[Clinton, N.C.] – Each year, the Sampson Community College (SCC) Foundation selects eligible students to participate in the College’s Ambassador Scholarship Program. For the 2023-2024 academic year, four students were chosen to serve as Student Ambassadors, one of them being Jesus Montes, an Associate of Arts student at SCC.
Established in 2010 by the Foundation, the College’s Ambassador Scholarship Program provides selected individuals with funding for the upcoming Fall and Spring semesters that can be applied towards tuition, fees, supplies, and books. Upon appointment, student ambassadors also become “the face of SCC,” assisting with college-sponsored events throughout the year.
Montes explained, “I feel grateful to be a part of a big plan at SCC. I hope to inform other students about the great opportunities here at the College. The scholarships I’ve received through it have also helped me be stress free from any money situation at while I’m attending school.”
Graduating from Hobbton High School in 2022, Montes began attending SCC in Fall 2023 after Jose Garcia, Bilingual Recruiter, encouraged him to enroll. According to Montes, he never thought about attending College and had plans to join the workforce immediately after high school.
However, because of SCC, Montes now plans to transfer to NC State in Spring 2024 via the Community College Collaboration (C3) pathway. His plan is to attend veterinarian school, with hopes of becoming an equine veterinarian— thanks to the support and guidance of many.
“My parents and sisters have always supported me with my plans to be a vet one day,” Montes shared. “Also, Mrs. Martin and Mrs. Hudson from my high school have always told me to chase my dreams, and to not let anyone or anything stop me from accomplishing my dreams. I have never stopped listening to that advice. I think I am an example to any first-year college student from a Hispanic family that if you’re dedicated and work hard, with the right guidance, you can be a lot more than you think.”
In his free time, Montes enjoys working as a racehorse trainer and visiting racing events across the U.S. He’s also competed in the College’s Intramural Soccer League, in addition to serving as a Student Ambassador for the SCC Foundation.
Lisa Turlington, Dean of Advancement & Executive Director of the Foundation, expressed, “I am so proud of Jesus and know he will be successful at NCSU. It has been a pleasure working with him in his role as an ambassador. He is a great representative of Sampson!”
Similarly, Britt Honeycutt, Department Chair of English & Communication & QEP Co-Chair, wrote in her nomination of Montes, “Jesus is smart, funny, outgoing, and studios. He is witty and quick-thinking and brings a lot of personality to class. He would interact well with the new students as well as members of the community.”
Besides his family, Montes expressed that he’d also like to thank Jennifer Eavenson, Carole Phipps, Brittany Adams, Casey Knowles, Jennifer Williams, Britt Honeycutt, and Dr. Crystal White, for all the instruction they’ve given him throughout his Fall semester at SCC. He is especially grateful to Eavenson and Knowles, who he explained, assisted him in enrolling in the C3 program at NC State.
He praised, “They have all played an important role in my education and have helped me with opportunities and guidance. I wanted to mention them because they are each very special to me. I am very thankful and grateful to have met such wonderful people.”
Overall, Montes remarked that he would highly recommend SCC to other prospective students looking to transition to college life. The small-class size affords students the chance to connect with their instructors, he explained, and also allows students to obtain experience in college courses before transferring to a four-year institution.
“I think all my time here has been worth it and do not regret deciding to come here,” Montes closed. “I got to meet a lot of new people who have helped me try to reach my goals. I am glad I decided to come here. It has taught me that anything is possible and that it does not matter where you start, as long as you start.”
Sampson CC very proud of Jesus for his accomplishments at the College thus far. The Foundation is glad to have welcomed him as a Student Ambassador for the 2023-2024 academic year, and looks forward to seeing all he will continue to do throughout his education and ambassadorship.
For more information about the SCC Foundation or how to apply for scholarships, visit www.sampsoncc.edu/foundation or www.sampsoncc.edu/scholarships
About Sampson Community College: Sampson Community College is a member of the North Carolina Community College System, located in Clinton, NC in Sampson County. The college offers many programs to include two-year degrees, college transfer, continuing education and workforce development options and early college education. SCC is committed to the principles of equal educational and employment opportunities for all.
