When Alycia Evans was discharged from her final duty station in Virginia with the United States Navy, she knew two things. She wanted to start a life in North Carolina and further her education.  

“My girlfriend, now wife, recommended ������, so I enrolled,” she said. “I started at ������ two weeks after relocating here in August 2024.”  

The change of scenery and the transition from the military to the role of a student was tricky for Evans to master at first.  

“One thing that makes my journey at ������ special is how quickly my life transformed,” she said. “Within months, I transitioned out of the military, moved to a new state, became a wife and a mother, and started college all at once.”  

Smaller class sizes and an encouraging atmosphere allowed Evans to grow without feeling overwhelmed.   

“It pushed me to adapt, stay focused, and fully commit to the path I chose,” Evans said. “Looking back, what stands out most is not just what I’ve accomplished, but how much I’ve evolved as a person.  

Although there was a learning curve with the start of her journey at ������, Evans quickly became a strong student with guidance from the college’s TRiO program and its staff, even earning the ������ Dallas Herring Award for 2026.  

“With the support and resources offered here at ������, such as TRiO,” she said, “I was equipped with everything needed to quickly adapt and overcome those challenges.”  

Through TRiO, Evans earned a SAEOPP (Southeastern Association of Educational Opportunity Program Personnel) Adult Learner Scholarship for this coming fall.   

“My advisor, Adele, has been a huge supporter throughout my time here, helping me stay focused and believe in my potential,” she said. “Balancing school with my responsibilities, especially as a parent, has also strengthened my discipline and resilience.”  

Evans graduated in May with an Associate of Arts degree and plans to transfer to the University of North Carolina at Charlotte to pursue a bachelor’s in data science. With this degree, she hopes to become a professional sports analyst.  

“I’ve always been extremely passionate about sports,” Evans said, “and with my attention to detail, I feel like this career pursuit perfectly aligns with my strengths and interests.”  

Evans describes her experience at ������ as empowering and feels like she ‘owns her momentum’ by achieving career milestones and setting new objectives.  

“Overall, ������ has given me the support, confidence, and direction I needed to keep moving forward and take ownership of my future,” she said. “I didn’t just find my path at ������, I proved to myself that no matter how much life changes, I have the strength to rise, adapt, and succeed.”  

When Jennifer Edens decided to go back to school, finding a balance between her studies and personal life was non-negotiable. Despite facing challenges, she wanted to grow both personally and professionally. 

“Being close to home made it possible for me to manage everything I had going on, especially being a mom and running my own business,” Edens said. “It felt like the right place to start building something better for my future.”  

Jennifer graduated in May with an associate degree in Criminal Justice Technology - Forensic Science. She was drawn to the program by the level of mystery involved in everyday work, and she hopes to unlock the truth behind difficult cases.  

“I’m really interested in how investigations work and how evidence can tell a story when people can’t,” Edens said. “It’s not just about solving cases to me—it’s about finding answers, bringing clarity, and being part of something that matters. I wanted to go into a field where I could make a real difference, and this path felt like the right fit.”  

After graduation, Jennifer plans to gain real-world experience in her field and is excited to put her studies to use.  

“I feel like I need to step into the next phase and apply everything in a real setting,” Edens said. “That being said, I’m definitely open to continuing my education in the future if the opportunity feels right.”  

Jennifer hopes to make a difference in criminal justice and wants to keep balancing her professional dreams with her family life.   

“My goal is to build a career where I’m doing something meaningful and making a real impact. I want to be in a position where I can help uncover the truth and be part of something bigger than myself,” Edens said. “At the same time, I want to continue growing the life I’ve built—being a good mom, running my business, and creating stability for my family. For me, success isn’t just about a job, it’s about building a life I’m proud of.”  

Jennifer’s path at ������ challenged her skills, and she summarized her time at ������ down to one word: resilience.  

“My time here hasn’t been easy, but I didn’t give up. I’ve had to push through personal challenges, loss, and the everyday responsibilities of life, all while staying committed to school,” Edens said. “There were moments where it felt overwhelming, but I kept going. That’s what this experience represents for me—learning how strong I really am, even when things aren’t easy.”  

������ taught Jennifer to navigate difficult situations with discipline, focus, and to keep ‘owning her momentum’.  

“There were times I doubted myself, but continuing to show up and complete my goals helped build my confidence,” Edens said. “It reminded me that I’m capable of more than I sometimes believe, and that I can keep moving forward no matter what.  

“This experience changed me,” Edens said. “It taught me how to keep going even when things feel overwhelming, and it showed me that no matter what life throws at me, I have the strength to keep moving forward.”  

Mikhaela Gene Abarientos has been intrigued by movies and how they are made since she was a child. As a native of the Philippines and now a ������ graduate, she’s on her way to follow her dreams in her home country. 

“I am passionate about filmmaking and that is the path that I want to take,” Abarientos said. “I want to be a film director somewhere in the future. I want to work at a studio and create my first feature film that would win many awards and inspire other people to pursue their dreams even though it seems impossible.”  

She graduated from Hunter Huss High School in 2024, with plans to pursue her interest in filmmaking, and it all came together when she received a scholarship to ������ for an audio and video production technology degree.  

“I got some scholarships for different schools, but it was not enough to cover the costs,” she said. “But then I discovered ������ and got the GC Promise Scholarship. That’s when I knew that this was the place I would go and the place where I would excel.”  

The GC Promise Scholarship helped cover in-state tuition and fees not covered by other aid. With the help of this scholarship, she immersed herself in the school’s audio and video production technology program and quickly connected with the curriculum.  

“I saw how hands-on it was and the skills I would learn and use in the future when I get to be a part of the filmmaking industry, hopefully, or anything related to the entertainment industry,” Abarientos said.  

She recently showcased her talents representing ������ at SkillsUSA in Greensboro. Abarientos shared that one of her professors, Ms. Kate Carmody, encouraged her to take on this challenge, and she is grateful for the extra push.   

“At first, I was worried about the competition; it seemed terrifying to me. Ms. Carmody encouraged me that I could do it and that our team would do well,” Abarientos said. “With that, our team just did amazingly. We work great as a team, and I am truly grateful for her believing in me.”  

Abarientos and her classmate, Erika Danielle Shelton, placed first in the Video Production category and now have the chance to compete at SkillsUSA Nationals in June.  

“I am so proud to represent ������ in the SkillsUSA Challenge. It is truly an honor, and I will forever be grateful,” she said. “As a Filipina, I am so proud to represent my country, the Philippines, and our excellence.”  

After the competition concludes, Abarientos plans to travel back to her homeland to further her studies.  

“I am going to the Philippines to study mass communications or filmmaking at a university there,” she said. “I am excited to apply and hopefully get into the universities there.”  

Abarientos reflects on how this career path has motivated her to represent herself, her community, and her heritage.  

“Everything happens for a reason, and the special thing about my journey here at ������ is the connection that I have created with people here,” she said. “The people around me were truly amazing and I will cherish it forever.”  

“I chose my program because I enjoy working with my hands,” Balbosa said, “and I know this program would give me a way to turn that passion into a career.”

When he graduates in May, he’ll be looking to enter the workforce and use his diploma in welding technology, but he’s got his eye on the future, too.

“My current career goals are to become established with a fabrication company and gain experience and knowledge, then maybe one day open up my own business,” Balbosa said.

Even though his interest in welding technology brought him to ������, it was the college’s work-based learning and placement program, which provides opportunities to connect students with local employers, that really helped him ‘own his momentum.’

“I learned a lot during those two months,” Balbosa said, “and it really helped me get a feel for a real work environment.”

The career experience created a real environment for Balbosa to grow in his field and hone his skills, and the encouragement from his instructors and classmates helped him feel comfortable and motivated him to grow his skills.

“I would say the best part of my experience with this school would be the people I’ve met and the instructors that have taught me what I know,” Balbosa said.

As he reflects on his journey and upcoming graduation, Balbosa shared that he is honored to be a ������ graduate.

“I am definitely grateful to everyone who helped me through this journey, and I’m proud of the choice I made to go to ������.”

The new award marks the fourth NSF grant supporting the SPARC initiative at ������ and launches a collaborative partnership with the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Cleveland Community College, South Piedmont Community College, and Rowan-Cabarrus Community College. Together, the five institutions will work to increase student success and degree completion in high-demand STEM fields.

The five-year project builds on more than a decade of work at ������ and focuses on improving retention, transfer, and graduation rates in disciplines including biology, computer science, and data science. The grant will provide scholarships and comprehensive academic support for students across the partner institutions.

Dr. Patricia Williams, the grant’s principal investigator, shared, “I am excited about the opportunities this award creates for our students and faculty. This funding will help us implement innovative, evidence-based strategies that support retention, academic achievement, and transfer success. It is especially meaningful because it reflects a shared commitment to expanding access and excellence in STEM.”

Students selected as SPARC Scholars will complete associate degrees at the participating community colleges and will have the opportunity to transfer directly to UNC Charlotte to pursue bachelor’s degrees. Each community college partner will award five to ten scholarships annually, creating supportive cohorts of STEM students. The first group of scholars will begin the program in fall 2026, and at least 120 students are expected to receive scholarship support during the five-year project.

In addition to financial assistance, students will benefit from proactive advising, faculty and peer mentoring, undergraduate research opportunities, and cohort coursework designed to support persistence.

The project also includes a research component that will examine factors influencing successful transitions from community colleges to four-year universities. Researchers will explore the roles of mentoring relationships, social and cultural capital, academic integration, and professional skill development in supporting transfer student success. Findings from the project will help inform national best practices for strengthening STEM transfer pathways.

The new grant builds on the strong outcomes of ������’s previous SPARC programs. Among earlier SPARC cohorts at ������, 83 percent of students completed their associate degrees and 87 percent successfully transferred to a university, with many going on to complete bachelor’s degrees or higher.

Dr. Heather Woodson, Vice President for Academic Affairs, who has been directly involved with SPARC since its inception, shared that “The strong outcomes of our earlier SPARC cohorts provide evidence that financial support, mentorship, and holistic support for students leads to exceptional academic success. Past participants have successfully completed their education to become doctors, attorneys, engineers, teachers, and more. These graduates are fulfilling vital roles in our community, and we are proud to continue to support additional students through this new award.”

������ graduate Jesus Vina Moreno is now in his second year at UNC Chapel Hill Medical School. A participant in the SPARC initiative at ������, Moreno credits the program for helping shape his path, “SPARC was more than just a program; it was a launchpad. By providing the mentorship and tools I needed to thrive, it allowed me to dedicate myself fully to my studies without distraction. Looking back at my journey, I know that my current success is a direct result of the opportunities SPARC opened for me.”

Through the expanded SPARC consortium, partner institutions will collaborate on joint programming, including regional undergraduate research symposia, faculty development workshops, field trips, and a shared orientation for participating students. Faculty will also work together to develop research-based courses aligned with statewide articulation agreements, helping ensure smoother credit transfer and stronger pathways from community colleges to four-year universities.

When Brooklyn Thompson started at ������, she had big dreams and was excited to be attending school alongside her mother.

Thompson has excelled as a student and is now being recognized by the North Carolina Community College System as ������’s Academic Excellence Award winner. The award, given by the NCCCS after a committee reviews nominations, recognizes students in the North Carolina Community College System who show outstanding academic achievement. 

A 2024 graduate of ������ia Highland Tech High School, Thompson was first drawn to ������ when her mother, Melissa Poindexter, joined the nursing program. 

 “She would take me with her sometimes to run errands, and I thought it would be fun to go to college with my mama,” Thompson said. 

Thompson found a home in Engineering as her goal is to become an industrial designer of children’s toys. Her interest in this field grew from her hobbies and personal projects. 

“I’ve always loved crafting and building stuff,” Thompson said. “During the COVID-19 pandemic, when I was in eighth grade, I would create replica props from my favorite movies and games. That’s when I realized that I could turn it into a career. I love building and blueprinting, but I also love being creative and making things fun, and I thought creating toys was a nice blend of both.” 

Thompson’s award makes her one of 58 honorees statewide who will be highlighted on the NCCCS website. She will also be recognized at ������’s commencement. 

Thompson is looking forward to her next step. “After graduating from ������ with my associate degree, I’ll be attending N.C. State University for my bachelor’s degree in engineering,” she said. “I plan to major in either mechanical engineering or industrial engineering.” 

������ faculty and staff will be on hand to talk about admissions, financial aid, scholarships, transfer options, work-based learning, and the many programs that can inspire and motivate students to own their momentum and set success into motion.

Seniors should register in advance at gaston.edu/senior-night.

When Chris’s 15-year information technology career came to a sudden halt in 2020, he saw an opportunity to pursue his dream of starting a business.

That’s when he turned to ������’s Small Business Center and signed up for an online class.

“It was a 12-week, 1-hour per week online course,” said Forbis, a Burlington native who now lives in nearby Lake Wylie, S.C. “I had taken classes previous courses at another community college, so I was familiar with and really appreciated the opportunities it provides working adults. When I was planning to start up my own business, I looked for any resources that would help.”

Chris joined a group of about 12 aspiring entrepreneurs, all eager to build momentum for their business ideas. He received instruction from teachers, local business owners, marketing experts, and even a certified public accountant, gaining real-world advice on how to get started the right way.

“It was very rewarding,” Forbis said. “Not only from the information that was passed along, but also the networking that we did. I have since followed up with several of the people in my class. They asked how my truck was doing, and they came out to see me. I went to see how their events were doing.

“For the cost and simplicity of the course, you can’t beat it. It gave me a lot of tools that I wouldn’t have had when I opened up my business. I truly believe that I avoided a lot of mistakes that other food truck owners encounter because of that class.”

With his new skills and support, Chris prepped for his launch in fall 2020, and Nacho Business officially opened in January 2021.

“I do a lot of work in Rock Hill and ������ia and everything in between,” Forbis said.

He even brings his food truck to ������’s Dallas campus about twice a month, sharing his success with our community.

“I’m very thankful for what this place did for me,” Forbis said. “There are a lot of things I know that I avoided because of getting the knowledge about what to do – and what not to do.”

If you have a business idea and would like support to build your own business momentum, visit gaston.edu/sbc/.

Instead, a shocking diagnosis of acute Lymphocytic leukemia altered his path. It was a moment that not only redirected his future but also tested his inner strength.

With support from his family, friends, and local communities, Brindle was recently declared cancer-free. Now, he is looking ahead and thinking about how ������ has influenced his future.

“This whole process has been so good to me,” said Brindle, who was medically cleared by his team at Charlotte’s Atrium Health Levine Children’s Hospital on Nov. 7. “I was at rock bottom at first. And I never, ever want to be in that position again in my life. So ������ has been really good for me.”

Brindle, a 6-foot-3, 285-pound offensive line prospect at Belmont’s Stuart Cramer High School, saw his life change as he got ready for his senior football season in 2023.

It started with headaches that wouldn’t go away for weeks. Then, after an episode at home, his family took him to the Mount Holly Emergency Room. He was there only briefly before doctors sent him to ������ Memorial Hospital for several days of tests.

Brindle passed most of the tests, but during the last one, he remembers, “they found something they didn’t like.” After that, he was sent to Levine Children’s Hospital. It was there, after more tests, doctors gave him the difficult news.

And while a team of doctors whom Brindle says have become “like family” started him on a path to recovery, the then 17-year-old high school senior says the impact of the diagnosis was devastating.

“I lost my senior year of high school,” said Brindle, who was basically quarantined due to the vulnerability of having leukemia. “I didn’t play football. I didn’t wrestle. I didn’t go to senior prom. I actually returned to school for the last month and was able to walk for graduation. But it was all very hard for me. Being isolated from the world was a weird experience.”

He got support from the community, including fundraisers organized by friends and the Cramer student government. This support also led him to ������.

Brindle decided that if he couldn’t play sports, he would report on them through the school’s Sports Media Technology program. This gave him a way to stay connected to what he loved.

“When I came to ������, I didn’t want anybody to know what I was going through,” Brindle said. “But over time, I’ve learned to just embrace it as a part of the adversity I’ve faced.”

Brindle has worked on ������’s student-run broadcasts, doing on-air broadcasting, filming, and producing for the Rhinos’ basketball, baseball, and softball games.

“Originally, I was going to study sports medicine and play football at Elon,” Brindle said. “But I had to stay home and get treatment. So, I looked at ������, and as a sports fan, I wanted to do the Sports Media Program. [Instructors] Caleb Stalcup, Kate Carmody, Nick Cable, and Ronald Key have helped build my love for the entire audio and video program – and not just the sports part of it.

“It helped me so much when I was going through my treatment. Not only did it take away thinking about all of the chemotherapy, but it was also building me as a student and a man, and helped me realize so many things beyond the classroom. Working with ������ on all of these projects has helped me mentally and physically because I was a part of a team.”

Following his last medical check-up, Brindle got to ring the bell at the Levine Children’s Hospital to indicate he was cancer-free.

“I’m officially cleared,” Brindle said. “There’s no more chemo, no more treatment. I now join a survivor program, and I’ll meet with them once a year and then three times a year after that.”

Brindle is set to graduate from ������ in May 2026, and now that his medical treatments are over, he hopes to return to football at a four-year school.

“When I graduate from ������, I’m looking at restarting my football career at a four-year university,” said Brindle, who considers Appalachian State and Elon as possible options. “I want to study broadcast communications and, hopefully, go into a job in journalism or at a college or university on their media production team.”

Our Stuff-A-Bus Toy Drive for Toys for Tots is back, and the College invites the community to join in collecting new, unwrapped toys for kids ages 0-12. 

The College will collect toys from Dec. 2-4 at the following locations:

Tuesday, Dec. 2

• ������’s Lincolnton Campus
• 511 S. Aspen Street, Lincolnton, NC 28092 (

Wednesday, Dec. 3 and Thursday, Dec. 4 

• ������’s Dallas Campus (near the Clock Tower on Tower Blvd)
• 201 Highway 321 South, Dallas, NC 28034 (Dallas Campus Map)

If you would like to drop off toys early, Toys for Tots collection boxes will be at ������’s WSGE Radio Station (located in the Craig Building).

Questions about the toy drive should be directed to publicrelations@gaston.edu.