From Chesapeake to UVA, ODU, CNU and abroad

Moving forward is bittersweet for four inaugural staffers from the Chesapeake Campus Student Center. Today, they reflect on what they learned and loved about their time at Tidewater Community College.

Raenell King
Associate of Science in Social Sciences

A 2012 graduate of Grassfield High, Raenell King says she leaves TCC with a greater sense of self. “I understand who I am as a young adult, a student and know more about who I will become. I’m still learning every day. I can honestly say my mistakes have helped shape me.”

While at TCC, Raenell served as a student leader, most recently as president of Student Government Association.

King will major in communication and international studies at Old Dominion University in fall 2015. “I’d enjoy working on the campaign trail and ultimately want to become a political campaign manager,” she says.

Katie Lange
Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts

Service-oriented, Katie Lange will leave on her 14th mission trip at the end of May. She will travel to Belize with United Methodist Volunteer Missions and is excited to begin her new journey. “I’ve changed so much as a person since coming to TCC,” she says. “As a student ambassador, I’ve had the chance to meet so many people and make connections.”

Lange will leave TCC debt free and plans to continue her education at a four-year school after completing two more classes at TCC in the fall. She plans a career in humanitarian aid and will major in international affairs and cultural sustainability. Lange is a 2013 graduate of Oscar Smith High.

Brittany Wright
Associate of Science in General Studies

Brittany Wright considers TCC a great place for a new start. A 2011 graduate of Grassfield High, Wright came to TCC after a failed attempt at college at a four-year school. “Being here has opened my eyes to how important it is be involved on campus,” she says. “I’ve been enabled to do so many things because of the activities and clubs I joined. I made connections here that I never would have otherwise.”

Wright most recently was a member of TCC Cares, a volunteer service organization on the Chesapeake Campus.

Wright plans to transfer to Christopher Newport University to study psychology this fall. She hopes to become a college professor. “I’m excited to learn all I can and then share that knowledge with someone else.”

Travis Umstot
Associate of Science in Business Administration

A long road led Travis Umstot back to TCC after more than a decade. A 2000 graduate of Great Bridge High, Umstot spent his 20s working for a medical company. “TCC was my second chance at college, and I crushed it,” he says. “You have to be willing to recognize your failures, swallow your pride and then move forward.”

Umstot works as the audio visual/event coordinator at the Chesapeake Campus Student Center.

He will transfer to University of Virginia to study economics and media studies. “When I got that acceptance letter,” he says, “it was like a trophy to me.”