BRITTANY WATSON
Student, Lord Fairfax Community College

Brittany Watson plans to graduate from Lord Fairfax Community College (LFCC) after the fall 2007 semester. Watson was initially resentful that, due to financial constraints, she would be unable to attend a four-year higher education institution until after she completed an associate’s degree at LFCC. She was well aware of the negative stereotypes associated with community colleges and was not looking forward to attending LFCC. “I wanted to go to a four-year university and experience the real world. All of my friends had left to attend universities, and I hated the thought of repeating high school. I soon learned how very wrong I was,” Watson said.

Watson’s apprehension soon dissipated and was replaced with comfort and support. “The first thing that I noticed was how helpful the professors were. I was having trouble finding out who my advisor was, so after class one day I approached Professor Nordling, my English professor. I asked him if he knew how I could find my advisor. Professor Nordling went the extra mile and helped me himself. I know I would not have gotten that type of help from a university professor,” Watson explained.

Watson also realized that attending LFCC was the right financial decision. Due to LFCC’s low tuition rates compared to four-year colleges and universities and the convenience of being able to live at her parent’s house, Watson has been able to save money for when she transfers to a four-year educational institution.

“One of the professors who really impacted my life was Professor Ludwick, my speech and drama professor. She openly expresses her love for her job. She actually helped me to choose my major,” Watson said. “I now know that I want to transfer to Virginia Tech and major in communications. I honestly hope that one day I will be able to impact young adults like the professors at LFCC have impacted me.”