From TCC to Regent Law School

Tanya Mills remembers how her mom struggled when she emigrated to the United States from Cuba.

“The process was brutal and time-consuming,” Tanya said. “But we were committed to making a fresh start in America.”

Mills was 10 years old then. Now at 44, she is a Tidewater Community College alum who recently earned a master’s in law from Regent University School of Law.

Tanya Mills in the mock courtroom at Regent Univesity Law School.

Tanya hopes to work in immigration law, helping to pave the way for other families coming to America.

“I never thought I’d earn an associate degree. I didn’t think education was for me. But then I saw I needed higher education to do what I’m called to do,” she said.

A single mother of two sons, Tanya studied business administration at TCC and took all of her classes on campus. She says that her professors were knowledgeable and hands-on. And they instilled in her a passion for learning which she has passed on to her sons.

Now grown, they’ve both taken classes at TCC. Her oldest son, Paris Blount, 22, recently earned a cyber security degree from Old Dominion University. Her youngest, Cairon Sanders, 18, started at TCC this summer and is working toward an Associate of Science in General Studies.

“When my sons wanted to quit college, I reminded them that once you have your education, it can’t be taken from you,” Tanya said.

The first-generation college student is grateful for her start at TCC because she had the freedom to learn but was also held accountable for her studies by the faculty and academic advisors. “I didn’t do well in high school and found community college to be a buffer for university,” Tanya said. “TCC has courses that can help you figure out your future and the environment is super supportive.”

Tanya in front of a replica of the US Declaration of Independence in the lobby of Regent Law School.

Tanya continued and earned a bachelor’s in criminal justice from Regent University. In 2022, she added a master’s in law to her accomplishments. She plans to use her law degree to argue cases in the U.S. Immigration Court and offer mediation and provide legal advocacy for families and individuals battling the U.S. immigration system.

“I was once told I wouldn’t amount to anything. But I pushed through all of that and I’m really proud of where I am today.”

TCC annual award winners shine inside the classroom and out

Tidewater Community College recognizes five faculty and staff members from across the college with annual special awards on Aug. 18.

Selected by their peers, the honorees will receive their awards at TCC’s 2022 Fall Convocation to be held at the college’s Chesapeake Campus.

Professor of the Year

Thomas Geary, Ph.D., is the Professor of the Year, chosen by the Faculty Senate. Geary, 40, is an English professor and has been teaching at the college since 2012.

“It’s such an honor to be recognized by my peers because so many of my colleagues have shaped me and helped me develop into the teacher that I am today,” Geary said. “It also shows that what I’m doing is working for students.”

In addition, Geary was recognized with the 2022 Outstanding Faculty Award by the State Council of Higher Education and Dominion Energy. He is one of 12 recipients out of 85 nominees recognized in Virginia for the award.

“I am humbled to receive such a prestigious award and be recognized alongside an exceptional group of faculty in our state,” Geary said. “Even more so, I am thrilled that TCC shares in this honor; our incredible administration, faculty and staff work so hard every day to guide our students to be successful in their academics and as contributors to our community. I’m grateful to work alongside everyone in fulfilling our mission.”

Geary regularly teaches composition, rhetoric, technical writing, developmental writing and humanities courses. He also serves as the editor of Inquiry, the peer-reviewed journal for faculty, staff and administrators at Virginia’s Community Colleges. He is a former elected representative on the Modern Language Association Delegate Assembly and an executive committee member of the Two-Year College English Association.

Since the return of face-to-face instruction, Geary has taught online, synchronous and asynchronous classes and maintained a blend to allow for a flexible classroom for students. Students are encouraged to attend in the format that suits them best. He also uses open educational resources, keeping education affordable by cutting out the cost of textbooks.

Geary allows students to revise their work without penalties and he gives flexible deadlines. “I’m creating a learning environment where compassion and empathy take center stage in my classes. This allows me to accommodate students and ensure their success, no matter the circumstances,” he said.

Geary added, “I really want students to be able to inquire in academic issues and engage in problems that affect the community. I want to have their voices contribute to the solutions in our community, state and nation.”

Geary is a member of the Faculty Professional Development Committee and serves as a search advocate for hiring committees. He is a former member of the Faculty Senate and former chair of the President’s Advisory and Planning Council.

Geary holds a Ph.D. and a master’s in English from the University of Maryland. He also has a bachelor’s in English from Christopher Newport University.

Geary married his wife, Meredith, during the COVID-19 pandemic via a virtual ceremony. The couple has a dog, Daisy, a chihuahua mix, and two cats, Monkey and Doodle. Geary can be seen around his Virginia Beach neighborhood walking Daisy for a least an hour a day. The couple enjoys spending time with their extended family who reside in cities throughout South Hampton Roads.

Faculty Special Achievement

Staci Forgey, Ph.D., professor of biology, was honored by the Faculty Senate with the Faculty Special Achievement award for her innovative teaching and dedication to student development.

Forgey, 38, worked on two special projects last year that contributed to her nomination. Working with faculty member Lynette Hauser, Forgey collected and analyzed a large set of data that compared the final grades in science courses for non-science majors. In the research, Forgey completed logistic regression to identify factors important for student success. Forgey wrote a presentation to share the findings and noted that environmental science courses led to higher success rates than biology courses due to the breadth of the topics presented. The research revealed disparities in success based on race, age and gender.

Forgey, a Virginia Beach resident, also presented on gender inclusivity in teaching biology at TCC’s 2022 Learning Institute. Forgey completed an extensive review of literature and resources to produce a thoughtful review, as well as a list of recommendations on how to be more inclusive when teaching science courses.

“I’m very honored to be recognized so early in my teaching career,” she said. “So many students endured difficult situations during the pandemic, and I saw that my classes gave them a place to belong.”

Forgey knows firsthand the value of community college, as she is a first-generation college student. Her mom followed her to college and earned a nursing degree two years after Forgey graduated with her bachelor’s degree. In addition, two of her sisters changed the course of their careers by attending community college.

“I enjoy teaching at TCC because we have students from so many diverse backgrounds. Community college is the first choice for those looking for a second chance,” she said. “We do the most good at TCC because we have students who really want to be here and are making big changes in their lives.”

Forgey holds a Ph.D. in community college leadership and a master’s in biology from Old Dominion University. She earned her bachelor’s in biology from Niagara University.

During the pandemic, Forgey jumped into college governance to stay connected with her peers. She served on the Program Prioritization Committee, the PACE (Progressive Academic and Career Experience) Assessment, the General Education Assessment, the Student Success Committee and the Steering Committee for the newly formed Center for Teaching Excellence.

Forgey enjoys gardening as well as kayaking and hiking with her family. An avid outdoor enthusiast, Forgey married her husband Robert outside at the Northwest River Park in Chesapeake. The couple has two sons, Bryson and Griffin.

Outstanding Adjunct Faculty

Adjunct Faculty of the Year Jeffrey Acosta. — Outstanding Adjunct Faculty – Jeffrey Acosta

Jeffrey Acosta, recipient of the Outstanding Adjunct Faculty award, is a historian with a varied background that includes thirty-eight years of military service with the US Marine Corps. He completed three combat tours and two tours of duty as a field historian. He also spent eleven years as curator for the MacArthur Memorial and thirteen years as a defense analyst for General Dynamics.

“This award is really important to me because it’s recognition from my peers,” Acosta said. “I’m grateful to be recognized for my dedication to my students and for creating a positive learning environment both in and outside the college.”

Acosta, 67, enjoys helping students look at history through different contexts. He aims with each lesson to incorporate the rich diversity of the people and events of history. This includes lessons that cover both the tragedies and triumphs of the human race.

Acosta’s courses include writing assignments that require students to practice their critical reading and writing skills. “My students quickly learn that history at the college level is more than just rote memorization of dates, famous people and events,” Acosta said. “It is about history as a discipline that is connected in some way to all the courses they take at TCC and to their lives in a general sense.”

Acosta, a Virginia Beach resident, uses a variety of teaching tools, open educational resources, and books from the library to save on the costs of textbooks. He also offers flexible classes and students can come in-person or join via Zoom if they have to stay home to care for a family member.

Part of Acosta’s success as an instructor is that he is accessible to students who need extra help. He schedules at least one extra help session weekly via Zoom or in-person. He also reaches out to students who are not performing well and develops a plan to improve their performance.

Acosta is a member of the Faculty Senate and worked to develop the TCC Adjunct Faculty Growth and Evaluation Process with Dean Jenefer Snyder. He is the Faculty Senate representative with the TCC Academic Affairs Council and a member of the national board of trustees for the Filipino American National History Historical Society.

A proud TCC alum, Acosta noted that the courses he took at TCC in English, math and science prepared him for success as an artillery officer in the Marines and as a concept development and experimentation planner for General Dynamics.

Acosta holds a master’s and bachelor’s in history from Old Dominion University and liberal arts associate degree from TCC. Acosta is a graduate of the U.S. Marine Corps Command and Staff College. He also completed coursework at the U.S. Naval War College and National Defense University.

When he is not teaching, Acosta enjoys spending time with his wife of 40 years, Celeste, and their children and grandchildren. They spend their summers touring the country to learn more about history through actually visiting historical sites, national monuments and museums in the United States and Europe.

Classified Employee of the Year

Brad Hooker was recognized by the college’s Classified Association for his innovative leadership in overseeing TCC’s warehouse operations.

As warehouse supervisor for close to a decade, Hooker, 63, developed processes to keep the warehouse operating effectively and in support of the needs of the college community.

“Brad has brought accountability and expertise to the warehouse operations, seeing each day as his chance to contribute,” said Thomas Hutchins, director of material management and Hooker’s supervisor. “Brad was on-site every day during the pandemic shutdown and allowed our warehouse to provide uninterrupted service to the college.”

During his time at TCC, Hooker set up a system that tracks outgoing shipments and implemented load sheets and driver logs so that all items can be tracked while in transit. He organized the warehouse using a bin location process, making it easy to locate any requested item. Hooker also helped to implement Inventory Direct, the college’s electronic ordering tool for supplies.

“We are a support department and every day I do my part to make this the best and safest warehouse around. We take pride in keeping everything clean and safe,” he said.

Hooker, a Chesapeake resident, also oversees the surplus warehouse which is particularly vital when budgets are tight. “Brad answers inquiries about available items and arranges opportunities for staff to walk through to look at furniture and equipment that can be put back into use,” said Lynn Hundley, facilities project manager. “This saves resources to support the college’s mission and allows for funds to be used to purchase other items that are needed.”

Hooker has had a career dedicated to customer service, first as a trainer and manager for Farm Fresh and later as warehouse supervisor for Cavalier Telephone Co.

In his free time, Hooker teaches drums at Western Branch Music & Arts. His youngest student is six and the oldest is 68. Brad has been married for 40 years to his wife, Patricia Hooker.

“I’m very honored to receive this award and grateful for my job at TCC,” he said. “It’s rewarding to do my part to support the college and our students.”

Wage Employee of the Year

Wage Employee of the Year - Alice Robinson. — Wage Employee of the Year – Alice Robinson

Alice Robinson is TCC’s Wage Employee of the Year. As the office assistant for the Arts and Humanities Pathway, Robinson greets students and ensures that their questions are answered promptly and accurately. “I’m overwhelmed by this honor and really can’t believe it. I’ve been in a group chat with my family all week and they are tickled pink,” she said.

Robinson, a Norfolk resident, has worked at TCC for 19 years and is an alum of TCC’s Administrative Support Technology program.

“Alice welcomes everyone with a smile and goes the extra mile to ensure students’ needs are met,” said Kerry Ragno, former pathway dean for Arts and Humanities. “She also works with faculty to ensure they complete administrative tasks that affect the student experience.”

This year, Robinson handled special projects including entering summer and fall classes in the system for registration and also preparing faculty reassign time contracts for signature. She also helped the pathway become more proficient in meeting add/drop deadlines and providing access to course syllabi for students with concerns.

A self-proclaimed people person, Robinson says that her favorite thing about the job is her interactions with students, faculty and coworkers. “Every day there are new challenges and people to meet. That’s the best part of my day,” she said.

Robinson earned a bachelor’s in hospitality and tourism management from Norfolk State University. She is the proud mother of six children and she has 20 grandchildren.

TCC helps student build a new life

Brian Marshall is one of those people who make you smile when you meet him. He’s affable, relatable and full of joy.

And that was on the worst days of his life.

Brian came to Tidewater Community College after losing his business and his home. He was living in his car, hoping to build a new life.

He came across an online ad for TCC while looking for a job.

Brian Marshall received help on TCC’s Norfolk Campus.

“That was the day I stumbled upon the biggest blessing of my life,” he said. “God placed me with the right people at the right time.”

A trained chef with 16 years of experience in the restaurant industry, Brian selected TCC’s Hospitality Management program. He completed his first semester with a 3.8 GPA while homeless and working overnight shifts at 7-Eleven.

“Those were challenging times with very little sleep,” he said. “But the support network I had at TCC made it possible to keep going.”

Early on at TCC, Brian connected with Kyndra Brown with the Open Door Project and Mel Scott with the Student Resource and Empowerment Center (SREC). He calls the pair his dream team.

“Helping students overcome barriers is what makes the job worthwhile,” Brown said. “Brian is a smart, determined student who now has the opportunity to succeed.”

The Open Door Project provides Brian with specialized support services, tutoring and keeps him accountable for his studies.

In addition, Mel at the SREC connected Brian with needed resources and even got him into transitional housing. “Ms. Mel made miracles happen. She opened so many doors and the results have been astonishing,” Brian said.

Even in the midst of the most difficult circumstances, Brian remained positive and upbeat.

Brian has a lot to smile about! He now has a new apartment and is excelling in school.

“If you have a focused mind, you can accomplish anything,” Brian said. “And you have to encourage yourself with positivity every morning whether that’s with uplifting music or listening to your favorite pastor or podcast. You have to keep your mind on higher things.”

During his TCC journey, Brian also received support and mentoring from Thomas Chatman, dean of student support services and Norfolk Campus dean.

He made connections with faculty members, including Peter Kane, the program head for Hospitality Management and Marlo Calloway, who taught his Student Development class. “I did a presentation in her class about where I want to go and what I want to be after TCC. It was very encouraging to take time to look ahead,” Brian said.

Brian is about to start classes for Fall Semester and things are looking up. He has his own apartment and a reliable job cooking in a well-established restaurant.

He hopes one day to open a restaurant venue where he can host events. He also plans to restart his catering business, Stormy Flavorz, and provide in-home chef services, as well as catering for universities and other venues. Right now, however, he is focused on school and earning his degree.

When he walks across the stage to celebrate graduation and receive his degree in 2024, Brian’s mom, Sharon Thompson, will be there to cheer him on. The duo has plans to take a cruise once that milestone is reached.

“I still have my moments when the tears come and I question everything,” he said. “But when I see the progress I’m making and doors opening, I know I’m on the right track. I do my best to learn from my past but look forward to each new day knowing that my faith in God will carry me.”

If you are a current or prospective TCC student and need support, visit the Student Resource and Empowerment Center and the Open Door Project on the TCC website for more information. For additional student support services, contact the Virtual Student Support Team at enroll@tcc.edu or call 757-822-1111.

Computers for Student Success – a win-win for students

Tidewater Community College student Daniele Sparks is ready for classes to start next month. This week, she visited Computers for Student Success and picked up a newly refurbished personal computer at no cost.

“I always told myself that I’d go back to school when my son started pre-school,” she said. “The time is now, but with everything getting so expensive, I can’t afford to buy a computer. This is a real gift.”

Lee Grimm, Blake Nietling, Gary Noah, Erin O’Meara, Eduardo Jimenez, Matthew Walsh and Sal Trinidad with TCC’s Computers for Student Success.

Computers for Student Success is run by TCC’s Computer Club and Professor Gary Noah. It launched in 2009 and has distributed close to 15,000 computers since the start.

“When we provide computers for students in need, they are very appreciative. I gave the first 150 computers away myself. I’ve seen a lot of thankful tears,” Noah said.

He continued, “To a single parent who has no computer, getting one can mean the difference between success and failure. Students can’t make it to the computer lab or library because of work and childcare needs. Sometimes they don’t have cars. We’re getting rid a barrier for them.”

Computers for Student Success is wholly supported by donations from individuals and the community including Sentara Healthcare and Stihl Co.

TCC’s Computer Club members rehabilitate and update the older or in-need of repairing PCs and laptops and get them into the hands of students, families and nonprofits in Hampton Roads.

Jolina Santiago with her laptop from TCC’s Computers for Student Success.

“I’m so grateful for my new laptop. Without it, I’d have to drop my summer classes,” said Jolina Santiago, a TCC student who recently lost her car and home.

Computers for Student Success is taking applications now for Fall Semester. TCC students are encouraged to request a PC or laptop early as fall is the busiest time for the volunteer team. To start the process, use this form.

In addition to its service to the community, the club provides valuable hands-on experience to Computer Club members, many of whom are working toward Computer Science, Information Systems Technology or Cyber Security degrees at the college.

Computers for Student Success staffer Lee Grimm with volunteer Matthew Walsh.

“This is a great way to serve our community while gaining experience repairing computers and working as a team,” said Lee Grimm, who helps Professor Noah run the program.

Although Computers for Student Success volunteers are mostly IT students, anyone is welcome to join the volunteer team.

Volunteer Salvador Trinidad shows Daniele Sparks how to use her new PC.

“I like computers and diagnosing problems,” said Salvador Trinidad, a TCC student volunteer in business management. “My favorite part is helping students learn to use their new computers. My goal is to make it really user-friendly with no jargon.”

Noah added, “We’ve had some students who received a computer come back to volunteer and pay it forward for another student in need. We have stacks of computers to work on and everyone is welcome.”

More than 120 volunteers work with Computers for Student Success which is open Monday – Friday from noon to 5 p.m. The eight-room office is located in the Lynnhaven building, room E108, on the Virginia Beach Campus.

Computer Science Professor Gary Noah with stacks of refurbished PCs.

“We know the work we’re doing is changing lives. That’s why we are here 51 weeks of the year,” Noah said, standing in front of a wall of computers and thank you notes from grateful students.

For more information about Computers for Student Success, contact Noah at gnoah@tcc.edu.

“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.

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.

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.

“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.”

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.”

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.”

TCC recognizes inaugural Academic Excellence and Service Award winners

Tidewater Community College launched the Academic Excellence and Service Awards to recognize exemplary students.

A total of 18 students were honored during a virtual ceremony held on May 2, 2021.

Michelle Woodhouse, vice president for Academic Affairs and chief academic officer, led the event and added her congratulations to the honorees.

“Each of these students has demonstrated exceptional community and academic achievements while enrolled at TCC during a time filled with unprecedented challenges,” she said. “They truly understand the concept of ‘community,’ that we are all part of something larger than the individual, something powerful and deep that touches all of us every day. And for their efforts, we are grateful and proud.”

TCC alumna Rickkita Taylor shared words of encouragement with award winners. Taylor graduated from TCC in 2016 and founded Sisters Healing Sisters, a nonprofit providing help and hope for those in need.

“Selfless scholars like yourselves help to ensure that the Hampton Roads community continues to thrive,” Taylor said. “Thank you again for your commitment to your education and community. We are very proud of each of you.”

2021 Academic Excellence and Service Award winners:

Emmanuel Abuah
Jacob Chaney
Kouadio Nzi Tiffanie Marie Chantal
Jordan L Guynn
Aralee Fajardo
T’Lia Jahmeelia Miles
Shanice Mills
Vuong Nguyen
Amy L. Paris
Joanna Porter
Aspen Roadcap
Elizabeth Sanborn
Jordan Sustarsic
Tiara G. Thompson
Jaidan N. Williams
Brittany Williams
Patricia Ann Womack
Latisha Lynn Yancey

All award winners are working toward associate degrees or certificates and have earned a cumulative 3.0 GPA or higher. They also have a history of exemplary service to the college and the community.

His “somewhere” was TCC. Now this first-generation grad can go anywhere

Lack of finances cost South Norfolk’s Taariq Brown his first shot at a college degree and left him depressed.

Today, he’s a first-generation college graduate on the Dean’s List with a plan to transfer to Old Dominion University in January. He’s also an author at work on a second book and a mentor to young boys desperate for the direction he found at Tidewater Community College.

The oldest of nine children will walk the stage on Dec. 16, at TCC’s 69^th Commencement Exercises at Chartway Arena in the Ted Constant Convocation Center.

“I gave up on life and thought life gave up on me,” said Brown, who will receive an Associate of Science in General Studies. “Something came over me and told me this isn’t the life you should want, and it’s definitely not the life you deserve. I had to start somewhere.

“That somewhere was TCC.”

Brown, 21, credits his mother, Kiba, for not allowing him to fall into a rough crowd as a youngster. Many of his peers weren’t so lucky, but she valued education, and in turn, so did he. After graduating from Oscar Smith High, he attended Virginia Wesleyan University, but financial aid didn’t cover all his costs.

Brown quit. Without school or work to occupy him, he became aimless.

That’s when he discovered all TCC has to offer.

Coming here altered his life.

Connecting with the Open Door Project, a federally-funded program that helps first-generation college students, gave Brown the assurance that he could complete what he started. It also incentivized him to become more involved in campus life. He’s worked two jobs with a full academic load and will finish with a 3.2 GPA.

As a mentor at a local Boys and Girls Club, he assists children with their homework and teaches a “passport to manhood” class for young boys. Recently, he was accepted into a national mentoring partnership, which will allow him to receive further training to help at-risk youth.

Brown has also been a work-study student in TCC’s advising office, where he is quick to share his personal story to inspire others. “Taariq is a stellar employee and encourages students as they walk through our doors every day,” said Meredith Pollard, the lead counselor on Norfolk Campus.

He self-published a book on poetry and is following that up with a second title.

Brown will study psychology at Old Dominion. He would like to counsel others who find themselves navigating a difficult path after high school. Eventually, he plans to start a nonprofit for sexually abused men.

“Many open doors are coming to me in the new year, and I have to go through to get there,” he said. “I truly appreciate TCC and that staff that helped me grow into a person I never knew I was.”

TCC provides a second chance for Navy veteran

Navy veteran George Porzig never thought he’d be a college graduate. Now he’s determined to earn a doctorate.

“For someone like me who barely graduated high school, TCC has been my second chance,” he said.

After scraping by in high school, Porzig, 28, came to Tidewater Community College to prepare for a career that includes finding solutions for global poverty.

“I couldn’t think of a realistic situation where academics could help me when I was a kid. That all changed once I was in the Navy and traveling the world,” he said. “I realized the impact of academics – especially economics – on real people.”

Porzig graduates with a 4.0 GPA on Dec. 16 with an Associate of Science in General Studies. From here, he will transfer to the College of William & Mary to study economics.

Prozig spent six years in the Navy, doing a tour aboard the George H.W. Bush. He is using his GI Bill benefits to pay for school and completed his degree in less than two years.

Free moments on his last deployment were spent reading books on economics rather than binging on Netflix.

That sparked his passion for learning and set him on a new course.

“At TCC, I found that as much as I wanted to learn, my teachers wanted to dialogue and really engage me in the subjects they were teaching,” he said. “The faculty’s expertise and their willingness to share their knowledge make this place special.”

Porzig came to TCC because he didn’t have the grades to get into any other school. He stayed for the degree because of the community he found on the Chesapeake Campus.

“If I’m having a bad day, I can’t make it through the Pass Building without someone reaching out,” he said.

Now Porzig is paying it forward as a work-study student in the Cedar Room, the one-stop-shop where new and returning students can receive help. He says technology can be a barrier for admission for some students and he enjoys helping them navigate the process.

Married to Danielle, Porzig credits their son, Aurik, 3, with motivating him. “I look at him and know that it’s not an option to fail.”

Porzig hopes to advance toward a doctorate and work as a professional academic and researcher.