CHESTER and MIDLOTHIAN, Va. – Marshall Maloney wants to understand how machinery works and how it is designed, so he can not only repair it but also find ways to make it better. When the retired U.S. Marine decided to pursue his education, he turned to John Tyler Community College because it offered the program he wanted, taught in a hands-on learning environment. Joseph Lehre is interested in exploring the possibilities offered by new technologies. He says Tyler is helping him achieve that goal by providing him with a strong foundation in engineering, while allowing him to save money on tuition. After her retirement, Marilyn Powell decided she wanted to devote her time to helping senior citizens live rich and fulfilling lives. She turned to John Tyler because it offered a program that aligned with her goals and that provides students with internship opportunities.
These are just some of the stories John Tyler Community College students shared with state legislators during meetings on January 31, 2017 and February 15, 2017. During the trips, the students, accompanied by John Tyler Community College President Edward “Ted” Raspiller, met with Sen. Amanda Chase; Sen. Rosalyn Dance; Sen. Frank Ruff; Sen. Glen Sturtevant; Del. Lashrecse Aird, Del. Riley Ingram, Del. Roslyn Tyler; and Del. Thomas Wright. The students also had the opportunity to speak with the legislative assistants to Del. Kirk Cox and Del. Roxann Robinson.
In addition to sharing their personal stories and talking about their experiences at John Tyler Community College, the student delegation talked to legislators about the importance of affordable tuition, program variety, and financial aid.
The student participants included (zip codes appear in parenthesis):
E. Geovany Chavarría (23234)
Geovany Chavarría is passionate about business and has been since he was a child. When he was little, he’d gather up his play money and pretend he owned his own restaurant or market. As he grew up, his desire to learn the intricacies of business planning and operation expanded. He wasn’t, however, sure he’d be able to pursue his dream because he didn’t think college was possible for him. That changed when some of his high school teachers suggested he go to a community college. Geovany researched John Tyler Community College and liked what he saw. The business-minded part of his personality appreciated the cost savings afforded by a community college education. And, as a first-generation college student, he also liked the idea of living at home. Geovany remembers being nervous his first day of classes but says that feeling quickly faded as he met new people and immersed himself in college life. Now, in addition to staying busy with his Business Administration classes, he is a student ambassador, president of the Latin American Cultural Club, member of the Theatre Club and is involved in one of the workgroups planning Tyler’s 50th anniversary. Geovany is also the first John Tyler student to be named to the prestigious Valley Protein Fellows Program, which helps promising second-year students pursue their academic goals by providing them with scholarships, as well as professional development, travel and cultural opportunities. After graduating from John Tyler, Geovany hopes to continue his education at the University of Virginia. Eventually, he’d like invest in and operate businesses focused on helping people better their lives.
Curt Langley (23223)
Curt Langley loves learning. He strongly believes that education - in its many forms - is important, especially in a world where technology is constantly changing our lives and the skills needed in the workplace. In Fall 2009, Curt earned a career studies certificate in Mechanical Maintenance from John Tyler Community College. The experience was so meaningful that he decided to come back to Tyler to pursue an associate degree. He likes Tyler's technical programs because they include hands-on training with outstanding faculty, and he enjoys what he calls Tyler’s “superb atmosphere,” which engages students; encourages them to network at events such as the Student Leadership Conference, which he attended; and helps them succeed. Curt also appreciates the partnerships between the College and business and industry because, he says, it shows Tyler’s commitment to its community. Curt stresses the importance of education to his children, and he hopes they are inspired by his return to college. After he completes his degree in Technical Studies, he hopes to become a technical trainer at a corporation. Curt says he wants to use the skills he's learned to help others grow and improve their lives.
Joseph Lehre (23103)
Joseph Lehre embraces innovation. He excitedly talks about the possibilities that arise from new technologies. It’s that passion for discovery that drove him back to college. Already a community college graduate, Joseph decided to return to school to pursue his interest in information technology. He decided to start his new journey at John Tyler Community College. It was a decision that truly impacted his life. Joseph says based on his previous college experience, he thought he knew what to expect, but the people of Tyler changed his mind. He found he wasn’t just a student ID number. Instead, his professors and advisor took the time to get to know him and made it clear that they were always ready to help. He then made another discovery. While attending a new event at Tyler, the Modern Makers Open House, Joseph had the opportunity to talk to professional engineers. At the end of that conversation, Joseph said he knew he would find his life’s purpose in the field of engineering. He changed majors and began working toward his associate in engineering. He says the coursework is challenging but rewarding, and he is grateful to be in classes led by faculty who clearly love what they do. He says their excitement is contagious and helps him understand and retain the complex information being taught. After he graduates in Fall 2018, Joseph plans to transfer to Virginia Commonwealth University to study chemical engineering. Ultimately, he wants to put his education to work in the burgeoning carbon nanotube industry.
Marshall Mahoney (23233)
Marshall Maloney is inquisitive – especially when it comes to machinery. He not only wants to know the purpose of a piece of equipment, he wants to know how it is designed and built; how it works; how it can be repaired; and how it can be improved. Most of all, he wants to be hands-on, to experience what it is like to actually work with and on the equipment found in manufacturing settings. So, when the retired U.S. Marine discovered John Tyler Community College could put him on a path to a career that aligned with his interests, Marshall enrolled in the college’s Mechanical Engineering Technology, Mechatronics Specialization Program. He said that decision was a good one. Not only is he building new and refining existing skills through hands-on learning, Marshall says he’s also networking and building connections thanks to his instructors who have worked or still are working in the field. In addition to his coursework, he is heavily involved in student life at Tyler. He is president of the Student Veterans Organization, executive secretary to Student Council, and an officer for the Tau Rho chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa honor society. Marshall says his time and experiences at Tyler led him to an unexpected goal – earning a bachelor’s degree. Marshall said when he first started at Tyler, he did not consider pursuing a four-year degree. That changed, however, when he found a mechanical engineering technology program at Old Dominion University (ODU) could build on what he learned at Tyler. After graduating from Tyler in May 2017, Marshall plans to get an internship and transfer into ODU’s program.
Erica Mokun (23832)
Erica Mokun is a natural communicator. As part of her high school's forensics team, she discovered her love of speaking in front of audiences. At first, Erica thought she wanted to use that skill in the classroom as a teacher. However, after taking a public speaking class at John Tyler Community College, she realized that a career in mass communications might be a better fit. While Erica is still exploring possible careers in broadcast and public relations, she knows one thing for certain: Tyler is where she belongs. Erica originally came to John Tyler to save money. She says she watched as her sister graduated from Tyler without going into debt and then started a good career. Erica wanted to follow a similar path. But, she says, her love of Tyler is about more than finances; it is also about the people who work at the College. When Erica suffered a family tragedy and fell behind in her classes, she says her instructors showed her incredible kindness and helped her come up with plans to complete her classes. She says the faculty create classroom environments that engage students and encourage them to succeed. She's also pleased with student life at Tyler, which has given her the opportunity to make friends and participate in organizations like Thrive and the Theatre Club, as well as attend the annual Student Leadership Conference and become a student ambassador. Erica says being at Tyler is like being home - in a place that’s friendly, welcoming and helps you flourish.
Malika Muhammad (23838)
Malika Muhammad wants to offer support to those facing challenges in their lives. Her passion for helping others began when she was in the eighth grade and her mother became ill. Malika suddenly found herself dealing with heartache and new responsibilities, but she discovered she was not alone. She received support from a counselor, and she said that assistance proved to be crucial. That’s when she realized she wanted to give back by helping teens who are facing challenges in their lives. So, she decided to explore a career in human services. She heard about John Tyler Community College while a student at Matoaca High School. Not yet ready to leave home and realizing Tyler offered a Human Services major, Malika decided to enroll. She says she is glad she did. At John Tyler, Malika says she’s found professors who truly connect with and care about their students. The encouragement they provide and the confidence they show in her makes her want to work harder. In May 2017, she will graduate with an associate degree in Human Services, Pre-Social Work Specialization. After graduation, Malika will be relocating to Mississippi, where her family now lives. She is transferring to Jackson State University, where she’s received a full scholarship. She plans to major in social work and minor in psychology. Her goal is to become a licensed clinical social worker and to work with adolescents who suffer from depression, anxiety and other mental health issues.
Marilyn Powell (23832)
Marilyn Powell knew she wanted to do something different with her life after retiring from her career as a sales operations manager. She began examining her options and found herself circling back to one idea in particular – working with senior citizens and helping them live full lives. For Marilyn that means encouraging mental, physical and emotional well-being, as well as inspiring people to remain engaged, to explore their interests and to be active. Marilyn decided to pursue her goal of launching a new career by enrolling in John Tyler Community College’s Human Services Program. She says she chose Tyler because of its location, size and reputation. Through the Human Services Program, Marilyn got a summer internship through Chesterfield County Parks and Recreation that gave her the opportunity to work with seniors. She enjoyed the experience so much that she is now exploring career options with the county and with other organizations that have similar senior programs. In the meantime, she is finishing her last few classes and will be graduating from Tyler in May 2017.
Rocquia Richardson (23803)
Rocquia Richardson is a survivor, but she refuses to call herself a victim. “I am victorious,” she says as she talks about freeing herself from seven tumultuous years in an abusive marriage. She emerged from those years with a laser-focus on one goal: to help women and children survive and escape domestic violence and to move forward with their lives. One part of achieving her goal was getting a college education, and she decided to begin that journey at John Tyler Community College. In May 2017, Rocquia will graduate with a Substance Abuse Assistant career studies certificate, but she will not be leaving Tyler. She plans to come back in Fall 2017 to continue her studies en route to a degree in Human Services, Pre-Social Work Specialization. Along the way, she plans to continue her active role in Tyler’s Human Services Club. Currently president of the club, Rocquia looks for ways to engage students and the community in human services initiatives. She works with club members to collect items for those in need, to organize volunteer efforts, and to bring in speakers to discuss key topics in human services. After she completes her degree at Tyler, Rocquia plans to transfer to Virginia Commonwealth University to work on her bachelor’s degree. Her long-term goal is to open a home for domestic abuse victims.
Savannah Shomette (23836)
Savannah Shomette is a communicator at heart. She’s also an advocate. She talks candidly about the challenges she’s faced, how they impacted the path she’s currently on, and how she wants others to learn from her experiences. While in high school, Savannah says she struggled with mental illness that went untreated. She graduated from high school a year early but was left wondering what to do next. She said her grades were not high enough to get into the colleges she had been researching, she had not taken the SATs, and she was overwhelmed by the college application process. That’s when Savannah turned to John Tyler Community College. The college’s open door admissions policy and application process allowed her to take charge and navigate the steps to enrollment on her own. Once at Tyler, she took a hard look at her educational plans. Initially, she wanted to major in English, but after talking to her advisors, she realized the scope of her interests stretched much wider. In addition to writing, she was intrigued with language, speech and the way people communicate ideas. So, she decided to realign her goals and became a mass communications major. After she graduates from Tyler, Savannah says she wants to get an internship and to transfer to Virginia Commonwealth University where she will double major in English and public relations. Her goal is to one day work as a magazine writer or editor and to eventually work as an editor at a publishing house. As she pursues her educational and career goals, Savannah says she will continue to share her story and advocate for those who are living with mental illness.
Takura Zingoni (23112)
For Takura Zingoni, information is power. He understands how vital it is for data to be accurate, analyzed and understood, and he embraces the need to keep pace with changing technology. These converging interests put Takura on a path to an education in information systems. After moving to Chesterfield County, Takura began exploring his college options, and found out about John Tyler Community College from his sister and brother-in-law, both of whom had attended the college. Tyler’s proximity to his home was a plus, but it was the college’s lower tuition, facilities and campus environment that drove Takura’s decision. Plus, he liked the guaranteed admissions agreements Tyler has with four-year colleges and universities. After starting at Tyler, Takura says he was inspired to get more involved at the college. He became a student ambassador; a member of the Phi Theta Kappa honor society; and a member of the Men of Distinction Club. Once he graduates with his degree from John Tyler, Takura plans to transfer to Virginia Commonwealth University to complete a bachelor’s degree in information systems. After that, he hopes to pursue his master’s and Ph.D. At the same time, Takura is considering his career options. He says, initially, he’d like to work at a leading information technology company. Eventually, he wants to launch his own global IT solutions company that will focus on health systems applications and software.
John Tyler Community College, celebrating 50 years of providing educational opportunities to Central Virginia, is the fifth largest of the 23 community colleges in Virginia. With campuses in Chester and Midlothian and off-campus classrooms throughout the area, John Tyler offers affordable, quality programs for students who want to earn a degree or certificate, transfer to a four-year college or university, train for the workforce, or switch careers. The College, which served more than 14,100 students during the 2015-16 academic year, offers more than 60 majors, including associate degrees and certificates. The institution also serves more than 12,000 non-credit trainees and over 900 companies and government agencies annually through the Community College Workforce Alliance.