TCC grad earns degree one year after diploma

Rachael Kay Fitzgerald has big plans for a future in politics.

“I’ve always loved reading and writing. But when I learned about our government, I was hooked and knew I’d one day work in politics,” she said.

Rachael Kay was an early 2022 graduate of Nansemond River High School. At 17, she started at Tidewater Community College in the Accelerated Degree Program (ADP).

“The last few years of high school were tough with the pandemic and virtual learning,” Rachael Kay said. “I came to TCC to knock out a degree. But what I found was a new excitement for learning.”

Rachael Kay will earn an Associate of Science in Social Sciences in June 2023, just one year after earning a high school diploma.

“I’ve loved my time at TCC. The faculty, staff and advisors are so friendly, and they really push you to more opportunities to help you get where you want to be in life,” she said. “I’ve made so many connections with people. I’m beyond grateful I started here.”

The ADP gives students the opportunity to earn a degree in one year, saving thousands by completing the first two years of college at TCC. ADP students receive personalized attention with low student-to-faculty ratios and regular academic advising.

“When I started at TCC, I was overwhelmed and a little sad. All of my friends were still in high school, so it was a lonely time,” Rachael Kay said. “I started praying to God and asking for help and that’s what kept me. He opened doors and made a way for me to do this.”

While at TCC, Rachael Kay’s favorite professor was Lara Tedrow, who teaches psychology. “Dr. Tedrow was so amazing, and we had some really good conversations. She made me love psychology even more,” she said.

Rachael Kay plans to transfer to Christopher Newport University to study psychology and political science. From there, she has her sights set on William and Mary Law School and a career in criminal defense or corporate law before jumping into politics. She hopes to make a difference for many.

“Whenever you feel like quitting, don’t do it. Just remember what you are fighting for. For me, I’m fighting for a law degree and a future political career,” she said. “Even though it’s years down the line, that keeps me going.”

Accelerated degree fast tracks your education

TCC can take you from here to anywhere. But did you know that you can get there even faster with the college’s Accelerated Degree Program (ADP).

The ADP enables students to earn their associate degrees in one year. Students can then fast-track their transfer to a four-year school to complete a bachelor’s degree because they enter the university as juniors.

Current ADP student Alyssa Tellez, 19, graduated from high school in 2021 and this July is earning her associate degree from TCC.

“My favorite thing about the program is how quick it was. There was no time to get bored with classes and I could fit college into my life and around family responsibilities,” she said.

Alyssa plans to continue her education toward a bachelor’s degree in psychology or sociology. She added, “If you want to get a degree with personal advising in a fast format, this is the program for you.”

The ADP is offered 100% online. Three ADP degrees are offered in the year-round, compressed format and include associate degrees in Business Administration, General Studies and Social Science.

The application deadline for Fall Semester is July 29, 2022 and information to apply can be found here.

Benefits of the ADP include:

*Complete an associate degree in just one year
*Save thousands by completing two years of college at TCC versus a four-year institution
*Receive personalized attention with low student-to-faculty ratios and regular academic advising
*Attain admission as a junior-level transfer student at most four-year colleges and universities
*Begin your bachelor’s program immediately upon completing the associate degree

The program is open to new high school graduates as well as adult learners, including military-related students, who meet certain academic requirements.

To receive more information about the program use this form. Help is also available through TCC’s Virtual Student Support Team at enroll@tcc.edu or by calling 757-822-1111.

TCC grad aims to provide quality care and grow her business

Known as the “Amazing Ayisha” by her patients, Ayisha Muhammad is dedicated to caring for elderly and disabled clients as a certified nurse aide through her business, iCare4u, LLC.

She hopes to one day open a multicultural care center, a different type of place that emphasizes the cultural and religious needs of the clients living and receiving services in her care. “My vision is for a facility with people who respect and understand everyone. A place that offers different food options and provides spiritual care for those with varying beliefs,” Ayisha said.

The 34-year-old mom of two decided to pursue a business degree at Tidewater Community College to expand her knowledge and gain the skills she needs to grow her business.

Ayisha chose the college’s Accelerated Degree Program (ADP) to get her degree even faster. She started in Feb. 2021 and will cross the stage at TCC’s 73^rd Commencement Exercises less than a year later on Dec. 20, 2021.

The ADP satisfies general education requirements at most Virginia public colleges and universities. Students who complete the degree will likely be admitted as juniors at their transfer school. Participating students also receive personalized attention and dedicated advising, including monthly check-ins.

“The ADP was an intense program, but it allowed me to be super focused on my studies,” Ayisha said. “And doing everything online meant I could work around my family’s schedule and didn’t need a sitter.”

Ayisha gave birth to her now 8-month-old daughter, Aliza, during the program and recalls being in a Zoom class while in labor.

When Ayisha started her degree, she had to improve her grades before she could apply for financial aid. She did just that and received educational funding through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act. Another bonus was a free laptop to ensure she could complete her work on time at home.

Ayisha encourages others considering college to come back now because of the resources available and the careers you can prepare for in two years or less. “I absolutely recommend TCC to everyone,” she said. “My advisor Crystal Stafford was amazing, and she kept me on track and made sure I was passing every class.”

Ayisha is especially proud to set an example for her teenage daughter, Alani. “She understands the sacrifices I’ve made, the work I’ve done and that it’s never too late to follow your dreams.”

Accelerated Degree student now has open door to VCU

Mekhi Moore planned to attend Virginia Commonwealth University right after high school.

When he didn’t get in, he had to come up with a new plan.

Moore, 19, started searching options on Tidewater Community College’s website and found the Accelerated Degree Program (ADP).

“Right away I saw this as a way to get to VCU as quickly as possible, so I signed up and never looked back,” he said.

Accelerated Degree student Mekhi Moore in the library on Norfolk Campus.

While most of us think of it taking at least two years to earn an associate degree, TCC’s accelerated option allows students to complete all of their credits in just one year.

For Moore, the doors to VCU are now open.

“I’ll be attending my dream school in the fall and living with my best friend in an apartment off-campus,” he said.

Moore will enter VCU as a junior and begin work on his bachelor’s degree in math. Additionally, he hopes to earn his teaching credential.

While at TCC, Moore says he made some great connections, even though all of his classes were online because of the pandemic.

“We worked closely as a cohort. We had classes together, studied together and helped each other,” he said. “While the program is rigorous, we had everything we needed to be successful.”

Moore graduates from TCC this summer with an Associate of Science in General Studies.

He credits the college with giving him more than a degree. “I’m more confident. I also know how to manage my time and balance work and school,” Moore said.

Moore has a lot to say to high school juniors and seniors.

“Keep your options open and make smart decisions,” Moore said. “I’m leaving TCC with no student debt and a head start on college.”

Moore hopes to give back by becoming a high school math teacher. He wants to help guide students in those last years before adulthood.

“I still hold on to the life lessons from some of my best teachers and I want to do that for other kids,” he said.

Moore added, “I’ll graduate from college at 21 and be teaching before most people earn their degrees. TCC’s accelerated degree made that possible.”

To learn more about the program and receive help applying to TCC, contact the college’s Virtual Student Support Team by emailing info@tcc.edu or calling 757-822-1111.

Accelerated degree launches alum into the entertainment industry

Justin Jeffrey is on the way to landing the job of his dreams.

He may soon be working as an agent assistant for William Morris Endeavor (WME), one of the largest media and talent agencies in the world. WME represents plenty of big names in Hollywood including Oprah, Denzel, Tom Brady and Matthew McConaughey.

A 2016 graduate of Western Branch High, Jeffrey got his start at Tidewater Community College through the Accelerated Degree Program (ADP).

It was there that he met Khari Nixon who became a mentor and friend.

“Khari worked for a record label in Brooklyn and being able to talk with him and learn from him set me on the path to work in the industry,” Jeffrey said.

Jeffrey earned an Associate of Science in General Studies in 2017, one year after graduating from high school. He transferred to University of Virginia as a junior that same year.

“The ADP gave me a lot of flexibility in the classes I selected, providing me with a broad education,” Jeffrey said. “I also enjoyed the diversity of my classmates that included older students, military and those coming back to school after years in the workforce.”

The accelerated degree is offered 100% online. Participating students also receive personalized attention and dedicated advising, including monthly check-ins.

Applications are due Jan. 25 for the spring cohort. Learn about all the documents necessary to apply here.

Jeffrey, a first-generation college graduate, credits TCC staffers Kia Hardy, Cassandra Small and Johnna Harrell with investing in his success and helping him learn important lessons including time management and study skills.

The Chesapeake native completed a bachelor’s in communications and media studies at UVA in 2019.

Since graduation Jeffrey has been working with Txyy, an artist from New Jersey. He plans to work for WME for now but would ultimately like to attend Cornell or Columbia law school and become an entertainment lawyer.

Learn more about the Accelerated Degree Program here. Email accelerated_degree@tcc.edu to connect with an advisor and get started. If you still have questions, email TCC’s Virtual Student Support Team at info@tcc.edu or call 757-822-1111.

There’s still time to apply for the TCC’s Accelerated Degree Program

While most of us think it takes at least two years to complete an associate degree, Tidewater Community College offers an accelerated option that allows you to complete all of your credits in just one year.

TCC is accepting applications for students interested in earning an Associate of Science in General Studies, an Associate of Science in Business Administration or the General Education Certificate through its Accelerated Degree Program (ADP) .

The Spring Semester cohort begins Feb. 1.

TCC’s Accelerated Degree may be your fast track to a bachelor’s degree

The ADP satisfies freshman and sophomore general education requirements at most Virginia public colleges and universities. Students who complete the degree and meet the GPA required for admission at their transfer institution will likely be admitted as juniors.

The application deadline is Jan. 25. Learn about all the documents necessary to apply here.

The accelerated degree is offered 100% online. Participating students also receive personalized attention and dedicated advising, including monthly check-ins.

The program is open to new high school graduates as well as adult learners, including military-related students, both active duty and dependents.

In her own voice

TCC graduate Lauren Harrell earned her associate degree in one year and transferred to Cornell University in fall 2020. “When I saw the congratulations notice on my admissions portal, I was shocked!” Harrell said. “I ran downstairs to tell my dad, who was working from home because of COVID. We both ran to get my mom, who was on a call. Together we jumped around the kitchen for a long time.”

Completing the Accelerated Degree made Harrell an attractive candidate to some of the nation’s top colleges. Cornell ranks 17th nationally in U.S. News & World Report’s most recent rankings of nearly 1,400 schools. Harrell also earned acceptances from University of Virginia, Vanderbilt and William and Mary.

“The ADP gave me a sense of what it takes to get college done,” Harrell said. “You don’t have anyone holding your hand, and you have to stay on top of your work and be accountable for what you are doing.”

From high school student to college grad in one year

Caroline Mahoney skipped a grade in high school. Now she’s about to skip a year of college, too.

The Virginia Beach native is a 2020 graduate of Kellam High. By spring of 2021, Mahoney will earn her Associate of Science in Business Administration from Tidewater Community College.

Mahoney, 18, is one of 34 students currently enrolled in the college’s Accelerated Degree Program (ADP), offered on the Norfolk and Portsmouth Campuses.

“I saw this as a way to get into the workforce faster. I’m a fast-paced person and enjoy classes that move quickly so I don’t lose interest in the subjects I’m learning.” — Caroline Mahoney

Mahoney heard about the program when a TCC career coach visited her high school during her junior year.

“I saw this as a way to get into the workforce faster,” she said. “I’m a fast-paced person and enjoy classes that move quickly so I don’t lose interest in the subjects I’m learning.”

The college’s ADP program gives students a way to accelerate their education, enabling them to earn an associate degree in three semesters. Degrees are offered in business administration and general studies. Students who complete the ADP can transfer to a four-year university as a junior.

The program usually begins in August and includes classes in 8-week sessions for a full-year.

For the first time this spring, a second cohort of students can enroll and start classes in February. The degrees offered are:

With the COVID-19 pandemic, all ADP courses are offered online.

One of the best aspects of the program for Mahoney is that she can complete the program at home.

“In high school, the bell rings and you have to go here or there,” she said. “Now I make my own schedule and I’m responsible for the work.”

Mahoney says she appreciates the personalized attention from her advisor Meredith Pollard, the lead counselor on the Norfolk Campus. She also credits her professors with holding engaging classes and being accessible during online learning.

“My classes have been super interesting, and I enjoy the diversity of the people,” she said.

“Also, having a woman of color as president, well that gives me a sense of hope and that’s no small thing right now.”

Mahoney is excited about applying for her first job soon. She is seeking a position in accounting and said the accounting courses in her degree have given her an excellent foundation.

“College is so much better than high school because you have a hand in your future,” she said.

“TCC is a great place – it’s like when you’re practicing driving. You are behind the wheel, but in a safe place to start.”

For information about the Accelerated Degree Program, visit here. Or email enroll@tcc.edu or call 757-822-1111.

Save time and money by completing your associate degree in just 1 year

Between moves and mom life, Alyssa Beach never got around to college.

When the Portsmouth resident finally carved out the time, she wanted to complete an associate degree program quickly. Tidewater Community College’s Accelerated Degree program offered her the opportunity to do just that.

Beach is among three Portsmouth Campus students who completed associate degrees this month in less than a year by going to college full time year-round. Beach earned the 60-credit Associate of Science in General Studies that will allow her to transfer to Old Dominion University as a junior.

“I felt like I needed to do more,” said Beach, a 2008 graduate of Granby High, who moved multiple times due to her husband’s job. “What really attracted me to TCC was being able to do this so quickly.”

Beach decided on a career path after a psychology class sparked her interest. She will work toward a bachelor’s in forensic psychology at ODU.

She recommends the Accelerated Degree option for students willing to commit to the demanding workload. “If you can get ahead, get ahead,” she said. “You can’t wait until the last minute to do your work.”

Two additional Portsmouth Campus students, Amber Kochishan and Alexis Mays, earned associate degrees in general studies following the Accelerated Degree program. Kochishan, who is in the Navy, plans to pursue a bachelor’s in social work when she returns to college in spring 2021. Mays plans to attend ODU this fall.

Accelerated Degree students attend classes in eight-week sessions on either the Norfolk or Portsmouth campuses for nearly one year.

Applications for the next cohort of students are due July 31. For information, contact enroll@tcc.edu.

From TCC to the Ivy League in just two semesters

Lauren Harrell dreamed of attending an Ivy League school.

When the rejections poured in for the Granby High School graduate with a 4.86 GPA, she wasn’t daunted. She was determined.

Now that dream is realized after just one year at Tidewater Community College. The 19-year-old earned an associate degree through TCC’s Accelerated Degree Program and will attend Cornell University this fall.

“When I saw the congratulations notice on my admissions portal, I was shocked!” she said. “I ran downstairs to tell my dad, who was working from home because of COVID. We both ran to get my mom, who was on a call. Together we jumped around the kitchen for a long time.”

College was always a priority in the Harrell home. Granby’s International Baccalaureate program, which Harrell attended, offers high achievers in-depth scholastic preparation for college. Yet when Harrell applied to 16 schools, she was rejected by eight.

“I was hoping for Duke or Brown, and that didn’t pan out even with my high GPA,” she said.

A postcard from TCC about the Accelerated Degree Program (ADP) piqued her interest. Under this option, students can complete the degree in one year — typically mapped out over three semesters. Most of the classes are broken into eight-week sessions.

Last summer, Harrell enrolled.

“Coming to TCC for a year just made sense to me,” she said. “I could live at home, save money on tuition and housing and gain a bit more independence.

“I was also nervous about the cost of higher education, so saving money on my gen eds was also a benefit.”

Harrell graduated with an Associate of Science in General Studies. She managed a heavy course load with 26 credits the first semester and 23 the second.

“Taking that course load showed that I could perform well in school and really opened doors for me,” said Harrell, boosted by 12 credits of Advanced Placement courses from high school.

Completing the Accelerated Degree made her an attractive candidate to some of the nation’s top colleges. Cornell ranks 17^th nationally in U.S. News & World Report’s most recent rankings of nearly 1,400 schools. Harrell also earned acceptances from University of Virginia, Vanderbilt and William and Mary.

Harrell plans to major in government and international relations at Cornell. She is considering a law career but is also interested in working in public policy at the highest levels.

“This is probably the most excited I’ve been for school to start,” she said. “I’ve researched classes 50 times. I’m so ready to go.”

Harrell credits Emanuel Chestnut, dean of students on the Norfolk Campus, with helping smooth some bumps along the way.

“The people at the college are what make it special,” she said. “I’ve stressed over plenty of decisions, but I’m confident that I made the right choice starting at TCC.”

The application deadline for the next cohort for the Accelerated Degree is July 31, 2020. Visit here for more information about program. You can also email Meredith Pollard on Norfolk Campus at mpollard@tcc.edu or Joyce Flowers at the Portsmouth Campus at jflowers@tcc.edu.

There’s still time to apply to TCC Accelerated Degree Program

While most of us think of it taking at least two years to receive an associate degree, Tidewater Community College offers an accelerated option that allows you to complete all of your credits in just one year.

TCC is accepting applications for students interested in earning an Associate of Science in General Studies or an Associate of Science in Business Administration through its Accelerated Degree Program (ADP).

Accelerated Degree may be your fast track to a bachelor’s

The application deadline is July 26; learn about all the documents necessary to apply here.

The business degree is offered both on campus and 100% online. On campus students must attend classes on either the Norfolk or Portsmouth campuses. They received dedicated advising, including monthly check-ins.

Meredith Pollard, lead counselor and ADP advisor, recommends the program for:

*High achieving students with a clear career path

*Students who already have college credits

*Active duty military and dependents who are stationed in Hampton Roads

Nargis Martin graduated with her accelerated degree in May. “I learn a lot better when it’s going faster, and I’ve appreciated the extra help provided by my ADP teachers and advisor,” she said. Even the monthly check-ins are great because I could express concerns and keep on top of everything.”

Meredith Pollard in the advising area on Norfolk Campus.

Pollard is happy to help. She got her start as an earth science teacher at Booker T Washington High, and while there, found her passion helping students find their career paths. She returned to school for her master’s in high education administration and joined TCC’s advising staff in 2012.

“My greatest joy is to see students graduate after they’ve been told that they can’t do it,” she said. “I see so many small successes day by day, and that’s what excites me about my work. Every day there are new challenges and a chance to change someone’s future.”

For more information, email accelerated_degree@tcc.edu.

Pollard’s top tips for all students:

*Come to campus well before the semester starts. Giving yourself two or three weeks of lead time will help when applying for financial aid and ordering books and supplies.

*Meet with an academic advisor from the start so you don’t waste time taking classes outside of your degree track.

*Review class offerings and understand the difference between taking classes on campus and online.

*Know how you are going to pay for college. TCC is one of the most affordable options.

*Do a little bit of research on possible fields of study and think about where you may like to transfer.

*Don’t worry if your path is unclear. Community college is an ideal place to find your path.

*Know that TCC offers different class offering with 16-, 12- and eight-week classes.