::: Why did you choose to enroll at Northern Virginia Community College?
I chose to enroll in NVCC for several reasons. As an International Student, I thought that Northern Virginia Community College would be a good place for me to pursue my American dream of a successful career. After visiting several campuses and talking to the students, I found NVCC to be a very warm and welcoming environment. Small class size, a good location, and the diverse student population were some of the factors that led me to believe that Northern Virginia Community College was the college that I was looking for.

::: What were your goals and objectives when you entered NVCC? Have they changed or expanded since your enrollment? How and why?
One of my goals upon entering the college was to develop a strong academic and social background for my future career in business. I believe I achieved this objective here at Northern Virginia Community College. With the help of all of my professors, I have strengthened my business skills and have made progress in achieving my future goals.

I was also able to develop my social and leadership skills at Northern Virginia Community College, surpassing my expectations for advancement. I am the co-creator and producer of The Student Times, and have worked in collaboration with the Turkish Student Association of the Annandale campus. This publication has become a link between students, faculty and staff, and administrators of the college. I was also appointed the president of the Turkish Student Association in 2003. As president, I gained experience in several areas that I will continue to draw upon in my career, including organizing conferences, workshops, and sport competitions.  Organizing these activities has taught me how to encourage people to put aside their differences and work together.

::: What has been your favorite class here at NVCC, your favorite instructor and why?
Although I have taken many academic classes at NVCC, none of them was more joyful and helpful than my 013 English as a Second Language (ESL) class. My studies in ESL have helped me to succeed in both my academic classes, and also in my everyday life. I am particularly thankful to my professor, Ms. Judith Paiva, whose great efforts and dedication helped her students feel right at home in the classroom. The kindness that she showed to her students, along with her efforts to encourage participation were all characteristics that taught me more about the importance of social and leadership skills, both here at NVCC and also out in the working world. I have the pleasure of working with her outside of the classroom, as she volunteers her time to help with the production of The Student Times.

::: Describe a favorite NVCC memory?
A particular memory that has played a part in my achievements here at NVCC would have to be of my fellow student Vincent Hammond, former president of the Student Government Association. He dedicated himself to helping others. I first met Vincent when he was a presidential candidate for the Student Government Association at the Alexandria Campus. When I talked to him, he always spoke of his goals and objectives as being those for the benefit of others, rather than himself. He told me, “I have always believed that no one gets anywhere in life without the help of another human being.” Vincent was a strong influence on the student leaders, and served as the voice of the students. Sadly, after serving the college and working towards his goal of uniting the student body, Vincent Hammond passed away at the age of 23. We will never forget Vincent for all that he has done, and we continue to work in his memory to help and encourage students of Northern Virginia Community College to become distinguished members of society.

::: How would you describe your experience as an officer within Student Activities at NVCC?
Taking a part in Student Activities has been a great opportunity, and has allowed me to learn more about different cultures and attitudes. With my work for The Student Times, I was able to interview several top officials in the field of education, including Dr. Robert Templin, President of Northern Virginia Community College. The benefits of Student Activities at NVCC are best understood by getting involved. I have had some challenging times as a leader, but every difficulty that I have had in the past has become a part of my achievements, and I have Student Activities to thank for this. It is absolutely worth giving a try.

::: How has NVCC helped you to achieve your career and life goals?
Northern Virginia Community College is the bridge leading me toward a successful career. Its diverse community, well-recognized faculty, and high-quality education are three characteristics that have made the biggest impressions upon me in the achievement of my goals. At NVCC, you find students not only from different cultures and countries, but also of different ages and career levels. All of the students share a common trait – an eagerness to learn. After enrolling in classes with students young and old, from so many backgrounds, I found myself working harder here at NVCC. This experience has had a dramatic impact on me, teaching me that the face of the student body is very different, but the students themselves are all in the same in their dedication to achieving their life goals.

::: What advice would you give to a student considering attending NVCC?
I would like to pass on this advice that was given to me by Dr. Templin, President of NVCC:

“You're much more powerful than you realize, but you need to ask [questions], and you need to take action.”

After participating in and organizing many activities for students at the college, I feel that students considering NVCC should be aware of how much this institution has to offer. Take the first step in advancing your career and achieving your life goals by enrolling at Northern Virginia Community College.