Student Stories | Start College Here!

Start College Here

Williamsburg Technical College

Health Sciences

"You hear those cliches about learning being a lifelong process, but I think there’s validity in that. As long as I’m able, I want to keep learning."

Frank Czaplinski
Williamsburg Technical College

Aiken Technical College

Health Sciences

"I'm finally ready to take the next step."

Sarah McDuffie
Aiken Technical College

Greenville Technical College

Advanced Manufacturing & Technical Trades

"Because I am the only woman in a blue-collar-type job in my family, it wasn’t easy at first…. But that just made me want to succeed at it even more."

Sheyla Maldonado
Greenville Technical College

Spartanburg Community College

Arts, Media & Communications

"Being selected as a [scholarship] recipient gave me a boost of motivation to know that I am on the correct path. I felt like God gave me this as a sign to let me know that everything will be okay with my future…"

Sunflower Her
Spartanburg Community College

Greenville Technical College

"I liked that I could measure my accomplishments in small doses…. I’ve consistently had something to show for my schooling, and that’s kept me motivated to keep getting the next thing."

Lacaron Glenn
Greenville Technical College

Orangeburg-Cahoun Technical College

"Because of Early College, I've cut two years off an expensive education, and I'm that much closer to my future."

Ellie Heape
Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College

Aiken Technical College

"I knew I wanted to graduate early. I also knew that as a full-time worker, mom, wife, and student, that wouldn’t be easy."

Bianca Brooks
Aiken Technical College

Greenville Technical College

Law & Criminal Justice

"I can honestly say that, when I leave Greenville Tech, I will be a much better person than when I entered it."

Danielle Willett
Greenville Technical College

Aiken Technical College

Health Sciences

"That’s why I decided to see what Aiken Tech had to offer. I needed something that was mentally stimulating, could occupy my time, and would keep me from giving in to the darkness of depression."

Amy Deas
Aiken Technical College

Denmark Technical College

"Exploring the complexity of the tech world has been an enlightening journey, and I look forward to finding my niche within it."

Russell Joseph
Denmark Technical College

Greenville Technical College

Advanced Manufacturing & Technical Trades

"Sometimes you’ve got to jump from the third row. If you want something in life, you’ve got to go get it."

Felix Sanchez
Greenville Technical College

York Technical College

Arts, Media & Communications

"I’m at a point in life where my proudest accomplishment is still being accomplished."

Marianne Vesich
York Technical College

Aiken Technical College

"The culture of Aiken Tech helps students realize that they are never alone. That kind of camaraderie encourages students to speak out, ask questions, and show up. To me, that is beautiful and something I am proud to be a part of."

Jasmine Ingram
Aiken Technical College

Tri-County Technical College

Advanced Manufacturing & Technical Trades

"Maybe technical college can take somebody like me – never really any good at school, with no college graduates in my family, and a background full of hardship – and help me be an inspiration for somebody else."

William Cantrell
Tri-County Technical College

York Technical College

"I never want to end up in a position that leaves me angry at my past self for not doing better and trying harder…. I always want to be better than who I was yesterday, and I get to decide what comes next."

Adri Miñarro
York Technical College

Greenville Technical College

Arts, Media & Communications

"I decided to go to Greenville Technical College to find out who I was without horses."

Allie Wright
Greenville Technical College

Greenville Technical College

Education & Human Services

"I went back to Greenville Tech to learn how to be more professional."

Harry Dent
Greenville Technical College

York Technical College

"I’ve learned to embrace and enjoy the journey, and I think that’s part of my superpower. I love community, and I’ve been able to mentor up, down, and across and get people excited about discovering their own superpower."

Troy Etta Knox
York Technical College

Trident Technical College

Arts, Media & Communications

"There were times when I wanted to challenge myself and just really nerd out, and [my instructor] gave me the freedom to do that."

Jeremy Solomon
Trident Technical College

Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College

Advanced Manufacturing & Technical Trades

"The biggest surprise was getting to move at my own pace. I could fly through things I was confident about and take my time with unfamiliar material. You don’t often see that in a college setting."

Ricki Bragg
Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College

Midlands Technical College

Health Sciences

"The fact that Lexington County, Apprenticeship Carolina, and Midlands Tech have made this education available and accessible to someone like me – that they had confidence in me coming right off the street – was pretty heartening."

Peter Wylie
Midlands Technical College

Aiken Technical College

Advanced Manufacturing & Technical Trades

"I've got so many people rooting for me that I want to perform better and bring real results so that I can show how I’ve progressed."

Brandon Christiansen
Aiken Technical College

Greenville Technical College

Advanced Manufacturing & Technical Trades

"Whether your career change is for personal satisfaction, changing budget requirements, or a different work-life balance, it’s worth staying adaptable."

Christina Pappas
Greenville Technical College

Florence-Darlington Technical College

Health Sciences

"Sometimes you have to make sacrifices in the short term to have the successful future you really want."

Micah Yates
Florence-Darlington Technical College

Florence-Darlington Technical College

Health Sciences

"I worked so hard for my EMT certification, and now that I’m an apprentice with Guardian Ambulance, I look forward to perfecting my work…"

Hannah Tadlock
Florence-Darlington Technical College

York Technical College

"STEM is pervasive in every single industry and every single workspace. When students are well-represented from our community, they can become decision makers and innovators in these fields."

Zach Oxendine
York Technical College

Florence-Darlington Technical College

Law & Criminal Justice

"Sometimes it’s good to stick to your original game plan, but sometimes it’s better to make changes."

Briana Zimmerman
Florence-Darlington Technical College

Northeastern Technical College

Health Sciences

"It feels like home… a place where you’re a person – not a number or a moneybag."

Kaleigh Thompson
Northeastern Technical College

Florence-Darlington Technical College

Advanced Manufacturing & Technical Trades

"I think there’s a special type of accomplishment in knowing that you’re keeping the machines that build the state’s infrastructure running."

Andrew Long
Florence-Darlington Technical College

Florence-Darlington Technical College

Health Sciences

"My entire college experience has gone so smoothly."

Cassie Teal
Florence-Darlington Technical College

Greenville Technical College

Hospitality & Culinary Arts

"Something came alive in me when I attended the culinary institute. Not only was I able to make food look good, but I was also able to make it taste amazing!"

Heather Grilliot
Greenville Technical College

Greenville Technical College

Hospitality & Culinary Arts

"My instructors’ real-world culinary experience meant that they were able to impart tips and tricks outside of the textbook."

Stufona Latta
Greenville Technical College

Midlands Technical College

Advanced Manufacturing & Technical Trades

"My dream is to be a strong provider for my family, provide a service to people, have peace, and enjoy my job."

Byran Gilyard
Midlands Technical College

Denmark Technical College

"Transitioning from one field to another is risky, but I’m willing to step out in faith. Without any risk, there’s no reward."

The Martino Sisters
Denmark Technical College

Horry-Georgetown Technical College

Health Sciences

"I learned about a lot of the options that HGTC offered while at Early College, and I knew that its instructors and administration were always willing to help."

Tatyana Simon
Horry-Georgetown Technical College

York Technical College

Arts, Media & Communications

"My determination to complete the program no matter what hardships stalled my progress was something I didn’t know I had."

Cyntaria Johnson
York Technical College

Horry-Georgetown Technical College

Health Sciences

"The world is constantly evolving, and sometimes what we learn is what doesn’t work. But that’s how we change for the better."

Christina Green
Horry-Georgetown Technical College

Aiken Technical College

"The biggest perk is that the training is offered by veterans, for veterans. In my opinion, the vet-to-vet relatability aspect is crucial for the success of the program."

Christopher Leon
Aiken Technical College

Spartanburg Community College

Arts, Media & Communication

"You're important, and it's okay to follow your dreams and put the work in."

Amanda Sutton
Spartanburg Community College

Denmark Technical College

"The teachers have patience, they communicate with you, they understand you're a person, too. It's really nice to know that they genuinely care about you."

Aaliyah McKeithan
Denmark Technical College

Denmark Technical College

Education & Human Services

"Even though Denmark Tech is small, we’ve got the most heart. We have something a big campus can’t give you: family."

Jairus Hays
Denmark Technical College

Spartanburg Community College

Advanced Manufacturing & Technical Trades

"I had found a college that would invest their time and money into my education, and all I had to do was invest in myself."

Danielle Fenn
Spartanburg Community College

Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College

Health Sciences

"Growing up in rural SC, I observed how people are treated in hospitals and different settings. It made me want to be an advocate for people who aren’t treated fairly."

Ryan Felder
Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College

Trident Technical College

Hospitality & Culinary Arts

"I love talking about food, and gathering with people on a regular basis to talk about food and restaurants really lights me up."

Tymi Howard
Trident Technical College

Aiken Technical College

"Early College through Aiken Tech was completely free. As the daughter of first-generation immigrants, affordability was really important."

Stephanie Zaragoza
Aiken Technical College

Spartanburg Community College

"I spent about a year at the university and I ended up going into a lot of debt. When I decided to go back to college, I wanted to without going back into debt. That's how I decided on Spartanburg Community College."

Kristin Perez
Spartanburg Community College

Spartanburg Community College

"It’s great to put a face to people with disabilities. You never know when you might make a difference."

Logan Hopper
Spartanburg Community College

Northeastern Technical College

Advanced Manufacturing & Technical Trades

"We had more hands-on training because it was just two students. That made it really easy for us to learn."

Nakeisha Gathers
Northeastern Technical College

Northeastern Technical College

Personal Enrichment

"When I got to Northeastern, I found so much support. It felt like everyone was there to help me accomplish my goals."

Shea & Ernest Linton
Northeastern Technical College

Horry-Georgetown Technical College

Education & Human Services

"When I got in contact with professors at HGTC, I just knew it was where I belonged. It started me on the road for success."

Robert Pierce
Horry-Georgetown Technical College

Williamsburg Technical College

Health Sciences

"Becoming a mother opened my eyes. It made me realize I wanted more for my children and myself. It got me to rethink what was possible for me."

Bridgette Montrose
Williamsburg Technical College

Midlands Technical College

Law & Criminal Justice

Personal Enrichment

"Midlands Tech became a place where I felt safe. People made me feel like if I could get through college, I could do anything."

Bianca Williams
Midlands Technical College

Williamsburg Technical College

Law & Criminal Justice

"The teachers, professors and students here push for your success. They're excited to see you be successful as well."

Tommy Shaw
Williamsburg Technical College

Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College

Health Sciences

"OCtech has the number three nursing program in the state, so you earn the reputation that you know your stuff. OCtech doesn’t play around when it comes to nursing..."

Constance Prince
Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College

Spartanburg Community College

"SCC is so diverse With all that life experience, you get a really well-rounded perspective on the world. That helps you recognize different opportunities and possibilities."

Jay Cash
Spartanburg Community College

Spartanburg Community College

"You never know where life will take you when you're open to different people, open to learning, open to knowledge."

Renaisha Collins
Spartanburg Community College

Northeastern Technical College

Advanced Manufacturing & Technical Trades

"AT NETC you’ve got great people trying to help you reach your goals and dreams. It’s a great place."

Ervin Dease, Jr.
Northeastern Technical College

Technical College of the Lowcountry

Education & Human Services

"You can overcome anything. You can't let anything hinder you and stop you from what you want to achieve."

Kyleigh Tokar
Technical College of the Lowcountry

Midlands Technical College

"Midlands Tech is where I found my home. People don’t realize how awesome this environment is and how well it prepares you to get a job in your field."

Lasenta Lewis-Ellis
Midlands Technical College

Horry-Georgetown Technical College

Education & Human Services

"Finally realizing what I wanted to be when I grow up — a teacher — helped me refocus at HGTC. Now I have a goal and a reason to go to school. I always knew I wanted to work with kids."

Demarrious Vereen
Horry-Georgetown Technical College

Central Carolina Technical College

"Now I’ve found a career with a great pay rate that I never even knew existed before coming here."

Shahnoor Dar
Central Carolina Technical College

Central Carolina Technical College

Advanced Manufacturing & Technical Trades

"The professors here are like family to me. They are always looking for ways to help you get it done."

Kiana Davis
Central Carolina Technical College

Florence-Darlington Technical College

Education & Human Services

"There are a lot of high expectations set on young people around going to college. Do what is right for you."

Sarah Hill
Florence-Darlington Technical College

Northeastern Technical College

Health Sciences

"I'm a lot smarter than I thought I was. Now I can see myself pressing forward to do more than what I thought I could back in the day."

Seth Davis
Northeastern Technical College

Horry-Georgetown Technical College

Health Sciences

"When I visited I felt so impressed with the technology at Horry-Georgetown Technical College, and everything was so accessible."

Elmira Peterson
Horry-Georgetown Technical College

Piedmont Technical College

Health Sciences

"If you feel like you can't do it, go to a technical college and take a look around. It's really inspiring."

Patrick Craven
Piedmont Technical College

Denmark Technical College

Health Sciences

"When we keep stepping out into new comfort zones, we're building ourselves up rather than holding ourselves back."

Melissa Sanders
Denmark Technical College

Technical College of the Lowcountry

Law & Criminal Justice

"Anything that you work towards requires sacrifice. You have to work for what you want, but at Tech they also give you the tools that you need."

Briana Schmus
Technical College of the Lowcountry

Piedmont Technical College

Health Sciences

"It doesn't matter where you start, just start. You can start small or you can start big, but really starting is the hardest part."

Daniela Jiminez-Leon
Piedmont Technical College

Trident Technical College

Health Sciences

"Don't be afraid of failing and never give up on your dreams and goals. Even when you feel like you can't do it, don't give up."

Makayla Daka
Trident Technical College

Denmark Technical College

Law & Criminal Justice

"Push forward and don't give up. Strive to be someone better and do something greater -- and settle for nothing less."

Jordan Blanding
Denmark Technical College

Trident Technical College

"In order to succeed, you have to give every ounce of yourself. If you do, the career opportunities are endless."

Alexander Allen
Trident Technical College

York Technical College

"It's never too late to live out your dream. Just keep thriving and striving for any goal you make because the reward is worth it."

Latonya Barrett
York Technical College

Williamsburg Technical College

"Tech gave me an opportunity to bring out something inside of me that I didn't even know I had."

Marvelous Brown
Williamsburg Technical College

Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College

Law & Criminal Justice

"Anyone can stand up and teach from a book, but to have professors with real experience in the field to learn from made OCtech so much better."

Dylan Lee
Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College

Midlands Technical College

Health Sciences

"I had so many options available to me at Midlands Tech. I didn’t realize that when I was trying to go to the bigger colleges. Tech really helped me get started."

Ariana Bell
Midlands Technical College

Central Carolina Technical College

"Especially during this pandemic, I think it's important not to get discouraged, even if you are coming up against obstacles or difficult times."

Kristen Jackson
Central Carolina Technical College

Technical College of the Lowcountry

"The cost was affordable, the classes are smaller, and the professors actually know your name. Technical college changed my life."

Dejarvis Eaddy
Technical College of the Lowcountry

Northeastern Technical College

"I've silenced the naysayers. Their doubt definitely fueled my determination."

Lauren Morris
Northeastern Technical College

Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College

Health Sciences

"At that point failure was no longer an option. I had to keep pushing."

Patrice Burgess
Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College

Piedmont Technical College

"We all want to be successful. That takes more than just believing in your dreams -- it takes hard work."

Trey Cook
Piedmont Technical College

Piedmont Technical College

"You never know how strong you are until you stand up and take the challenge."

Antonia Adams
Piedmont Technical College

Horry-Georgetown Technical College

Health Sciences

"Don't be afraid to pivot and do something different. Life is about utilizing your passion.”

Chad Tingen
Horry-Georgetown Technical College

Central Carolina Technical College

"We all have things we have to overcome in life. You may not be able to escape them, but you can power through them.”

Allan Turner
Central Carolina Technical College

No Results Found

load More

{endItem} {itemsNumber}

Top