Tri-County Community College Student Spotlight

Tammy Lanier dropped out of high school 19 years ago, and since that time, she has worked a variety of jobs ranging from cashier to maid. After completing her degree from Tri-County Community College (TCCC), she hopes to add operating room nurse to the list.

Years ago, Lanier tried to complete a high school equivalency program, but found herself faced with crowded General Education Development (G.E.D.) classrooms and inconvenient scheduling.  When she moved to Robbinsville, Lanier joined the Turning Point project, a program that aims to make women of Graham, Cherokee, and Clay counties more financially independent by assessing their career readiness and providing training at TCCC.

“I was encouraged to try to get my G.E.D. again, but I was hesitant because of my past experiences,” Lanier said. “When I went to TCCC, the classes weren’t overcrowded. I started classes immediately and was able to take the test shortly after.”

With the help of study sessions at TCCC, assistance from the Turning Point project, and support from friends and family, the mother of five took the G.E.D. test and passed.

“I was really encouraged by Tri-County’s G.E.D. staff, especially Sarah Tatham,” Lanier said. “I doubted myself, but she gave me confidence.”

Lanier has not stopped pursuing an education since she completed her G.E.D. in April, she enrolled in nursing assistant (CNA) classes and is hoping to get a phlebotomy class under her belt before beginning TCCC’s pre-nursing program.

The TCCC student is not the only one in her household looking to improve her education and job prospects.

“Since I got my G.E.D., my oldest son is looking for a better job, my 17-year-old is wanting to get his G.E.D., and my younger children are now saying they want to go to college,” Lanier said. “Even my boyfriend wants to go back to school now.”

For more information about TCCC’s G.E.D. program, contact Susie West at 828-835-4239.

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Photo tagline: Dr. Donna Tipton-Rogers, TCCC president, (right) congratulates Tammy Lanier (left) at the G.E.D. graduation ceremony in May. Lanier will soon begin TCCC’s pre-nursing program.