Shannon is enrolled at Wake Technical Community college majoring in Psychology, with an expected graduation in June 2024.
A Raleigh native, Shannon is the youngest of eight children and the first member of her family to attend college. As a single mother of three children, Shannon struggled to provide her children with opportunities that would allow them to develop their talents. Relying on her initiative and drive, Shannon found non-profit organizations to help her provide support for activities for her family. A coach from one organization saw Shannon’s potential and encouraged her to become a counselor.
Shannon has worked as a Substance Abuse Counselor for eight years. Her chosen work is a natural extension of her desire to nurture people and make a difference in their lives. However Shannon continued to face financial barriers and realized that she needs a degree to care for her children and to work successfully as a counselor. Shannon believes that getting a degree will give her children hope for their future.
After obtaining an associate degree from Wake Tech, Shannon would like to attend UNC Chapel Hill or NC State. Shannon wants to continue to help others. She wants to “pay it forward.”