When Larry Botkins was asked to drive a tractor trailer during an annual sugar beet harvest, he didn’t think the short-term job offer would pave the way for him to come back to help teach future drivers. But, with the help of FastForward’s CDL training program…
There is nothing we love seeing more than when a student succeeds in their program of study. We all have our own reasons and motivations for pursuing a certificate or degree program, and for these four students, we know their future will be bright. ⭐️Student Spotlight⭐️…
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published online on Laurel Ridge Community College’s website. You can see the original article here. Our family members can be our most important cheerleaders and motivators, and for Morgan Palme, it was her grandmother who pushed her to pursue her…
When Melinda Mutter was working as a Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) at a hospital in Southwest Virginia, the long hours, never-ending patient requests, and overflowing list of to-dos were exhausting. That’s when she started talking with the phlebotomy technicians—the trained medical professionals responsible for drawing blood…
From choosing classes to finding the right financial aid, navigating community college can be overwhelming. Luckily, Virginia’s Community Colleges have career coaches on campus to help students get started, access funding, stay on track of coursework, and connect with local employers hiring in the area. …
*Editor’s Note: This article was originally published online on Laurel Ridge Community College’s website. You can see the original article here. Aidan Gould enjoyed the hands-on training he received at Laurel Ridge, and he couldn’t seem to get enough. That’s when he decided to go back…
Tiffany always envisioned working in healthcare and felt on track to make her dreams a reality when she started nursing school at Eastern Mennonite University. Then, she had to take a break from school: in her own words, life got in the way. As a single…
How often do you think about your city’s infrastructure? Probably not a ton, but it plays a critical role in your daily life. Infrastructure deserves more of your attention, as reliable, efficient structures are the backbone of a well-functioning society. Well-fitted pipes, functioning electricity in residential…
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published online on Laurel Ridge Community College’s website. You can see the original article here. When she graduated from high school in 2021, Jazmine Sebestyen knew she wanted to work in the medical field in some capacity. After her family…
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published online on Laurel Ridge Community College’s website. You can see the original article here. Aaron Winfree has turned to Laurel Ridge Community College several times when he’s needed to upskill. He’s earned an associate degree and multiple credentials from…