[Clinton, N.C.] – Yaquelin Alvarado Antunez, known as Jackie, is a former graduate of Sampson Early College High School (SECHS) who recently transferred to Furman University in South Carolina upon earning her Associate of Arts & Associate of Science degrees. Recently, Antunez had the opportunity to reconnect with SCC members by attending the Hispanic Association of Colleges & Universities (HACU) 2024 conference.
Before enrolling at SECHS, Antunez attended Midway Middle School. She explained that she first heard about the Early College from Monte Strickland, SECHS Principal, who visited MHS to speak about simultaneously earning a high school diploma and associate degree. Though she was nervous at first to embark on a collegiate journey, Antunez mentioned that she eventually grew to love her schooling at SECHS.
“I remember my first day setting foot on campus back in 2018. I was nervous to start high school and college at the same time. But as the months and years passed by, I became comfortable being on campus and enjoyed the community I had there. There was a time when I did not want to leave campus just because I wanted to continue being involved in the community and on campus. Attending SCC and SECHS was a special moment in my life!”
At SECHS, Antunez was a part of the Yearbook Club, Viking Reads Book Club, Psychology Club, and Juntos Club. Now at Furman, she has continued her participation in campus activities, serving as a teacher assistant for the Communications Department, and a member of the Hispanic Outreach and Latinx Awareness Club, Environmental Action Group, and Alpha Phi Omega.
Antunez remarked that she discovered Furman University when researching schools to attend with her Simple Gifts Scholarship, which she received in 2023. A current sophomore, she noted that her transfer to a private university was “smoother” than anticipated, because of Simple Gifts and the experience gained and degrees earned at SECHS & SCC.
She recalled, “I am glad to have attended SECHS because I was challenged to take more homework and projects which mirrors university academics. It has also prepared me in a university setting, especially the in-person college classes at SCC, which have made it easier to transition to a university setting. I was also able to transfer my credits from SCC which allowed me to take college courses in my major and have an advantage of early registration. I felt more prepared academically, and now I am doing well in my subjects.”
Currently pursuing a degree in Sustainability Science with a minor in Visual Strategy, Antunez plans to work in corporate sustainability as an ESG reporter, sustainability specialist, or analyst in the future. However, she ultimately aspires to attend graduate school for Environmental Management.
“One day, I hope to be creating a change in some form in the field of sustainability,” she voiced. “I hope to assist in working towards more sustainable companies and communities. I also aspire to continue connecting with the Hispanic and Latino community and advocating for education and the impacts of climate change in communities.”
As a first-generation college student, Antunez remarked that she is a proud Mexican American who has a passion for educating others on Hispanic culture and creating opportunities for students. Recently receiving an award for her mini documentary, ‘Invisible Borders,’ she explained that the film detailed four Hispanic students and their experiences and challenges in attending a Predominantly White Institution.
Continuing to fuel her cultural and educational passion, Antunez mentioned that her parents served as a strong support system throughout her schooling and continue to do so today. She remarked that she hopes to give back to her loved ones through succeeding in her education, for they truly paved the way for her to obtain a better future.
Antunez described, “As the oldest in family and as a Hispanic and Latina first generation female college student, I have seen with my own eyes what my parents worry and struggle about, where they work, and in what conditions they work. There will never be a time when I don’t appreciate them because they are part of the reason why I attended college and want to continue doing so. I just want to be able to give back to them, which my form of doing that is through education.”
She also wished two thank two SCC employees that made a large difference in her life: Genevieve Merlos-Pulley and Jennifer Eavenson. In her eyes, Merlos-Pulley was an outstanding advisor who encouraged her to continue furthering her education, while Eavenson was a memorable instructor who challenged her academically and assisted her along the way.
“There are two people that I believe have influenced me greatly at SCC,” Antunez noted. “Mrs. Merlos was a person I could freely talk to, and she would understand. She is an amazing person and genuinely cares about the Hispanic and Latino student population, and closing the gap between students and parent involvement through events. Mrs. Eavenson will always be a remembered instructor not only because I was her student for three classes, but because she showed that she genuinely cared about students reaching their full potential and taking on opportunities.”
In October, Antunez had the opportunity to attend the 38th annual HACU conference in Colorado, an event dedicated to “championing Hispanic higher education success.” Antunez recalled that she first became acquainted with the conference during her time in SCC’s Summer Bridge Program. Later, she received an email asking her to attend and participate in a panel, which she was selected for in October.
“I got to meet students from all over the country, employers, and learn new skills and career advice,” Antunez shared. “I felt more empowered as a person that can help create change in my community. I learned about the importance of networking, which I had not thought previously and now I want to expand my network to reach my career goals and bring change. My favorite workshop was the one on networking and how I can improve my skills on it.”
Overall, looking back, Antunez concluded that she would “absolutely recommend” other prospective students to attend SECHS and SCC. Her experience not only allowed her to gain two associate degrees and her high school diploma, but prepared her for transfer to a four-year institution after graduation.
She finished, “I don’t think I’d be where I am at right now if I had not attended SECHS and SCC. I feel like I am more motivated to keep learning and have gotten great resources as for career preparedness. It provided the experience of being at a college and taking classes on campus. I gained the skills needed to continue my education at a university, while also connecting with teachers through a peaceful learning environment.”
For more information about SECHS or how to enroll, visit sampsoncc.edu/sechs
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 option
