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I am proof that higher education improves lives for many generations. So, today I’m sharing the positive impact that higher education has had in my life with 5 reasons to pursue higher education in North Carolina.
I migrated from Lagos, Nigeria, with my mom and brother to join my dad in the states at the age of 12. I enrolled at Daniels Middle School here in Raleigh, NC and then attended Broughton High School. My brother attended a community college. Wake Tech, to further his studies. My dad was a pastor, so we had to move because of my dad’s ministry after graduating from high school in Georgia. I loved North Carolina so much that I came back to attend college here. I started off at a community college, Durham Tech, and after earning all my credits, I transferred to North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, where I studied Journalism and Mass Communication. I graduated in 2016, and my life has been an exciting journey ever since. My higher education in North Carolina shaped who I am today. I’m so grateful to live in such a peaceful, social and economic impacted community that has changed the lives of many generations to break the cycle of poverty.
5 Reasons To Pursue Higher Education In NC
1. Culturally Diverse.
North Carolina has an amazing sense of community regardless of where you come from. I bring friends to visit and they immediately feel at home. North Carolina offers a small college feel in the middle of a large city. This means that you can find plenty of people who are just like you and still enjoy the life a big city has to offer.
2. Great Higher Education Programs.
North Carolina has a variety of academic programs and professors when it comes to colleges or universities to attend. The students get to think for themselves and get involved in many causes. As home to the first public university in the United States, NC has a rich tradition of public support for higher education, from community colleges to universities. My older brother received his Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering from NC State University. I received a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Mass Communications from NC A&T State University. I encourage you to attend North Carolina public universities and community colleges to get your credentials and degrees to meet their life goals.
3. Access and Affordability.
Despite the high standard of the university, it is very cost-efficient and affordable to pursue higher education in North Carolina. North Carolina’s constitution requires that the NC General Assembly provide all citizens with affordable higher education. We are one of three states to do so. Our constitution reads; “The General Assembly shall provide that the benefits of the University of North Carolina and other public institutions of higher education, as far as practicable, be extended to the people of the State free of expense.”
4. Job Opportunities.
Most jobs will require some sort of postsecondary credential — not necessarily a four-year degree, but training or certificates from a community college or university. I had an opportunity to intern at a public high school digital program at GCSTV/Weaver Academy as a production intern after my core classes at NC A&T State University. It prepared me for what to expect when I started working in real life or my personal business endeavors.
5. Southern Hospitality.
North Carolina is full of friendly people who want to be friends with you. North Carolinians take a lot of pride in their hospitality, so they are constantly complimenting and encouraging each other. Unlike any other state, North Carolinians with their southern charm go out of their way to welcome and ask questions to get to know you. North Carolina is a positive and great environment to raise kids and attain higher education.
North Carolina Higher Ed Works. is a strong economic driver. We must keep North Carolina higher education systems well-funded, affordable and accessible so that North Carolinians can get valuable higher education credentials. We must be diligent in our efforts because our systems are at risk. On February 20th, North Carolina announced a new attainment rate goal. North Carolina has amazing postsecondary institutions to help citizens obtain these credentials. North Carolina higher education systems have so much to offer, to which I can attest. Don’t forget to stay informed by connecting with Higher Ed Works on Instagram.
With Love Always,
Ife
