Cal had no idea what they wanted to do after high school, but they didn’t let that stop them from continuing their education. After high school, they enrolled at Tidewater Community College to take the basic core classes. After completing those, they began a Career Studies Certificate in Medical Administrative Assistant, which prepares students for entry-level positions such as an office assistant in the healthcare field.
About halfway through pursuing the career studies certificate, Cal decided they wanted to change career paths to social work, but their mom encouraged them to finish the certificate. “Looking back now, what I learned through that program will be very useful when I move over to Brightpoint and start pre-social work next fall.”
Cal has big dreams for the future. “I want to become a social worker. Specifically, I want to help kids and teenagers get out of bad situations. I’ve got a lot of friends who talk to me about their issues, and I really wish I could do more for them. That’s what inspired me to pursue social work. I would love to make a difference in kids’ lives.”
Cal was very surprised when they learned that they qualified for G3. “I just kept seeing G3 on my Student Information System, and I noticed that I wasn’t having to pay for anything. I had financial aid for textbooks and stuff, so I was in awe that I was getting this whole education without having to pay anything out-of-pocket. I’m very grateful for it.”
Next semester Cal plans on attending Brightpoint for pre-social work then transferring to VCU. “It’s a really cool program,” Cal said. “Because of all the classes that I’ve already taken at TCC, I don’t have to do the full two years of pre-social work program at Brightpoint. I’ll be moving to VCU sooner than I originally planned.”
Cal encourages others to talk to their advisor if they’re considering enrolling in a G3 program through one of Virginia’s Community Colleges. “Talk to your advisor,” Cal said. “That’s been the biggest thing, being able to ask my advisor questions about what classes are covered. Some of your classes will be hard work, but it’s worth it.”
