[Clinton, N.C.] – Veronica Rivera is a student at Sampson Community College (SCC) currently enrolled in the Associate of Arts (A.A.) program. During the 2023-2024 academic year, Rivera became one of the first students to receive the Dominion Energy Promesa Scholarship at SCC— an award first established in December 2022.
Graduating from Union High School in 2023, Rivera began her collegiate journey in the Fall of that same year. Originally inspired by the College’s success stories to apply, she was also encouraged to enroll after hearing about SCC’s wonderful instructors from her brother—specifically Durwood King, Industrial Technologies Instructor.
Rivera shared, “Even though I have never spoken to or met him, I have heard of Mr. King through my brother. He tells me how Mr. King motivated him and pushed him to be the best that he can be, and ultimately led him to be in a leadership role in his current profession. Hearing about instructors with strong convictions towards their students puts me at ease and makes me not feel alone in this academic journey.”
In addition to her coursework, Rivera also enjoys parenting her two-year-old son, taking nature walks, and faithfully attending Clinton Hispanic Seventh-day Adventist church every Saturday. To Rivera, the A.A. program has been “enjoyable” so far, as it’s taken her out of her comfort zone and challenged her like never before.
“On my first day, I felt excitement and nervousness alongside a heart that was racing a hundred miles an hour,” she recalled. “But the idea of starting a new journey filled my head with thoughts of how I can be as great as the ones before me.”
As a senior in high school, Rivera began applying for scholarships at SCC in anticipation of her upcoming tuition. During the 2023-2024 academic year, she was awarded the newly established Dominion Energy Promesa Scholarship by the SCC Foundation— totaling up to $2,500.
In December 2022, the SCC Foundation received a 3-year grant of $150,000 from the Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation’s PromesaSM program, which provides financial support for Hispanic students throughout their college enrollment to seven higher education institutions. The purpose of the award is to assist Hispanic students in their educational pursuits at SCC.
Rivera voiced, “I feel grateful and blessed to have been given the opportunity to receive this scholarship. It has truly given me the chance to focus completely on my education.”
In addition to her donors, Rivera also expressed her appreciation to Nancy Brake, Arts & Sciences Instructor at SCC. Serving as her advisor throughout her time at the College, Rivera explained that both Brake and her family have been her biggest motivators during her academic journey so far.
“First and foremost, I would like to thank God for allowing me to get this far,” Rivera stated. “I also want to thank Ms. Brake. She patiently takes her time to work with me and plan out my education while giving me the guidance to get me where I want to go. My parents as well, for continuing to push me far beyond my limits academically and spiritually. I would also thank Isamel, my two-year-old boy for being the reason I keep going and pursuing a better future for him and I.”
In the future, Rivera plans to graduate from SCC in 2025 with her A.A. degree, before transferring to East Carolina University to major in biology. Her ultimate goal is to become an orthodontist, a feat she considers “challenging, but never impossible!”
Overall, Rivera remarked that she would highly recommend SCC to other prospective students looking to earn college credit before attending a four-year university. In her eyes, the College has given her varies opportunities for personal growth, new perspectives on different topics, and truly proven what she is capable of.
She closed, “I would definitely recommend SCC to future students because we are more than alumni, we are family. It is worth it because education is our passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to the people who prepare for it today.”
Sampson CC is very proud of Veronica for her accomplishments at the College thus far. The Foundation loves seeing the impact scholarships have on students and looks forward to seeing all she will continue to do throughout her education.
The deadline to apply for scholarships is April 15. Over 100 opportunities are available with just one application. Apply today at www.sampsoncc.edu/scholarships.
For more information about the SCC Foundation, visit www.sampsoncc.edu/foundation.
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.
