Four NETC Pathways Lead to Coastal Carolina University

Matthew Fortune, Domonique Hale, Jeffrey Dogan and William Clark share their experiences of transferring to Coastal Carolina University from NETC.:

Almost a year after transferring from Northeastern Technical College, four former TRIO Student Support Services participants share their experiences and advice on transferring to a four-year college from NETC.

Active participants of the SSS program and the Training, Retaining and Uplifting Males to Produce Educational Triumphs (TRUMPET) program at NETC, William Clark, Jeffrey Dogan, Matthew Fortune and Alexander Hale, all transferred to Coastal Carolina University (CCU) last fall.

The four friends were determined to transfer to CCU, each made a successful transition, and are doing well their first year.

"I saw each of them overcome obstacles and roadblocks that would have discouraged the average student, and I was also inspired by how they encouraged each other," said Wendy Woods, SSS counselor.

"The four students are a testament to the programs success, and exemplify Student Support Services' mission to make educational dreams become reality.  The students set goals and made strides to achieve them, living up to NETC's slogan, your pathway to a future," Woods continued.

One of the primary goals of the SSS program is to give students the opportunity to learn about the college transfer process.  The program also helps open lines of communication between students and four-year colleges and universities. In addition to college awareness, the support services program offers free tutoring, career planning, skills workshops, cultural enrichment, financial counseling and referrals to other agencies if needed.

William Clark of Chesterfield is a communications major with a minor in psychology.  His goal is to complete graduate school and pursue a career in radio--preferably in Washington, DC or Los Angeles area.

His advice to current students looking to transfer is: "Make sure you are mentally prepared for the transition, adjusting to a different environment may be challenging. Also make sure you study, study, study!"

When asked how the SSS program has helped him, William replied, "SSS helped me choose a four-year school, and helped me work on habits, like studying, handling stress before tests and even finances. It is a great program, everybody should get involved."

Jeffrey Dogan is sociology major from Cheraw.  He has plans to become a counselor and work with at-risk populations.

When asked if transferring to a four-year college was a big adjustment, Jeffery replied, "Yes, transferring to a four college was a big adjustment, because it's a larger environment compared to a technical school.  I can truly say Northeastern Technical College prepared me for a four-year institution."

Matthew Fortune of Wallace is majoring in English.  His career goals entail writing novels and directing feature films.

His advice to students interested in transferring to a four-year college, "Go to the school that best fits your career goals."

When asked about the adjustment from a two-year to a four-year college, Matthew responded, "Transferring to a four year school was not that big of an adjustment for me, the work is do-able and the classes are not terribly hard. The only adjustment for me was having roommates."

Cheraw native, Domonique Hale is a business-marketing major. His ultimate goal is to become a marketing director for a Fortune 500 company.

His adjustment to Coastal Carolina University was not difficult, he said "because, I was a former South Carolina State student.  However, NETC did prepare me for CCU."

Domonique's advice to students who wish to transfer is to "don't lose focus." He also said "Student Support Services gave me the university feel by really supporting me; they were actually interested in seeing me succeed!"

Student Support Services works to improve retention and increase graduation of students. Services include financial aid counseling, study skills instruction, writing skills, educational counseling, tutoring, career and cultural awareness.  Located in room 808 in West Hall, SSS is open from 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Fridays.  For more information, visit online at www.netc.edu or call 843-921-6942.

Tags: Alumni College College Prepared Pathway Pathway to a Future Transfer Opportunities

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