The Horticulture Program spring sale is back on Chesapeake Campus

Step into the greenhouses on Tidewater Community College’s Chesapeake Campus and you will be delighted by the sights and scents.

You’ll find beautiful blooms, fresh vegetables, fragrant herbs and colorful hanging baskets. And best of all, these beauties can go home with you to liven up your home, yard or patio.

TCC’s Plant Sale will be held for two days only, April 26-27, from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., on the Chesapeake Campus, 1428 Cedar Road.

“We are excited to be back after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic,” said Andrea Tomlin, TCC horticulture professor and program lead. “We’re looking forward to seeing the community return to our three beautiful greenhouses for our annual spring sale.”

All plants grown by TCC’s horticulture students begin as seeds, rooted cuttings or plugs.

This year, Greenhouse Production students produced 18 different types of bedding plants, seven different types of vegetables, seven types of herbs, as well as a variety of houseplants and some native perennials.

Community members who come to shop will find geraniums, petunias, impatiens, vinca, verbena and others. An assortment of vegetables is available including tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, squash, zucchini and eggplant. Healthy herbs round out the offerings with basil, cilantro, lemon balm and more.

Every semester, horticulture students learn about crop production in the hands-on laboratories on the Chesapeake Campus. Three greenhouses protect plants and provide the growing setting in every season. Students focus on proper techniques for planting, fertilizing and documenting the growing season for each plant.

“Our plants are given a lot of care,” said Tomlin. “Students learn how to correctly space, disbud, pinch and deadhead plants as needed to produce a prolific plant that will last all season. In addition, daily watering, fertigation and disease monitoring ensure a quality crop.”

Growing plants also means pests and learning pest control techniques. TCC students use dual-sided yellow insect traps, as well as a special homemade pest control solution to ward off pests. You can keep your plants pest-free at home by using the recipe below.

TCC’s greenhouses are located behind the Whitehurst building with the lab in room 2067. Plants cost between $1 and $25 and can be purchased with cash or checks only. For more information about the sale, email atomlin@tcc.edu or call 757-822-5090.

TCC homemade pest control solution for your plants

Mix the TCC homemade formula for pests on most plants. Take a 16-ounce spray bottle and fill three-fourths with water. Add a few squirts of liquid dish detergent. Then add a few capfuls of rubbing alcohol. Fill the bottle the rest of the way with water and replace the top. Shake well. Spray as needed on vegetables, houseplants, and blooming bedding plants to get rid of pests. This solution is safe for humans and pets.

TCC Theatre presents Shakespeare’s “The Merchant of Venice,” April 8-16

For the first time since the start of the pandemic, Tidewater Community College is offering the community live theatre in its Black Box Theater on Chesapeake Campus, 1428 Cedar Road.

TCC Theatre brings “The Merchant of Venice” to the stage for six performances, April 8-16.

As in the original production, “The Merchant of Venice” features a merchant in Venice named Antonio who defaults on a large loan provided by a Jewish moneylender, Shylock.

Merchant of Venice cast in high school outfits.

TCC’s version of the play is a one-hour production that brings Shakespeare’s 16th-century work into the modern world. It is set in a high school, and the classic characters become students who struggle with and create, the bigotry, bullying and cycles of violence that are as tragic and timeless as Shakespeare’s immortal words.

Directed by Logan Bennett, the world portrayed on stage at TCC uses cryptocurrency, while texting is lingua franca, and the characters’ use of social media adds layers to the story.

Performance dates and times are:
April 8-9 at 7:30 p.m.
April 10 at 2 p.m.
April 14-16 at 7:30 p.m.

All seats are $10 for general admission. To purchase your tickets visit https://tidewater.universitytickets.com/w/event.aspx?SeriesID=6

Tickets will also be available for purchase in the theater lobby starting one hour before each performance, with cash and all credit cards accepted. Seating is limited. To make sure you get a seat, reserve your tickets in advance.

***Please note that this production of “The Merchant of Venice,” like the play as originally performed, carries stark and disturbing themes of social injustice that include racism, bigotry, and anti-Semitism that may not be appropriate for those sensitive to such subjects, or for young children.***

For questions about the production please call 757-822-5219.

“Now that I’ve been at TCC for two semesters, I can say it was the best decision ever.” — Rachel Dunn, TCC student

Rachel Dunn is proud to be a Tidewater Community College Student Ambassador and Outstanding High School Graduate Scholar.

“I never really considered community college until my godmother encouraged me to apply,” Rachel said. “Now that I’ve been at TCC for two semesters, I can say it was the best decision ever.”

As an Outstanding High School Graduate Scholar, Rachel is earning her associate degree in two years and paying zero for tuition and fees.

“I started at the community college understanding that it would be a slower pace and I could gather myself and get ready for my four-year school,” she said.

Rachel Dunn at the Portsmouth Campus Student Center.

This scholarship includes required volunteer hours on campus, but Rachel sees this as another benefit. She engages prospective and current students during campus events and also works in the Portsmouth Campus Students Center.

“In the time I’ve known Rachel, I’ve seen how well she manages multiple responsibilities from maintaining a high GPA, to serving as a student ambassador, to caring for younger siblings and working a part-time job,” said Charlene Taylor, Student Center staff member. “I’ve never seen her shy away from a task and she is always willing to serve.”

The student ambassador program also includes leadership training, mentoring and public speaking. All of these opportunities add to the learning curve, especially the soft skills necessary for many careers.

Rachel got her start at the college while she was still in high school. She took dual enrollment classes as a senior at Churchland High. “I was nervous about college, but all that changed after my first class,” she said. “My professor was supportive and encouraging. It helped with my confidence and was just what I needed.”

Rachel is enthusiastic about animals and hopes to one day be a veterinarian. Her work at TCC gave her the courage to begin shadowing a travelling veterinarian in the area.

“I tell everyone no matter how uncomfortable you may be, get out there and give TCC a try,” Rachel said. “The people will be kind to you and the school is like a family. You can’t go wrong coming here.”

In her free time, Rachel spends time with her dog, Cody. She also enjoys hanging out with friends, bowling and helping the Churchland High softball team with their training. Rachel is a former player and was captain of the team during her senior year.

The deadline to apply for the Outstanding High School Graduate Scholarship is April 8, 2022. For more information, contact TCC’s Virtual Student Support Team at 757-822-1111. To learn more about TCC’s dual enrollment program, visit here.

“It’s easy to think it’s too late and you’ve missed your opportunity. But it’s never too late.” – Angi Wood, TCC student

Angela “Angi” Wood says the most important thing she’s learned at TCC is how to be a compassionate nurse.

She credits her nursing skills instructor, Catina Davis, with inspiring her to be an excellent nurse, while also teaching her the nursing process and critical thinking on the job.

Angi is an adult learner who returned to TCC to earn her nursing degree, after spending more than a decade as a stay-at-home mom with her daughter, Adelaide, who is now her biggest cheerleader.

“I hear my daughter telling her friends that I’m in nursing school and she’s really proud,” Angi said. “It’s easy to think it’s too late and you’ve missed the opportunity. But it’s never too late.”

Angi, 41, selected TCC’s nursing program because of its strong reputation in the community and the resources available for students.

“I like the challenge and rigor of the program,” she said. “And TCC has the equipment and simulators to help you gain the skills needed to be a great nurse,” she added.

Angi says that at one point the pressure of adding school to her already busy life was really challenging. “I was dealing with family demands, the pandemic, along with school and work. When I heard about the mental health counseling offered at TCC, I jumped at the opportunity.”

She signed up through TimelyCare, a service provided through Virginia’s Community Colleges. “I worked with my counselor on interventions for stress management and coping skills. At first, we met weekly and now we talk every other week. It’s made a big difference,” she said.

TCC’s nursing program includes clinical rotations in area hospitals, and that’s where Angi found her fit in the Intensive Care Unit. She hopes to land a full-time position after graduation and when she becomes a registered nurse. “It takes a lot of skill to care for critical care patients, and TCC’s program has prepared me well for the task ahead,” she said.

Angi is on track to earn her Associate of Science in Nursing in December 2022. She is earning her bachelor’s in nursing from Old Dominion University concurrently.

Angi’s family, including her husband Randall, and their daughter Adelaide, will be there to cheer her on when she graduates from TCC.

“I got a great education at TCC that’s going to translate into a rewarding career,” Angi said. “I’m ready for the work and looking forward to serving my community.”

For more information on TimelyCare and the other student support services available through the Student Resource and Empowerment Center, visit here.

“TCC was a good fit for my mom and it’s been great for me, too.” — Danielle Paitsel

Danielle Paitsel is following in her mother’s footsteps and starting her higher education at Tidewater Community College.

For Danielle, watching her mom, Angelica, flourish as a radiographer, compelled her to find her own path into the health professions.

“TCC was a good fit for my mom and it’s been great for me, too,” Danielle said. “I’m pretty excited to earn my degree so quickly.”

At 19, she is just weeks away from graduating with an Associate of Science in Science and a Career Studies Certificate in Pharmacy Technician.

As a TCC STEM Promise Scholar she will leave the college with no student debt.

“My ultimate goal is to become a pharmacist because I want to help people who may not be able to afford their medications,” Danielle said. “I don’t think people should have to choose between their prescriptions and other necessities.”

Both Danielle and Angelica are among the growing number of women who work in the health professions. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, women account for three-quarters of full-time, year-round health care workers today.

Danielle is completing her pharmacy technician internship and says she is well prepared for the work ahead.

In fact, she is one of 25 students nationwide selected for the Phi Theta Kappa Walgreen’s Pharmacy Technician Certification Scholarship. This means she will be pay zero to sit for the national exam.

Danielle plans to work as a Certified Pharmacy Technician while pursuing her bachelor’s degree at Virginia Commonwealth University. She also hopes to attend Pharmacy School at VCU.

“There are so many good things about TCC. You can take a lot of different classes and work them into your degree,” she said. “But my favorite thing was the people.”

“I tell everyone to come to TCC and make a plan. If you have to drop a class, that’s okay. Your mental health is important, too.”

TCC’s STEM Promise Scholarship program is accepting applications now through April 1. STEM Promise covers all tuition and fees for four semesters at TCC. Students who complete their degrees transfer to their selected universities as juniors. To learn more about the program visit here.

STEM Promise Scholar sets her sights on NASA career

Mya Day loves science and has always wanted to work at NASA.

As a Tidewater Community College STEM Promise Scholar, she is on her way to making this dream come true.

“I feel so fortunate to be part of STEM Promise. It’s pretty great having tuition covered, but it doesn’t end there,” Mya said. “The connections, internships and volunteer opportunities are also a big plus.”

Mya, 18, chose TCC because the Virginia Beach Campus is close to home, allowing her to ease into the college experience. “It’s been the perfect challenge and I’m getting a good education,” she said.

Mya is working toward an Associate of Science in Engineering and enjoying a full slate of science and math classes. She especially enjoys chemistry class with her now favorite instructor, Casey Clements. “She’s this high-energy teacher who doesn’t make you feel stupid for asking a question. I really appreciate that.”

Taking classes both in-person and online, Mya says it’s the best of both worlds. “I really enjoy being on campus for labs and making connections with classmates,” she added.

Mya was also selected to be part of the CIVIC Scholars Program, a collaborative initiative between the CIVIC Leadership Institute, Old Dominion University and TCC that fosters a spirit of civic engagement, professionalism and leadership in college students in Hampton Roads.

Mya plans to transfer to Old Dominion University for her bachelor’s in engineering.

“College is not easy,” Mya added. “But with persistence and work, I know it’s going to be so worth it in the end.”

Ten reasons to consider attending community college

Tidewater Community College has been providing quality education in Hampton Roads for over 50 years. Today, TCC is the largest provider of higher education and workforce services in Hampton Roads.

TCC provides flexible, affordable education options to close to 30,000 students each year, both online and on campuses in cities across the area.

So why is community college a good place to start? Here are 10 reasons to consider.

Cost

Save big on tuition by starting at TCC. Tuition costs at TCC are significantly lower than four-year schools. That’s why three in five TCC graduates leave debt-free. Compare that to the national average of $37,172 and it’s easy to see why TCC is a great option for those looking to start their careers.

Quality education

TCC professors bring real-world knowledge into the classroom, creating a dynamic learning environment for students. In fact, students who graduate from TCC’s career and technical programs have some of the highest pass rates on certification exams. Also, students who transfer to universities have high success rates thanks to the strong start they got at TCC.

Faculty and staff here to help

TCC Professors have one goal in the classroom and that’s student success. They go the extra mile and connect with students to ensure they reach their educational goals. In addition, TCC staff strive to solve problems and ease barriers to higher education for all students.

Education that works

TCC offers hands-on training for all kinds of careers from IT to health care to mechatronics. Students looking to train for a specific career benefit from industry-focused curriculum and partnerships that include internships and clinical experience. If you want a degree that will get you hired, TCC can get you there.

Guaranteed transfer

TCC’s guaranteed transfer programs offer immediate transfer to every public university in Virginia and most private four-year colleges, too. Just put in the work for two years (and sometimes less) at TCC, then go pretty much anywhere in Virginia.

Military friendly

About one-third of TCC students are military-related. The college provides a full array of services to support prospective and current military-related students in our offices on campus and on base. Students benefit from military and academic resources tailored to active duty and reserve service members, veterans, military spouses and dependents.

Scholarships and financial aid

TCC and the TCC Educational Foundation provide thousands of dollars in scholarships to students each year. Most of them are worth $500 or more and don’t need to be repaid, making one of the most affordable options in higher education even more cost-effective. Staff are here to help students explore scholarships, grants, loans and work-study options.

Flexible and convenient

With four campuses in Hampton Roads, TCC is an easy commute from anywhere. Also, community college classes are designed with convenience and are offered in the daytime, evenings, weekends and online.

Smaller classes

Large classes held in auditoriums are less likely at a community college. Even though TCC is the largest provider of higher education in the area, classes and labs are still small allowing for personalized attention.

Tim Slootmaker with Chuck Thomas, student center staff member.

Student life

Student life at TCC encompasses the entire collegiate experience. Along with classroom and laboratory work, various clubs and organizations are available to broaden and deepen students’ views. Leadership opportunities in student government are encouraged and student centers on each campus offer a wide variety of study, work-out, gathering and food options.

There’s still time to apply for fall scholarships at TCC

Whether you’re studying nursing, culinary arts or automotive technology, TCC has scholarships designed just for you. In fact, TCC has scholarships for dozens of program areas and a special scholarship for women in STEM fields.

Don’t miss out on free money to further your academic goals.

Applications for Tidewater Community College’s 2022 fall scholarships are being accepted now through March 31.

Thanks to the contributions of individual donors and organizations, TCC’s Educational Foundation is able to provide scholarships to support students academic studies and achievements. Awards may be used for tuition, books and fees at TCC.

Most TCC Educational Foundation scholarships are worth $500 or more. They do not need to be repaid. Depending on your unmet need, you may be awarded more than one scholarship.

Browse the list of opportunities to find your fit.

Remember, scholarships are a form of financial aid that do not need to be repaid. Most scholarships awarded by TCC are worth at least $500.

Some scholarships factor in demographics. The Betty L. Shores Memorial Scholarship, for example, gives preference to students attending the Virginia Beach Campus. The Frank Farello Scholarship seeks students who are studying Culinary Arts of Hospitality Management.

A few, including the Barnes and Noble Textbook Scholarship, offer multiple scholarships to students on each of the four campuses and have minimal requirements.

Start by completing the 2022-23 FAFSA to determine your eligibility for financial aid. Find the FAFSA online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. List TCC as your school of choice by using code 003712.

Use your myTCC login and password to sign into the scholarship application system. From there, browse scholarship opportunities and apply for ones that fit you best. The system will recommend scholarships that are right for you.

For more information contact the TCC Educational Foundation at foundation@tcc.edu or 757-822-1080.

TCC Horticulture students give back at “Come to the Bay”

Cloudy skies and cold temperatures didn’t dampen the spirits of Horticulture students and faculty as they worked at “Come to the Bay.” The group volunteered at a planting event sponsored by the City of Virginia Beach and the Virginia Turfgrass Council Environmental Institute.

Andrea Tomlin, Horticulture department chair, with student Whitney Waldo and Horticulture instructor Taylor Treadway

Andrea Tomlin, Horticulture department chair, and instructor Taylor Treadway led a group of nine TCC students as they planted American Beach Grass alongside the Lesner Bridge in Virginia Beach.

“This community service project was very rewarding,” Tomlin said. “We were thrilled to do our part to help protect, beautify and sustain our waterway landscapes in Hampton Roads.”

Participating students spent the morning hours of Valentine’s Day preparing the ground and planting the grasses. In total, 15,000 plants were added to the landscape to help with erosion control along the Bay.

“Not only do these grasses help beautify our beaches, but they are also vital to erosion control by serving as a natural defense against storm surges,” Tomlin said. “This grass helps build dunes along the beaches by extending a deep rhizome root system that holds onto the sand to keep it in place. Eventually, the grasses will fill in and reach a height of about two feet tall and can spread six to10 feet.”

The community service event included a short kickoff program with remarks by Virginia Beach Mayor Bobby Dyer and an educational lunch with experts speaking about environmental and horticulture topics.

TCC announces 2022 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Awards

Tidewater Community College honors the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by presenting annual awards to those who embody his teachings and spirit.

The 2022 recipients are:

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Distinguished Service Award: Annette Mewborn, English professor at the Virginia Beach Campus.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship Award: Jiahuan Lin, a TCC student working toward her Associate of Science in General Studies.

The two will be honored during the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Virtual Awards and Recognition Program on Feb. 25 from noon to 1:30 p.m. Register for the event.

William Harrell, President and CEO of Hampton Roads Transit

The featured speaker is William E. Harrell, President and CEO of Hampton Roads Transit. Harrell will speak on “Why is Martin Luther King Jr’s legacy relevant today?”

Annette Mewborn
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Distinguished Service Award

Annette Mewborn is passionate about bringing people together and serving the community.

The English professor, who began working at the Virginia Beach Campus admissions office, joined the college in 1989. For close to a decade, Mewborn organized Black History Month events on the Virginia Beach Campus to celebrate African American history and culture. The events included programs like “From the Root of It,” a look at hairstyles through the ages, as well as a historical review of “Motown Music.”

Her long list of accomplishments includes starting a tutoring center for children at Rehoboth Baptist Church. She set up the center and recruited volunteers to teach English, writing, music and Spanish.

Pre-pandemic, Mewborn presented 12 holiday concerts at TCC with Echoes of Excellence, a group of students with a love for music. Together they packed the Pungo Auditorium year after year. She also established High Class, an educational band that writes and performs songs for youth at community events.

Most recently, Mewborn organized a toy drive and holiday concert for abused children through her work with CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates). The outdoor event was held in Mewborn’s own backyard.

And during the pandemic, she started The Novel Kids, a reading program for children to keep them engaged and learning in the summer months.

“I believe in peace and unity, and the tenets Dr. King held dear,” Mewborn said. “If you look at some of his most influential quotes, you see one word that mirrors the Bible and that is love. That’s how I strive to live my life. By loving my neighbor, wherever I am.”

Jiahuan Lin
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship Award

Community service has become a way of life for Jiahuan Lin. She began volunteering in high school and has no intention of slowing down.

Lin,18, holds a 4.0 GPA and is working on an Associate of Science in General Studies.

An Outstanding High School Scholar, Lin serves as a TCC student ambassador and represents the college at open houses and other events for new and prospective students. She is also vice president of TCC CARES, a student engagement club designed to help the community and the environment through service projects. Additionally, she serves the Virginia Beach Campus as vice president of the Student Government Association.

Lin has also been active in the community during the COVID-19 pandemic working with Virginia Beach Medical Reserve Corps during pop-up vaccination clinics. While there, she helped with medical records and monitoring patients.

“Community service benefits not just the one who receives the service, but also the one who does it,” she said. “It is also a way to connect with others and gain enormous amounts of knowledge that you could not learn in school.”

MLK scholar plans a lifetime of community service

Community service has become a way of life for Jiahuan Lin. She began volunteering in high school and has no intention of slowing down.

Jiahuan, 18, is the 2022 recipient of the Tidewater Community Colleges Martin Luther King Jr. student scholarship, which will be presented during a virtual ceremony on Feb. 25. The award, now in its 20^th year, is designed to recognize a student who best exemplifies Dr. King’s vision and philosophy in his call for unity and equality for all.

Jiahuan holds a 4.0 GPA and is working on an associate degree in general studies.

An Outstanding High School Scholar, Jiahuan serves as a TCC student ambassador and represents the college at open houses and other events for new and prospective students. She is also vice president of TCC CARES, a student engagement club designed to help others and the environment through service projects. Additionally, she serves the Virginia Beach Campus as vice president of the Student Government Association.

Jiahuan Lin at TCC's Virginia Beach Campus.

Jiahuan has also been active in the community during the COVID-19 pandemic working with Virginia Beach Medical Reserve Corps during pop-up vaccination clinics. While there, she helped with medical records and monitoring patients.

Through her participation in community service, she feels that there is a bigger picture than just giving her time. “I think I gain just not more friends and knowledge, but also bonds with the community and the society as a whole,” Jiahuan said.

Jiahuan lives in Virginia Beach with her family and her eight-month-old adopted kitten, Xiao Yu. She faced a good deal of culture shock after coming to the United States from China in 5^th grade, but now enjoys the mix of the two cultures.

Like other college students, she enjoys hanging out with friends, trying new foods and playing video games in her free time. Don’t be surprised if she offers you an opportunity to give back. “Now that I understand how important it is to volunteer, I always encourage people around me to do so as well,” she said.

Jiahuan is confident that community service will always be a part of her life. “I believe that volunteering has changed me a lot and I am certain I will still be doing it after I graduate from TCC,” Jiahuan added. “By volunteering, it feels like my community and society in general, are unbreakable.”

English professor awarded college’s MLK service award

Annette Mewborn is passionate about bringing people together and serving the community. She is the recipient of TCC’s 2022 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Distinguished Service Award, which will be presented during a virtual ceremony on Feb. 25.

“I’m overwhelmed by this award and know that my service to the community stems from a passion my mother had to serve those in need. She inspired me and my sister to get involved in the community and we’ve been helping ever since.”

The English professor, who began working at the Virginia Beach Campus admissions office, joined the college in 1989.

For close to a decade, Mewborn organized Black History Month events on the Virginia Beach Campus to celebrate African American history and culture. The events included programs like “From the Root of It,” a look at hairstyles through the ages, as well as a historical review of “Motown Music.”

Annette Mewborn is TCC's MLK service award winner.

Mewborn was the advisor and mentor for the Student African American Brotherhood. She also produced an African American newsletter, Changes, to encourage students to publish their poetry, essays and articles.

And during the pandemic, she started The Novel Kids, a reading program for children to keep them engaged and learning in the summer months.

Mewborn is the recipient of a Teaching in Excellence award for 2021.

She encourages her TCC students to focus on the positive with the “good news” section in her online classes. And while she never planned to teach, she found her calling while a student at the college. She now holds a master’s degree in English and loves to see those light bulb moments, when students grasp the concepts she is teaching.

Mewborn is married to Larry Mewborn, Sr., and has two children, Larry Mewborn, Jr. and Katisa Mewborn-Smith. The couple has four grandchildren.

TCC alumna baking up sweet dreams in Virginia Beach

Walk into 17 Hands Coffee and you will be delighted by the smells and sights around you, from the glass cases filled with delicious baked goods, to the array of aromatic coffees and teas, to the warm décor.

17 Hands Coffee opened in 2019, the dream and inspiration of Tidewater Community College alumna Robin Simmons.

Robin and her staff serve freshly made quiches, scones, cakes, pies and a very long list of coffee and tea drinks that are sure to please.

“I love putting together beautiful, rustic, classic desserts. Our blueberry lemon scones are the most popular thing we bake. They sell out daily. Our shortbread coffee dipper is also a favorite,” she said.

It all began when Robin came to TCC to earn a business degree after graduating from Great Bridge High. “I had to take some pre-college classes and that was possible at TCC. I really applied myself because I had a goal and was able to graduate with honors which really helped my self-esteem,” she said.

With her degree in hand, Robin went to work for Inside Business and later, a local commercial printer.

“I had an associate degree in my pocket and many businesses required a degree and some experience,” she added. “What I know now is that If I hadn’t gone to school, I would not have been able to work where I worked and made the money I made to open my shop. It also gave me the confidence I needed.”

Robin says she still uses what she learned at TCC to run 17 Hands Coffee. “It’s helpful on the job to be able to speak to people with some knowledge under my belt,” Robin said. “And specific classes like accounting, business law and public speaking have been important for the journey.”

Robin partners with other local businesses including Eastern Shore Coastal Roasting Company for her coffee beans and Kewi Inspired Teas in Virginia Beach for tea latte concentrates. She also prints 17 Hands merchandise from a local printer and features local artists on greeting cards featured in the shop.

“One of our top priorities is to be a strong part of our community,” Robin said. “We also strive to set the bar high for everything we make and bake, as well as the service we provide.”

Robin takes care of her staff of bakers and servers. “I want this to be the best place to work, so we offer benefits, paid-time-off and profit-sharing,” she said.

Robin and the bakers at 17 Hands Coffee are gearing up for Valentine’s Day. If you are looking for a sweet treat for your sweetheart, you can find gift baskets, cakes and other desserts by visiting the store or ordering online.

Marking her success are 12 awards for her baked goods from the Virginia State Fair and an expansion next month into the commercial space adjacent to her location at 1830 Kempsville Road in Virginia Beach. Her place will soon boast another espresso bar and expanded seating.

“Success came for me after taking those first steps at TCC,” Robin said. “What I’ve learned is that when it gets hard, you have to love what you’re doing. It’s not about the money.”

Leaders with purpose highlight TCC’s Black History Month virtual celebrations

Tidewater Community College celebrates Black History Month 2022 with a virtual presentation featuring Gina Paige, president of African Ancestry, Inc. The interactive conversation will be held on Feb. 23, 2022, at 6:30 p.m. To register for the event, visit here.

Paige co-founded African Ancestry, Inc. and in doing so, pioneered a new way of tracing African lineages using genetics. She created a new marketplace for people of African descent looking to trace their roots more accurately and reliably.

An industry pioneer, speaker and entrepreneur, Paige resides in Washington, D.C. and holds a degree in economics from Stanford University and an MBA from the University of Michigan. Paige was honored with an honorary Doctor of Philosophy from Global Oved Dei Seminary University.

The program will be followed by a question-and-answer session, moderated by ClauDean Kizart, TCC’s director of diversity, equity and inclusion.

The national theme for Black History Month 2022 is “Black Health and Wellness,” a theme underscoring the rich legacy of Black scholars, medical practitioners, and midwives to more recent initiatives focused on mental health for people of color.

TCC’s Black History Month celebration includes an assortment of virtual events throughout February. All events are open to the public.

Each year, Tidewater Community College honors the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during Black History Month with a distinguished service award to a TCC faculty or staff member and provides a scholarship to a TCC student. To view the 2022 honorees visit here.

For more information about Black History Month events, email Emily Hartman at ehartman@tcc.edu.

Black History Month Events

Feb. 2

Trivia Stream—Black History Month Edition
7 p.m. – Location: Virtual
Join us for a game show night streamed via Twitch TV complete with fun trivia questions, chat room engagement, secret words and up to $300 in prizes.

Feb. 9

Black History Month Movie: “Tell Them We Are Rising: The Story of Black Colleges & Universities”
Noon – 1:30 p.m. – Location: Lobby – Norfolk Campus Student Center
Black colleges and universities have educated the architects of freedom movements and cultivated leaders in every field. They have been unapologetically Black for more than 150 years. For the first time ever, their story is told.

Feb. 15

Financial Management and Wealth Building Session
5:30 – 7 p.m. – Location: Virtual
TCC’s Student Resource and Empowerment Center and TowneBank present a teaching series about budgeting basics. Learn about predatory loans, common financial mistakes and top budgeting tips.

Feb. 16

Black History Month Movie: “Black America Since MLK and Still I Rise”
11 a.m. – 3 p.m. (several showings) – Location: Lobby – Norfolk Campus Student Center
This movie looks at the last five decades of African American history through the eyes of Henry Louis Gates Jr., exploring the tremendous gains and persistent challenges of these years. Drawing on eyewitness accounts, scholarly analysis, and rare archival footage, the series illuminates the past, while raising urgent questions about the future.

VCCS HBCU Virtual Transfer Showcase
6:30 p.m. – Location: Virtual
The VCCS Transfer Peer Group is hosting Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) at this virtual transfer showcase. Attendees will engage with an alumni panel and representatives from Bowie State University; Elizabeth City State University; Hampton University; Howard University; Morgan State University; Norfolk State University; North Carolina A&T University; and Virginia State University.

Feb. 17

“Trivia Stream”—Black History Month
Noon – 1:30 p.m. – Location: Lobby – Norfolk Campus Student Center
Answer trivia questions pertaining to African American History and earn prizes.

Financial Management and Wealth Building Session
5:30 – 7 p.m. – Location: Virtual
TCC’s Student Resource and Empowerment Center and TowneBank present a teaching series about mortgage basics. Learn about home loans, managing credit and how to prepare for today’s housing market.

Feb. 22

“Mental Health First Aid with Chief Tyran Payne”
12:30 p.m. – Location: Virtual
Chief Payne is the police chief at Yavapai College in Arizona. He is a mental health first aid instructor and a dynamic leader. Payne is also a military veteran with PTSD who will be speaking about the personal and professional challenges of addressing mental health concerns

Feb. 23

Black History Month Movie: “Red Tails”
11 a.m. – 1 p.m. – Location: Lobby – Norfolk Campus Student Center
The movie highlights a squadron of Black pilots known as the Tuskegee Airmen who were finally given the chance to prove themselves during World War II as they battled discrimination on the ground.

Feb. 24

Black History Month Mental Health & Wellness in the Black Community
Noon – 2 p.m. – Location: Lobby – Norfolk Campus Student Center
Joni Hursey-Wingate, Licensed Professional Counselor with TCC, will explore mental health challenges in the Black community. In addition, interventions will be offered to help students live healthier lives.

Black History Month Movie “Loving”
12:30 p.m. – Location: Virginia Beach Student Center – TV Lounge
“Loving” is a true story about a young couple’s interracial marriage in 1958 that sparks a case that leads to the Supreme Court. Based on the true story of Richard and Mildred Loving.

Feb. 25

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Virtual Awards and Recognition Program
Noon – 1:30 p.m. – Virtual
Featuring William E. Harrell, President and CEO of Hampton Roads Transit. TCC’s annual distinguished service award winner and a student scholar will be recognized.

Feb. 28

Prominent in Portsmouth with Ambassador Bismarck Myrick
12:30 – 1:30 p.m. – Virtual
Meet ambassador Bismarck Myrick during a video feature with live a Zoom meet and greet. Ambassador Myrick is the former United States Ambassador to Lesotho and Liberia.

Atumpan: The Talking Drums
7 – 8 p.m. – Location: Virtual
Join us as the Atumpan Dance Theatre Company shares their unique brand of educational entertainment. This fun and interactive experience will engage and amaze you.

TCC student is published in national literary journal

Tidewater Community College student Megan Pastore discovered her passion for writing in Rick Alley’s creative writing class. She enjoyed the writing prompts as they sparked her creativity and ultimately earned her national recognition.

“I feel a sense of joy and passion that I didn’t know I could feel,” Megan said. “I have a purpose outside of being a wife and mother. I don’t know where this is going to take me, but I know I want to teach creative writing workshops in the community and one day teach at the college level, hopefully at TCC.”

Megan was one of twenty-eight Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) members who had their writing published in the 2021 issue of PTK’s online literary journal, “Nota Bene.” PTK is the honor society for two-year schools.

“Nota Bene” showcases the outstanding writing of community college students. More than 440 entries were submitted to the 2021 competition, which is judged by current and retired college faculty and staff from across the country. The digital issue will be available on ptk.org this winter.

Megan received “Nota Bene’s” highest honor, the Ewing Citation Award of $1,000, for her short story, “Brother Fox.” The award is named in honor of the late Nell Ewing, a long-time PTK staff member, and goes to the author of the competition’s most outstanding entry.

“TCC was a perfect place for me,” Megan said. “With young and older students, career changers, it was a beautiful place to find myself and the support of my professors was phenomenal.”

Megan earned her associate degree at TCC in May 2021 and is continuing her studies at Old Dominion University where she is pursuing a bachelor’s in English with a concentration in creative writing. She hopes to also pursue a master’s in fine arts. She would one day like to be a published author.

“I know I’m meant to help other writers find their voice,” Megan added. “I wouldn’t be here today without the support of my TCC professors who encouraged me and told me that I had a voice. They planted those seeds and gave me the confidence to pursue this dream.”

Mitsubishi Chemical America supports Mechatronics students with scholarships and careers

Tidewater Community College is the recipient of a $5,000 donation from Mitsubishi Chemical America in support of scholarships for high school students. This donation brings the company’s giving to TCC to $21,225 over the last five years.

Mitsubishi Chemical America’s donation supports scholarships for Chesapeake Public School students dual enrolled in the college’s Mechatronics program. The goal of the program is to prepare students for work in advanced manufacturing upon graduation.

“Our industry leaders tell us that they are in need of skilled technicians, and our graduates are well prepared for the work ahead,” said Beno Rubin, Dean of the college’s Manufacturing and Transportation Pathway. “We’re grateful for the support of our industry partners as we train the next generation of technicians.”

Dylan Starowicz is a Mechatronics graduate who now works at Mitsubishi Chemical America – ALPOLIC division in Chesapeake.

Students start taking classes in their junior and senior years on TCC’s Chesapeake Campus, training in state-of-the-art labs with professors who have abundant industry experience. Classes cover everything from industrial robotics, digital systems, electric motor control, programmable logic control and instrumentation.

“Manufacturing has changed considerably since we began operations in Chesapeake 30 years ago. The TCC Mechatronics program develops a technically skilled workforce that will help us continue to innovate in the years to come,” said Bill Yannetti, Chief Operating Officer of Mitsubishi Chemical America – ALPOLIC Division.

Mitsubishi Chemical America was among a group of local manufacturing firms that launched this scholarship in 2018. Company representatives also serve on TCC’s advisory committee for Mechatronics.

TCC moves to remote work and learning environment due to COVID-19

Tidewater Community College students are being asked not to return to campus after Winter Break due to the increase in COVID-19 cases and the spread of the Omicron variant.

Out of an abundance of caution, TCC is implementing a remote work and learning environment from Jan. 3 – Jan 18, 2022.

Spring Semester classes begin on Jan. 10. All in-person classes will be switched to synchronous online delivery. Classes will remain in remote delivery at least through Jan. 18.

Spring Semester enrollment is ongoing. TCC virtual resources will continue to be available by email at info@tcc.edu or by calling 757-822-1111.

Student support services will be available for extended hours Jan 3 – 14 as follows:

Monday – Thursday: 8:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Friday: 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

The college will offer a virtual Special Enrollment Day on Jan. 8 from 9 a.m. to noon. For assistance, email info@tcc.edu or call 757-822-1111.

For more information on college operations, email info@tcc.edu.

Help available over the holidays if you want to enroll for spring classes at TCC

Tidewater Community College is open virtually during the holidays to help students enroll in spring classes, explore career options, learn about financial aid and support services.

All college offices are closed beginning Dec. 23 through Jan. 2.

TCC’s Virtual Student Support Team will be available on Dec. 23 and Dec. 27-30 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., by phone at 757-822-1111 or email at info@tcc.edu.

After the holidays, on-campus and virtual support will be available with expanded hours and a Special Enrollment Day on all campuses.

Spring Semester enrollment support:
Jan. 3 – Jan. 14
Monday – Thursday – 8:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. and Friday 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Special Enrollment Day – All Campuses:
Jan. 8 – 9 a.m. – noon

Spring Semester classes for the 15-week session begin on Jan. 10. Questions? Contact us at 757-822-1111 or info@tcc.edu.

TCC graduates celebrate success at first in-person Commencement since 2019

Big smiles and resounding cheers were part of Tidewater Community College’s first in-person graduation since the start of the pandemic.

The week before Christmas, the college celebrated its newest graduates – more than 1,800 in total – at the 73rd Commencement Exercises at Chartway Arena inside Norfolk’s Ted Constant Convocation Center.

The evening graduation on Dec. 20 was presided over by President Marcia Conston.

The speaker for the graduates, Shelby Ouellette, 21, who completed an Associate of Science in Criminal Justice, is a Navy spouse who has her sights set on law school. She will continue her studies through the Honors College at Regent University.

Ouellette’s educational journey included prior failed attempts at college. “We all have to take the time to understand who we are and what we have to contribute to this world,” she said. “When I was working at Starbucks, we hosted ‘Coffee with a Cop’ and watching officers interact with the people they serve, inspired me and made me realize what I wanted to do.”

Ouellette started Spring Semester 2020 just prior to the start of the COVID-19 pandemic and TCC’s move to remote learning. “The time given to us by professors in break out rooms allowed us to get to know each other and I have never met a more unique, diverse set of students,” Ouellette said. “We stood by one another, ready to support each other.”

She added, “Take this hard-earned degree and make the most of it because we know we have what it takes to face the challenges coming our way. I’m proud of us.”

Keynote speaker Del. Jay Jones, a practicing attorney and member of the Virginia House of Delegates, encouraged students by talking about accomplishment.

“You have all experienced the glow of achievement and the realization of goals,” Jones said. “The diplomas that you will soon hold bear marks of that success.”

He continued, “A success born of late nights, many, many countless cups of coffee and a steely resolve to continue the work until that last paper was written and the last exam taken. Each of you should feel proud of whatever path you walked – or ran – to bring this moment today.”

The ceremony continued as families and friends cheered and snapped photos. Graduates crossed the stage and joined a TCC alumni network of 100,000 and counting.

If you missed graduation, you can watch the TCC livestream.

Students create gingerbread houses to spread holiday cheer and raise funds for CHKD

For the first time since the start of the pandemic, Tidewater Community College baking students were back at it, creating a neighborhood of gingerbread houses to be auctioned to raise funds for Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughter (CHKD).

TCC’s Culinary Arts program has been donating gingerbread masterpieces supporting CHKD for more than a decade. The class was led by chef Caroline Blackmon who said, “All of the Culinary Arts instructors pitched in to help and really supported us. It was a great team effort.”

TCC student Madeline Firestone added, “People deserve to enjoy the holidays and every child deserves to be taken care of to the full extent. Cooking is a way to provide for others. It’s a way to show you care.”

Spreading holiday cheer, while learning, was a bonus for all of TCC’s baking students including Angela George. “Frosty the snowman was the inspiration for my house,” she said. “Baking is in my blood, and this class made me want to get back in the kitchen,” she said.