friends had left to attend universities, and I hated the thought of repeating high school. I soon learned how very wrong I was.”

Brittany’s apprehension soon dissipated, replaced with comfort and support. “The first thing that I noticed was how helpful the professors were. I was having trouble finding out who my advisor was, so after class one day I approached professor Nordling, my English professor. I asked him if he knew how I could find my advisor. Professor Nordling went the extra mile and helped me himself. I know I would not have gotten that type of help from a university professor,” Brittany explained.

She also realized that attending LFCC was the right decision because she would have struggled financially if she had decided to attend a university. LFCC’s low tuition rates compared with four-year institutions and the convenience of being able to live at her parents’ house have enabled Brittany to save enough money to transfer to a four-year college or university after she graduates from LFCC in fall 2007.

“One of the professors who really impacted my life was Professor Ludwick, my speech and drama professor. She openly expresses her love for her job. She actually helped me to choose my major. I now know that I want to transfer to Virginia Tech and major in communications. I honestly hope that one day I will be able to impact young adults like the LFCC professors impacted me,” Brittany said.

- Written Oct. 3, 2006