|
October 20, 2010
Cousins Share NETC as Their Pathway to a College Education
Getting an education has always been a priority in the Malachi family, which is why brothers Chauncey and Eric of Wallace, as well as their cousin, A.J. Williams of Cheraw, took advantage of the opportunities that Northeastern Technical College has to pursue their career goals.
For Eric and A.J., the College was a stepping stone on their pathway to a four-year college degree from Gardner Webb University. Both young men enrolled in NETC after high school and earned an associate degree in business management.
“Northeastern Technical College was the first step for me toward getting my bachelor’s degree,” Eric Malachi said. “Because of the support of NETC faculty and staff, it was easy to transfer to Gardner Webb. NETC was good for me financially and for the networking it provided.”
A May 2008 graduate of NETC, Eric earned a bachelor of business administration from Gardner Webb in August. He works for Pee Dee Cleaners, a family-owned business in Cheraw, and is an electronic sales associate at Walmart in Cheraw.
For Williams, the College was an obvious choice to begin his pursuit of a four-year degree because it was close to home and his job.
“Northeastern Technical College was convenient for me. I already had a job, so it was easy to work and go to school and it gave me more time to save up for Gardner Webb,” Williams said. “The college really was a big help because it connected me with that university. But once I got that two-year associate’s degree under my belt, I knew I could go anywhere.”
Williams will graduate in December 2011, and he plans to find a job in the field of marketing and planning. Like his cousin Eric, he works for the family business and is a sales associate at Walmart. He also does the event planning for Goodfellaz Enterprise, an organization he and the Malachis formed to explore ways to give back to the community.
The group so far has sponsored a breast cancer awareness benefit to raise money for the American Cancer Society and established the Inaugural Virginia Graham Jackson Memorial Stroll by the Lake. They will also host an event in Florence called “More Than A Dream Tour” on Oct. 30 featuring a dance competition, a battle of the DJs and performances by college bands. Information on health, money management and higher education will be made available by partnering businesses and groups.
“Our saying is ‘We Make Giving Back Fun,’” Chauncey Malachi said about Goodfellaz Enterprise. “It’s our way of doing something for the community.”
A 1997 University of South Carolina graduate, Malachi took courses at NETC during the summers to earn college credits toward his bachelor’s degree in elementary education. He is now a guidance counselor at Wallace Elementary/Middle School.
While NETC helped him get ahead at USC and save a little money, he encourages students graduating high school to take advantage of the opportunity the College offers right here in their own backyard.
“When you are away at college you might not have the support like you do by attending college close to home,” he said. “If I would have gone to NETC my first two years of college, I wouldn’t have struggled to find my way so much in Columbia between work, housing and classes. I could have gotten my feet wet before jumping into college headfirst.”
The Malachis agree that their father was a firm believer in education and instilled that drive for knowledge in the family.
“Knowledge is power so we encourage you to take the steps like we have to pursue a college education,” said Williams.
“Whatever path you decide to take, have a plan and be dedicated to it… . You can always fall back on your education,” Chauncey Malachi said.
“Any small step toward your main goal is a step in the right direction,” Eric said.
Take that first step at NETC. For more information or to apply, call 1-800-921-7399, or visit the College online at www.netc.edu.
Admission applications for spring semester enrollment at Northeastern Technical College are due Wednesday, Dec. 8. Applications can be obtained and submitted at any of the college’s community campuses in Cheraw, Bennettsville, Dillon or Pageland, or online at www.netc.edu. Open registration will be held Wednesday, Jan. 5, at the Cheraw campus. |
